Aug. 07, 2020 UPDATE

Nanzen-ji Temple

- 南禅寺 -
Traveler Friendly
Taiwanese, Korean, and Chinese brochures are available at the entrance of the main building. You may enjoy only walking around the gate without the entrance fee because the square that is in front of the building is so large.
Information
Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean
Languages spoken
Japanese only
5426 115 8.8 2 reviews
Aug. 07, 2020 UPDATE

Nanzen-ji Temple

- 南禅寺 -
Traveler Friendly
Taiwanese, Korean, and Chinese brochures are available at the entrance of the main building. You may enjoy only walking around the gate without the entrance fee because the square that is in front of the building is so large.
Information
Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean
Languages spoken
Japanese only
5426 115 8.8 2 reviews
Story & Recommendation
Enjoy the temple with the zenest atmosphere in Japan, Nanzen-ji Temple
Located near the Keage Subway Station and really easy to get to, the Nanzen-ji Temple is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism (Zen has three sects in Japan)
The temple was founded in 1291 and with its large grounds is a great place for leisurely zen-strolls. Not only is the temple home to historical buildings, but a swath of cherry blossoms too, which fill the temple with pale pink petals in spring and beautiful wilting leaves in autumn.
When the temple’s cherry blossoms go into full bloom, it’s such a picturesque sight that we’re sure everyone on your social media feeds will be falling over themselves to chuck you a like.

While the cherry blossoms are all well and good, the first thing you’ll be sure to notice when approaching the temple is the huge Sanmon gate. The gate stands 22 meters tall and even has an elevated viewing area. The view from the top of the gate is simply incredible, so if you’re able to, we suggest getting to the temple early and going up before the crowds start to amass.
At Nanzen-ji Temple, relax among nature, listen to birds singing, feel at peace with the world and – dare I say it – reach a state of zen.
  • Sharing Kyoto Staff
    Sampo's Comment
User Reviews
8.8 Excellent
experience9.0 access8.5 photogenic9.0
Zzz
Aug. 10, 2017
Laura - Japan
Nov. 07, 2018
Details
Open Hours
Dec. 1 - Feb. 28: 8:40 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mar. 1 - Nov. 30: 8:40 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Reservations
Not accepted
Closed
Dec.28 - 31
Price range
Hojo Teien (rock garden) Ages 18+: ¥600 Ages 15 - 18: ¥500 Ages 6 to 14: ¥400 Sanmon Gate Ages 18+: ¥600 Ages 15 - 18: ¥500 Ages 6 to 14: ¥400 Nanzenin Temple Ages 18+: ¥400 Ages 15 - 18: ¥350 Ages 6 to 14: ¥250 *Group discounts are available for groups of 30 or more.
Credit cards
Not accepted
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