What other travelers are saying about Nanzen-ji Temple
One of my favorite Kyoto temples that I visited. A bit far from the city center but can be reached by taking the City Bus. It's on a hilly area so do expect stairs and slopes and uphill terrain. One of the most beautiful temple I went to since it is during momiji season therefore the tree leaves are colorful. One of its famous attractions and popular photo spots is the old aqueduct. If you go further up the hill you'll find a shrine at the top. I love how this temple is at the hill, therefore it's literally in the woods. It's like you're going through a wood with a temple in it.
Established in the mid-13th century, Nanzen-ji has played a pivotal role in the history of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It has been a center of Zen Buddhist learning and practice for centuries.
Key attractions include the Sanmon gate, which offers panoramic views of Kyoto, the Hojo with its beautiful rock garden, the Nanzen-in sub-temple, and the aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds.
While Nanzen-ji Temple is primarily a place for visiting and sightseeing, some sub-temples may offer Zen meditation sessions or other religious experiences, especially for those interested in learning about Zen practices.
Nanzen-ji Temple is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning in autumn when the maple leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange. Spring, with its cherry blossoms, is also a popular time to visit.
Nanzen-ji Temple is accessible by Kyoto city buses or by walking from the nearest subway station, Keage Station on the Tozai Line. It's also at the southern end of the Philosopher's Path, making it a nice destination or starting point for a walk along this famous path.
The autumn colors at Nanzen-ji are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen—vivid maples everywhere, yet the atmosphere remains calm and deeply serene. The temple grounds have a quiet, timeless charm that makes you slow down without even realizing it.
One of my favorite moments was sitting along the engawa overlooking the garden as the sun set. The warm light on the trees, the soft breeze, and the peaceful silence felt incredibly relaxing and healing.
If you’re visiting Kyoto in autumn, Nanzen-ji is an absolute must. A perfect blend of nature, beauty, and Zen tranquility.
A must see Kyoto attraction as a tourist. A bit far from the station, which was great for a more quiet, relaxing visiting.
There's both paid and free areas, both are beautiful. Definitely worth a visit.
Also one of the few temples where there's opportunities for tourists to take their shoes off and walk freely inside. Please be considerate of staff instructions and posted signage.
Serene and peaceful, that’s why there are many visitors to this temple. It’s set right behind a mountain with gorgeous forrest. This is a must visit place when you are in Kyoto if you are looking for where locals visit. My family absolutely love the environment.
Nanzen-ji (南禅寺) is one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples and the head temple of the Nanzen-ji school of Rinzai Zen. Founded in the 13th century on the former villa of Emperor Kameyama, it blends imperial elegance with Zen discipline. A fun contrast: its massive Sanmon gate preaches detachment, while the brick Meiji-era aqueduct inside the grounds openly celebrates modern engineering. This coexistence of Zen austerity, political history, and unexpected modernity makes Nanzen-ji both intellectually rich and pleasantly human.
