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Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, the headquarters of the Nanzenji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, is situated at the base of the city’s eastern hills. Its origin is engrossed in the mysticism of Zen and the culinary style preserved by the temple is more than 800 years old. Nanzenji Temple presides over the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto (Kyoto Gozan) namely Tenryu-ji, Tofuku-ji, Shokoku-ji, Kennin-ji and Manju-ji. Constructed originally as an imperial villa in 1264 for Emperor Kameyama, Nanzenji turned into a temple upon his death in 1291.
The Onin Wars in the 15th century destroyed most of the original structures of the Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto. The present construction of the temple dates back to the 17th century. As one proceeds towards the Nanzenji Temple, a distinctive two-storey entrance gate called San-mon (Mountain Gate) welcomes the visitor. Originally built in 1296, it is one of the three biggest gates in Japan. Following its destruction in 1447, Todo Takatora, a General of Tokugawa Ieyasu, reconstructed this giant gate in 1626 as a monument, dedicated to the soldiers who died at the Battle of Osaka Castle in 1616. Another interesting feature of Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto is the elegant brick aqueduct carrying water from Lake Biwa into the city. Built in 1890, this aqueduct runs into a small Shinto shrine and a waterfall hidden in the lap of greenery. Several subtemples stand in the neighborhood of Nanzenji's main structure. Among all the sub temples, only two - Nanzenin and Konchiin - are open to the visitors. The Zen Garden of Nanzenin, with its picturesque view of autumn leaves, particularly in the second half of November, is very popular among the tourists visiting Kyoto city. The Rock Gardens and the spectacular Fusuma Paintings in the Seiryo-den (Palace Hall) constitute the prime attractions of Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto. How to Reach From Kyoto station, Nanzenji Temple can be easily reached by taking bus number 5. Alternatively, you can take the subway Tozai Line. Get off at Keage Station. From there, walk for 10 minutes to reach the famous Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto. The temple complex remains open from 8:30 am - 5 pm daily. For walking around the temple complex and by the side of the aqueduct, no admission fee is required. However, admission fees are charged for entering into the three main structures of Nanzenji. The temple charges 500 Yen for admission. San-mon (main gate), which offers great views of the city, charges 500 Yen and Nanzenin Temple, famous for its small pretty garden, charges 300 Yen for entry. If you are interested in quintessential Japan, you cannot afford to miss a visit to the Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, nestled in the shade of the Eastern Hills in the city.
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