Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Temple(南禅寺) is the head temple of the Nanzenji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.The Sanmon Gate, one of the three most important gates in Kyoto (Important Cultural Property), commands a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto.

Nanzenji Temple

In the Kabuki play “Roumon Gosangiri,” Ishikawa Goemon is famous for the line “zekkeikana, zekkeikana” from Sanmon.However, the Sanmon gate was rebuilt by Takatora Todo after Ishikawa Goemon’s death, so the words are a creation.

Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Suirokaku is a red brick aqueduct built in the Meiji era. Water drawn from Lake Biwa is still used as a water supply system today.

Nanzenji Temple

To get to Nanzenji Temple from Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Municipal Subway for about 12 minutes (not including transfer time), then walk about 10 minutes from Keage Station.

Nanzenji Temple



Nanzenji Temple Map

opening hours8:40 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.※Admission until 20 minutes before closing time.※December 1 - February 28, 8:40 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
regular closing dayDecember 28 - December 31
entrance feefree※Hojo Garden: 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for high school students, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students※San-mon gate: Adults 500 yen, High school students 400 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen
bus stopCity bus Nanzenji/Eikando Miti bus stop
stationSubway Keage Station※Approx. 10 minutes walk from the nearest station
parking lotParking lot available (charged)
official siteNanzenji Temple


Nanzenji Temple around

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