Temple
Nanzen-ji
南禅寺
Head temple of one of the schools of Rinzai Zen, at the foot of the Higashiyama hills. The grounds include the Sanmon gate of 1628, the Hojo with its rock garden, and a Meiji-era brick aqueduct of the Lake Biwa Canal.
Key facts
- Station
- Keage (Tozai Line)7 min walk
- Admission
- Paid entry
- Typical visit
- 1 h
- Hours
- Sanmon gate, Hojo and Nanzen-in 8:40 to 17:00 (until 16:30 December to February); closed December 28 to 31
- Website
- nanzenji.or.jp
Tip
The central grounds and the aqueduct are free; the Sanmon balcony, the Hojo and the subtemples each charge separately.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$534 per night. Where to stay in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Temple Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji) 永観堂 A Jodo sect temple north of Nanzen-ji known for its autumn colours, its hillside Tahoto pagoda and a statue of the Amida Buddha with his head turned to the side. Paid entry 1 h 15 min walk
- Street Keage Incline 蹴上インクライン A disused inclined railway, about 582 m long, that carried boats on the Lake Biwa Canal from 1891 to 1948. Free entry 20 min 3 min walk
- Museum Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art 京都市京セラ美術館 The municipal art museum in Okazaki, facing the National Museum of Modern Art across the approach to Heian Shrine. Paid entry 1 h 30 min 8 min walk
- Temple Shoren-in 青蓮院 A Tendai temple at the foot of the Higashiyama hills whose head priests were traditionally members of the imperial family. Paid entry 45 min 5 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026