Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple
4.5
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This Zen Buddhist temple was converted from a former residence of Emperor Kameyama upon his death. The beautiful grounds include several buildings, hiking trails and a classic Zen garden.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,184 reviews
Excellent
1,084
Very good
892
Average
194
Poor
10
Terrible
4
Cheryl B
Honolulu, HI418 contributions
Apr 2023
It doesnʻt matter the season or the day. Nanzenji forever impresses with itsʻ presence. Walking into the temple.. is returning home.
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gsmyles
San Diego, CA215 contributions
Nov 2022
If you like crowds of all types- come here. The aqueducts were such a surprise and it is a treasure to be able to walk on them inside the forest where it is more peaceful and tranquil.
There are many brilliant trees to photograph and you can get lost in all of the smaller temples and shrines.
There are many brilliant trees to photograph and you can get lost in all of the smaller temples and shrines.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManchesterAlbion
Manchester337 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Nanzen-ji Temple is one of the great sights of Kyoto and is especially atmospheric in the early morning. It is wonderfully peaceful to stroll around the site with the bell being tolled.
There is a local school where the pupils are corralled along by their teachers past the edge of Nanzen-ji to get to school each morning. It feels like one of those meetings of present and past, renewed daily.
There is a local school where the pupils are corralled along by their teachers past the edge of Nanzen-ji to get to school each morning. It feels like one of those meetings of present and past, renewed daily.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,827 contributions
Nov 2022
Nanzen-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's temples that has a lot of visitors but doesn't get the amount of traffic like some of the other popular temples, which I find to be great! Nanzen-ji is just as beautiful as the rest, but it's further away. This temple was gorgeous during autumn. I recommend visiting the garden here, especially for fall. There were a few paid parts of the temple but visitors can freely walk the grounds.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jarmwr40
British Columbia, Canada3,125 contributions
Oct 2020
came to beloved kyoto to visit our wonderful friend after hiking the kumano kodo trail.
our 6th visit to japan, our third exploration of kyoto.
lucky us to have our japanese friend who was raised in kyoto to be our guide of her favourite temples.
this was the first temple we toured, had been here before, it is simply stunning in size.
dark, stately, quiet, gentle, subdued.
built in 1291 and destroyed by fire x 3 and last rebuilt in 1597.
a large complex.
the schoolchildren in their uniforms traipsing home added to the atmosphere.
maples just starting to turn colors.
this zen buddhist temple is known for its sanmon gate and rock gardens of the hojo, the abbots quarters.
the aqueduct is so unique.
opposite the marvellous westin miyako and near the philosophers walk.
i was so fortunate to have a return visit here, most likely our last trip to japan.
we were here in oct. 2019 and once covid hit its taken me this long to share our experiences.
a must see of the many, many temples in wonderful kyoto.
our 6th visit to japan, our third exploration of kyoto.
lucky us to have our japanese friend who was raised in kyoto to be our guide of her favourite temples.
this was the first temple we toured, had been here before, it is simply stunning in size.
dark, stately, quiet, gentle, subdued.
built in 1291 and destroyed by fire x 3 and last rebuilt in 1597.
a large complex.
the schoolchildren in their uniforms traipsing home added to the atmosphere.
maples just starting to turn colors.
this zen buddhist temple is known for its sanmon gate and rock gardens of the hojo, the abbots quarters.
the aqueduct is so unique.
opposite the marvellous westin miyako and near the philosophers walk.
i was so fortunate to have a return visit here, most likely our last trip to japan.
we were here in oct. 2019 and once covid hit its taken me this long to share our experiences.
a must see of the many, many temples in wonderful kyoto.
Written February 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany6,896 contributions
Dec 2019
While other temples, shrines and gardens typically take the spotlight in Kyoto's list of sights, Nanzen-Ji is maybe the one stuck best in my memory. What struck as my particularly memorable was the aqueduct that was somehow foreign, yet so beautifully incorporated into the spiritual atmosphere of the temples that it simply stays with you. We loved everything about the place and took pictures that will forever remind us of the beauty of this special place. There might not be more picturesque places in all of Kyoto to do so.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Duncan, Canada37 contributions
Mar 2020
WOW temple and grounds - you even get to climb up STEEP steps into the HUGE entrance gate (shoes off please!) - for a spectacular view of the whole complex. This is you final stop along the Philosopher's Path and there is a taxi stand here with taxis that will whisk you right back into downtown Kyoto, just 5 minutes away! How convenient!
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
razorbagel
Baltimore, MD42 contributions
Feb 2020
the aqueduct was probably my favorite part of this large temple complex. unfortunately, many of the buildings had closed early (earlier than usual - we'd checked google just in case) on the day we visited, so we were not able to explore as fully as we might have wanted. the gate is very large, although we walked past it initially due to the way we approached the temple from the train station. although i enjoyed nanzen-ji, it is not my favorite temple in kyoto.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiromi Y
Shibuya, Japan20 contributions
Sep 2019
Its big gate is indeed impressive, but sub-temples like Tenju-an and Nansen-in and the 130 year old aqueduct built in its grounds are exquisite and equally interesting as Nanzen-ji itself.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
625marinette
Qatar1,119 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The nanzenji temple is nearby the zoo in Kyoto.
It s 5
Mn walk from there , and buses are many from city center.
It s best to visit end of day as the light of the trees in the mountain makes a different shade on the temple and gardens.
There is also a path to hike in the woods behind the temple ,and there are several temples around
It s 5
Mn walk from there , and buses are many from city center.
It s best to visit end of day as the light of the trees in the mountain makes a different shade on the temple and gardens.
There is also a path to hike in the woods behind the temple ,and there are several temples around
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time need to cover this place?
NanaSinkijtana
82 contributions
If you just only look around this place, I think only 1.30 hrs is enough. But if you want to take the atmosphere to reach the spirit in the East way, I think one day may not enough.
srivastavaz
Sydney, Australia107 contributions
Hi,
Does any one can suggest if the place is worth visiting in Spring (Mid-April) and is it fine to visit with parents who might have difficultly walking more than 10-15 mins at a stretch?
Awaiting your kind guidance.
gqg
201 contributions
Perfect time to visit in Spring. There are too many stairs so I recommend to only visit the gardens on the ground. Always worth a visit though.
Do you suggest visiting the place in January on partly sunny day ?
IrishRover
Pittsburgh, PA2,843 contributions
Another than rain you wil Be fine
Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto
Frequently Asked Questions about Nanzen-ji Temple
- Nanzen-ji Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Nanzen-ji Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Nanzen-ji Temple tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Nanzen-ji Temple:
- (0.09 mi) Nanzen Kaikan
- (0.24 mi) Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo
- (0.21 mi) Nanzenji Sando KIKUSUI
- (0.29 mi) The Westin Miyako Kyoto
- (0.31 mi) Azukiya
- Restaurants near Nanzen-ji Temple:
- (0.08 mi) Okutan Nanzenji
- (0.11 mi) Kyoto Nanzenji Tairikitei
- (0.11 mi) Saeki
- (0.11 mi) Taianen
- (0.12 mi) Mu-Monkan
- Attractions near Nanzen-ji Temple:
- (0.06 mi) An Design
- (0.06 mi) Nanzenji Suirokaku
- (0.07 mi) Tenjuan Garden
- (0.09 mi) Nanzenin Garden
- (0.12 mi) Konchi-in
Nanzen-ji Temple Information
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