Nanzen-ji
南禅寺
A major Rinzai Zen temple. Its 'magnificent view' Sanmon gate, mentioned in a kabuki line, and red-brick aqueduct are must-see highlights in Higashiyama.
Nanzen-ji is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and ranks above the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto. The 22-meter-tall Sanmon gate can be climbed for views over the city. In the kabuki play, the thief Ishikawa Goemon shouts 'Zekkei kana!' ('What a magnificent view!') here. The red-brick arched aqueduct from the Meiji period still carries water from the Lake Biwa Canal, blending old and new. The 'Tiger Cub Crossing the River' karesansui garden of the abbot's quarters is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Entry to the temple grounds is free. The Sanmon gate and abbot's quarters cost about 600 yen each. It is a 10-minute walk from Keage subway station, and nearby Eikan-dō is a famous autumn foliage spot.
Opening hours
08:40–17:00 (until 16:30 Dec–Feb)