Originally built as a detached palace in 1264 by the Emperor Kameyama, it was later dedicated as a Zen temple in 1291.

It was destroyed by fire in 1393, 1447, and 1467. It was rebuilt in 1597 and expanded throughout the Edo period.

It’s worth visiting the temple at the back and enjoy the peaceful zen gardens.

Wooden structure at Nanzen-ji
Photo by Chris Kirkland
Zen garden at Nanzen-ji
Zen garden at Nanzen-ji | Photo by Chris Kirkland
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南禅寺
Kyoto
Map
Official site
  • 0.5 km from Keage Station Tōzai Line (T9)
  • 1.3 km from Higashiyama Station Tōzai Line (T10)

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