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All 310 Kyoto Attractions »

Nanzen-ji Temple

86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8435, Japan
+81 75-771-0365
Ranked #7 of 278 attractions in Kyoto
4.5 of 5 stars 176 Reviews
Type: Religious Sites, Gardens
Owner description: This Zen Buddhist temple was converted from a former residence of Emperor Kameyama upon his death. The beautiful grounds include several buildings,...... more » Owner description: 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. « less
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176 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Tokyo, Japan
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

The inside is nearly all gold plated, and it seems to go on forever. You couldn't possibly get enough in a picture to show you how extensive the entire facility is and everywhere you look is just simply stunning. This is a good one to hit if it is raining outside, which every time I go to Kyoto it seems... More

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See 2 more reviews by Lindsey N for Kyoto
Mexico
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

Really nice and beautiful place to visit, one of the most recomended temples amog the many that you will find in Kyoto More

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See 4 more reviews by Terebv for Kyoto
Dubai
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

There are so many great spots in Kyoto and Nanzen-ji Temple is definitely one of them. You get to it by walking the Path of Philosophy along the canal which is a lovely walk. Once inside the grounds the temples and zen gardens are very idyllic and peaceful. More

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See 4 more reviews by DavieU for Kyoto
Copenhagen, Denmark
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

Slightly off the uberly touristy route, this vast temple with its many sub-temples can easily absorb a lot of tourists/visitors without feeling crowded. If you visit during cherry blossom season, follow the road that runs parallel to the aqueduct up into the hills and when passed a water storage (or filter) facility, turn right and you'll find a surprise -... More

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See 4 more reviews by hariister for Kyoto
Brighton, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2012

The size of this building dwarfs many other places. It is truly huge and still in good condition as are sourrounding buildins. Not to be missed. More

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See 7 more reviews by ken996 for Kyoto
North Carolina
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2012

The main part of the temple was closed for a festival when we went, but going to the second level of the entrance gate was spectacular. The paintings are a must. More

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See 8 more reviews by ExNewYorker for Kyoto
Canada
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2012

Nanzen-ji is one of my favorite places in Kyoto. It's a bit off the beaten track (Kinkakuji-Ginkakuji etc), but it is outstanding nonetheless. The temple's Sanmon (Triple Gate) has an observation deck from where you can see a good part of the city and the temple beneath you. The temple's territory is vast and has lots of spots woth seeing.... More

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HK
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2012

This was an average temple largely because the rains played spoilsport, do read up before you visit the shrines, because you need to know what is it that you are visiting beforehand to appreciate it better. The main-gate was beautiful (i guess it is called the "Sanmon") and by paying about 500Y you get to inside and climb up the... More

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See 6 more reviews by Eve18 for Kyoto
Singapore, Singapore
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2012

Majestic gate! Feels like a different world. We happened to walk past the temple on our way to philosopher's path, and ambled in. It was a nice surprise. We were there on a wet day- the gloom, the mist and the quiet was quite magical. More

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See 5 more reviews by Jit_doe for Kyoto
Singapore, Singapore
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 March 2012

Although I am not interested in temples, Nanzenji offers some pretty scenery. I like the peaceful ambient. More

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See 11 more reviews by wmloke13 for Kyoto

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