Nanzen-ji temple
Set in the forest at the base of Higashi-yama, this scenic area was a favorite place of Emperor Kameyama. He had a retreat palace built here in 1264. Later he became a student of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, and dedicated the place as a temple in 1291. Over the years the many structures have been destroyed in fire and rebuil. Today the oldest date from the 1600s and are national treasures, complete with some very famous paintings.
Nanzen-ji Sanmon Gate
The most notable features in the Nanzen-j (南禅寺) temple complex are the huge, two-story main gate, the extensive gardens which include rock and green gardens, and an aqueduct. The latter looks like something transplanted from ancient Rome, but was really built in 1890 to bring water to Kyoto from Lake Biwa. The rustic red brick lends an interesting note to the landscape, and curiously blends in well.
Nanzen-ji Aqueduct
There are three different areas with entrance fees: to see the paintings in the second floor of the main gate, the rock garden and surrounding buildings, and the temple behind the aqueduct with its garden and ponds in the shape of the Japanese character for “heart.”
Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto
The gardens and buildings each cost ¥500 for adults, ¥400 for high-school students, and ¥300 for elementary and middle school students. The gate entrance fees are slightly less. Hours are from 8:40 am to 4:30 pm in the winter or 5 pm in the summer. It is a short walk from the nearest bus stop, Nanzen-ji Eikando-Michi, on the #5 Kyoto city bus line.
T Hotta from daybyday.blog.eonet.jp posted a nice walk through video of Nanzen-ji set to lovely Japanese music.
Nanzen-ji is one of the most important temples in the Rinzai sect, and is noted for its beauty and cultural importance. It is well worth visiting this unusual place and seeing the different parts of the buildings and grounds. The official website has slightly cryptic English explanations: http://www.nanzen.com/
photos by:
kanegen &
john weiss,
john weiss,
np&djjewell
