Nanzenji Temple was built around the 13th century and is known as a famous spot for viewing fall foliage. Other attractions include the 22m-tall Sanmon Gate and the popular photo spot Suirokaku.
The fastest way to reach Nanzenji Temple from Kyoto Station is by subway.
STEP
Board the Subway Karasuma Line train for Shijo, Karasuma Oike, Kokusaikaikan.
STEP
Disembark at Karasuma Oike Station and transfer to the Subway Tozai Line for Misasagi, Rokujizo, Hamaotsu.
It takes approximately 4 minutes to get here from Kyoto Station.
STEP
Disembark at Keage Station.
It takes about 7 minutes to get here from Karasuma Oike Station, and exit from “Exit1”.
STEP
From the station, then walk about 600m, which takes about 8 minutes .
Highlights of Nanzenji Temple
As soon as you enter the temple grounds, you will see the Sanmon Gate, the symbol of Nanzenji Temple. With an overwhelming scale of 22m in height, the Sanmon Gate is said to be one of Japan’s three great gates. It was built approximately 400 years ago, and has been designated as an important cultural property.
By the way, “Sanmon” refers to the three gateways to enlightenment on the path of Buddha. It means escaping from the delusions of greed, anger, stupidity, etc. Commemorative photos with Sanmon and the fall foliage in the back are popular.
You can go up to the upper floor for an admission fee of 600 yen. Nanzenji is the only one of Japan’s three great gates where you can go up to the upper floor.
From the upper floor, you can see Kyoto city in the distance.
The photo above is view from the east side after passing through the Sanmon Gate. The fall foliage with Sanmon Gate in the back are also beautiful from the east side.
There are 300 maple trees planted within the vast grounds, and you can take photos of the fall foliage from various locations within the grounds in automn. It was a little cloudy that day, but luckily the evening sun suddenly shining through and the fall foliage seemed to be lit up and looked beautiful.
If you pass the Sanmon gate and go further, you will find a retro brick aqueduct bridge that is a popular photo spot. This aqueduct bridge is called Suirokaku. It was built in 1888 to draw water from Biwa Lake, which is Japan’s largest lake, into the Kamogawa River in Kyoto.
The combination of red brick and fall foliage is spectacular view point.
Actually, water from Biwa Lake still flows as the water source for the city’s water supply.
The commemorative photo taken here is photogenic. Many people were taking photos here.
There is a place near Suirokaku where you can see a wonderful garden called Hojoteien. The building in the photo above is the entrance.
The garden has a calm atmosphere and has been designated as a national scenic spot.
It was a beautiful with the setting sun shining through on that day.
Although the timing of fall foliage changes slightly from year to year, mid-November to early December is said to be the best season to see fall foliage.
Information of Nanzenji Temple
Web Site Official web site (Japanese only)Opening hours Mar.-Nov. 8:40 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dec.-Feb. 8:40 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Phone number +81-75-771-0365
Please check the official website for the latest information. Nearby tourist spots include Keage Incline. If you’re interested, please check out the article below.
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