Nanzen-ji Temple

Kyoto is home to many temples, and while Nanzen-ji may not be the most popular in terms of visitor numbers, it holds the highest status, even surpassing the Kyoto Gozan and Kamakura Gozan. The position of head priest at Nanzen-ji has historically been filled by the most outstanding and prestigious Zen monks of the time, which speaks volumes about the temple's status. Despite its high status, the temple's popularity has surged recently, thanks in part to the opening of a Blue Bottle Coffee shop nearby. This coffee shop, unlike its urban counterparts, is housed in a renovated century-old Kyoto building, offering a unique ancient capital charm that has made it a must-visit spot for hipsters and has also helped to increase the flow of visitors to Nanzen-ji. Gradually, people are discovering that Nanzen-ji is full of photogenic spots. Officially named Zuiryusan Daihoon Nanzen Zen Temple, it was converted from an imperial villa by Emperor Kameyama in 1291. The temple is famous for its karesansui (dry landscape) garden in the main hall, the Hojo. Unfortunately, Nanzen-ji has been destroyed by fire three times, and the current buildings were reconstructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Some of the structures within the temple grounds are of historical significance and were built in the Momoyama period style, such as the Sanmon gate, which is one of the three greatest temple gates in Japan, the Great Hojo, and the Small Hojo gardens. The red brick aqueduct built during the Meiji period is also a popular spot for photos. Nanzen-ji Address: Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture