Page 55 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 30

Right: Nanzenji Temple
One of Nanzenji’s striking
features is its massive Once we had visited Eikando Temple it was only a short
Sanmon entrance gate. walk to Nanzenji Temple. Alternatively, there are also
other ways to access Nanzenji, such as via a 20 minute
ride on the subway or a 35 minute bus ride, both from
Kyoto Station, with the nearest subway station and bus
stop to Nanzenji being only a 5-10 minute walk away.

Nanzenji Temple is located at the base of the Higashiyama
THE MASSIVE mountains which are covered in forests. It is the head
SANMON temple of one of the Rinzai Sects and is one of the most
important Zen Temples in all Japan. Among the vast
ENTRANCE TO grounds there are multiple sub-temples that add to the
Below: already large complex of temple buildings. Nanzenji’s
Nanzenji Temple is the THE NANZENJI
head temple of one of the history dates back to the mid-13th century, where at the
Rinzai Sects and is one of TEMPLE WAS present location the Emperor at the time built his
the most important Zen retirement villa, which was then later converted into a
Temples in all Japan. BUILT IN 1638
Zen Temple. The temple grew gradually after its founding,
but its buildings were all destroyed during the civil war
during the late Muromachi Period (1333-1573) – most
likely the building burned down, sticking to the theme!
So, the oldest of the current buildings were built after
that period.
Unfortunately, when we visited, it was getting to the end
of the day and we were losing the light, but we still
managed to take in Nanzenji’s grounds and its finest
sub-temples. Nanzenji’s central grounds are free of
charge and open to the public, although there are
separate fees for entering the temple buildings and
sub-temples. One of Nanzenji’s most striking features is
its massive Sanmon entrance gate, which extends over
the treetops and was constructed in 1638.

Through the main gate is Nanzenji’s former head priest’s
residence or Hojo and main hall. The Hojo is most
famous for its rock garden, of which the rocks are said to
resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. As
mentioned, unfortunately it was getting late when we
arrived at Nanzenji, we had lost track of time a bit! So,
we didn’t have much time to take in the garden – but we
will be revisiting in the future! Also highly regarded in the
Hojo are the paintings on the sliding doors (fusuma),
which include a more realistic portrayal of gold leaf
tigers. It’s only 600 yen (£4.50) to enter the Hojo, but well
worth this small fee!
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