Page 57 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 30

Once outside the Hojo and back in Nanzenji’s public
grounds, there is a very impressive large brick
aqueduct which goes through the temple grounds and
was built in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Mentioned
earlier in the article, the aqueduct is part of the canal
system which runs along the Philosopher’s Path. The
canal was built to carry water and goods between
Kyoto and Lake Biwa.
There are also many sub-temples within the grounds of
Nanzenji, including the Nanzenin Temple, Konchi-in
Temple and the Tenjuan Temple.

One of the sub-temples we visited was the Tenjuan
Temple of which it had a small entrance fee of only 400
yen (£3.00). The temple is dedicated to the Zen master
Above and Left:
Nanzenji’s former head who served Emperor Kameyama and its main hall and
priest’s residence or gate date back to the early 17th century. The temple
Hojo and main hall.
has really pleasant gardens, which include an
immaculate raked rock garden and pond garden which
Below:
The aqueduct that runs flows through some of the surrounding woodland, there
the Philosopher’s Path is are also many nice features within the garden, including
part of the canal system viewpoint, stepping stones in the pond and bridges.
built to carry water and
goods between Kyoto The gardens were particularly attractive at the time of
and Lake Biwa. year we visited due to the autumn colours.

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