Nanzen-ji Temple: Tranquility Beneath the Mountains

Far from Kyoto’s busiest shrines, Nanzen-ji offers a peaceful escape steeped in history. Once an imperial villa, it became a temple in the 13th century and still preserves a rare sense of calm within its vast grounds. What sets Nanzen-ji apart is its blend of nature, architecture, and serenity. Walk beneath towering pines, listen to the sound of birds echoing through the halls, and pause by the Hojo Garden, designed to evoke the flow of water using only rocks and sand — a masterpiece of Zen landscaping. Do not miss the aqueduct, an unexpected yet iconic structure from the Meiji era, still carrying water through the temple grounds. It is especially atmospheric on misty mornings or during Kyoto’s cherry blossom season. Tips: • Entry to the grounds is free, but there is a small fee to enter the Sanmon Gate and Hojo Garden • Visit in autumn for some of Kyoto’s most vibrant foliage • Combine with a walk on the Philosopher’s Path, just a few minutes away • Come early in the morning for a peaceful, almost meditative experience • Trip.com offers guided tours that include Nanzen-ji and nearby temples like Eikando #nanzenjitemple