Rika Wafuku is recommended for rental kimono to Nanzenji (Kyoto)
Nanzen-ji Temple, known as a famous spot for autumn leaves, is often featured in travel magazines, so many people might be curious about it. When you visit Kyoto, Nanzen-ji Temple is a must-see, not just for its autumn leaves but also for its many other attractions!
In this article, we will provide information on Nanzen-ji Temple, including its basic details and history, in an easy-to-understand format. We will also introduce nearby tourist spots, so if you have some extra time, consider visiting them as well♪
If you’re interested in other sightseeing courses apart from Nanzen-ji Temple, check them out here: 10 Recommended Sightseeing Courses in Kyoto After Renting a Kimono!
For information about the Keage Incline, visit this link: 10 Points to Enjoy Kimono Rental at Kyoto’s Keage Incline
1. Basic Information About Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple, located in the Okazaki area of Kyoto, is Japan’s most prestigious Zen temple.
Its opening hours are from 8:40 AM to 5:00 PM (8:40 AM to 4:30 PM between December and February), with closures from December 28th to December 31st each year.
Typically, the best times to visit are from mid-November to early December for autumn leaves and from late March to early April for cherry blossoms. Throughout the year, you can enjoy stunning views, including vibrant green maple leaves in early summer and snow-covered scenes in winter!
- Address: Nanzen-ji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
- Access: A 12-minute walk from Keage Station / An 8-minute walk from the bus stop “Nanzen-ji Eikando Michi”
Where to Rent Kimonos if You Want to Visit Nanzen-ji Temple?
If you plan to visit Nanzen-ji Temple in a rented kimono, the Gion and Kiyomizu Temple area is recommended.
There are not many kimono rental shops around Nanzen-ji Temple, but you can easily reach it from the Gion and Kiyomizu Temple area by taxi for around 1,200 yen in about 10 minutes.
In the Gion and Kiyomizu Temple area, there are many kimono rental shops to choose from, so you can select from various options.
Recommended Kimono Rental for Visiting Nanzen-ji Temple: Choose Rikawafuku!
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto has shops in Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto Station Front, and Arashiyama, attracting many customers. It’s the most popular spot lately!
Choose from All Kimonos in Every Plan!
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto allows you to choose from all kimonos in every plan.
The most affordable Kyoto Kimono Basic Plan starts from 3,500 yen including tax!
Even students can take advantage of the Kyoto Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan for as low as 5,000 yen including tax, which includes a hair set!
If you want to look cute when renting a kimono, Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku is recommended!
Keage Incline: A Place to Visit Alongside Nanzen-ji Temple
Keage Incline
Keage Incline, located just a 10-minute walk from Nanzen-ji Temple, is a famous cherry blossom spot and a popular Instagram-worthy location.
There are unused railway tracks that you can walk on, and it’s a great place to showcase retro-style rental kimonos. Be sure to try it when wearing a kimono. Nearby, there’s a brick-built pedestrian tunnel called “Awataguchi Tunnel Nejirimanpo,” which can serve as a shortcut to Nanzen-ji Temple, making it highly recommended!
You can read a special feature on Keage Incline here
＞10 Points to Enjoy Kimono Rental at Kyoto’s Keage Incline
- Address: 339 Higashisaka-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Access: 11-minute walk from Keage Station
History of Nanzen-ji Temple
The history of Nanzen-ji Temple is closely related to Emperor Kameyama (the 90th emperor), Priest Mukan (Daimeikokuji), and Priest Kian (Nanin Kokushi).
In 1289, Emperor Kameyama, who had become a priest, was troubled by supernatural events at the detached palace Zenrin-ji (now Nanzen-ji Temple). However, Priest Mukan and his fellow trainee monks remained at the detached palace, where they continued duties such as cleaning, seated meditation, and chanting sutras. Remarkably, supernatural events ceased to occur. Emperor Kameyama recognized Priest Mukan’s virtues and in 1291, Nanzen-ji Temple was founded with him as the founding priest. However, Priest Mukan, who was appointed as the founding priest, passed away in December of the same year.
Therefore, in the following year, 1292, Emperor Kameyama chose Priest Kian as the second head priest.
Furthermore, at that time, the detached palace did not function as a Zen temple, so the construction (of temple buildings and pagodas) was entrusted to Priest Kian. It took approximately 15 years for the priest to finally witness the completion of Nanzen-ji Temple after entering the temple. This is also the reason why Priest Kian is considered the founding head priest.
Highlights of Nanzen-ji Temple
First and foremost, the “Sanmon” (main gate), famous for the catchphrase “Is it a view or not?” is an indispensable attraction. The Sanmon boasts the largest height in Japan and is considered one of Japan’s three great gates alongside Chion-in in Kyoto and Kuon-ji in Yamanashi. The view from the upper floor of the Sanmon, called “Gohoro,” which can be accessed during special visits, is truly breathtaking!
Next, the “Suiryokaku” (aqueduct), which is often used in dramas and movies, is another must-see spot. This brick-built aqueduct is still in use today. It pairs exceptionally well with the retro-style rental kimonos that are popular in Kyoto. Be sure to capture a commemorative photo here!
There are many other highlights as well, such as “Nanzen-in,” the site of the former Zenrin-ji detached palace, “Tenju-an,” built as a place to enshrine Priest Mukan Fumon, “Konchi-in,” which has connections to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the “Hojotei,” designated as a national treasure. Each of these places has beautiful gardens, so be sure to check them out!
Tourist Attractions Around Nanzen-ji Temple
While Nanzen-ji Temple itself is quite impressive, if you have some extra time, you might want to explore the nearby tourist spots on foot. Here, we introduce recommended attractions within walking distance for your leisurely stroll!
Eikando (Zenrin-ji Temple)
Eikando, located about a 5-minute walk from Nanzen-ji Temple, is also famous for its autumn foliage and has long been known as “Autumn Eikando with Maple Leaves.”
One thing you must see when visiting Eikando is the “Hosho Pond.” The reflection of the autumn leaves on the water’s surface is incredibly beautiful. Additionally, the “Taho Pagoda” and the surrounding autumn foliage when illuminated at night are truly breathtaking!
- Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Access: 13-minute walk from Keage Station / 4-minute walk from the bus stop “Nanzen-ji Eikando-michi”
Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine, with its beautiful vermilion-colored shrine reminiscent of the Heian period, is located about a 16-minute walk from Nanzen-ji Temple. The towering torii gate, standing at 24 meters in height and 18 meters in width, is designated as a registered tangible cultural property and serves as a prominent symbol of Okazaki!
Other attractions include the “Otenmon” gate designated as an important cultural property, the “Daigokuden” hall, which replicates the grand hall of the Heian Palace, the “Soryuro” building on its east side, the registered tangible cultural property “Gakuden,” and the “Shin’en” garden where you can enjoy the changing seasons. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the Heian period!
- Address: Okazaki Nishi Tenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Access: 14 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station / 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop “Okazaki Park Zoo-mae”
Philosopher’s Path
The “Philosopher’s Path,” located about a 13-minute walk from Nanzen-ji Temple at the foot of Higashiyama, is a popular tourist spot selected as one of Japan’s 100 famous paths. Along the path, you’ll find historic shrines and temples such as “Honen-in,” “Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine,” “Anraku-ji,” and “Reikan-ji.”
Additionally, there are perfect souvenir shops and stylish old-fashioned cafes along the way, making it a great place for shopping and lunch while strolling. The Philosopher’s Path is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the colorful autumn foliage in fall. There are also food stalls, making it a perfect spot for enjoying street food. Depending on the time of day and weather, it’s also known for having many cats, making it a must-visit for cat lovers!
- Access: 6 minutes on foot from the bus stops “Jodo-ji” or “Ginkaku-ji Michi”
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Jisho-ji)
In Kyoto, the famous tourist spot Ginkaku-ji is about a 23-minute walk from Nanzen-ji Temple, but if you stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, you’ll get there in no time!
The highlight of Ginkaku-ji is undoubtedly the main “Kannon Hall,” but don’t miss the cone-shaped “Ginkaku-dai” mound of sand and the patterned “Ginsadan” area surrounding it! Ginkaku-dai represents Mount Fuji, and Ginsadan is said to depict the World Heritage-listed West Lake.
Moreover, you can’t miss the “Garden with a Pond and Stream” said to be modeled after the famous moss temple “Saiho-ji” (Koke-dera). The view from the “Observatory” overlooking Kannon Hall and the garden is also spectacular!
- Address: 2 Ginkaku-ji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Access: 8 minutes on foot from the bus stop “Ginkaku-ji Michi”
Explore the Highlights of Nanzen-ji and Have Even More Fun!
Kyoto’s shrines and temples are known for their cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and of course, you can enjoy the scenery in all seasons. However, knowing the history and highlights beforehand will make your sightseeing even more enriching!
Don’t just pass by cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, Sanmon, and Suimon-kaku without a second thought. Discoveries like “Wow, there was a building associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu here” can make your visit more meaningful, like in Kinkaku-ji.
On the perfect stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, you can enjoy lunch at stylish cafes or savor street food. In the Okazaki area, you’ll find many retro spots ideal for renting kimonos.
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku has shops in Gion and near Kiyomizu-dera, offering excellent accessibility!
Dress up in a cute kimono and create wonderful memories at Kyoto’s scenic spots!
Author of This Article
Rikawafuku Kamakura Store
（Operated by: TripFarm Co., Ltd.）
〒248-0006
2-B, TI Building II, 2-12-37 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
4 minutes walk from JR Yokosuka Line / Shonan-Shinjuku Line “Kamakura Station”
4 minutes walk from Enoshima Electric Railway “Kamakura Station”
