Buddhist temple
Nanzen-ji
南禅寺（なんぜんじ）
Sakyō, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
The head temple of the Nanzen-ji school of Rinzai Zen, with extensive precincts at the foot of Higashiyama. Its principal image is Shakamuni Butsu, and it is a Zen temple with many things to see, such as the Sanmon gate, the Hattō (Dharma Hall), the Hōjō (abbot's quarters) and the canal that crosses the precincts.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Shakamuni Butsu
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, in Shōō 4 (1291) Cloistered Emperor Kameyama converted his detached palace, the Zenrinji-den, into a Zen temple and founded it, welcoming Zen Master Mukan Fumon (Daimin Kokushi) as its founding abbot. Zen Master Mukan passed away that same year, and since the temple buildings were completed over about fifteen years under Zen Master Kian Soen, who became the second abbot the following year, Zen Master Kian is also called the "Sōken Kaisan" (founder of the construction).
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 南禅寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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