Nanzen-ji Temple

This is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Its formal name is Taiheikokoku-Nanzen-Zenji.
The temple’s origins date back to 1291, when a detached palace built by Emperor Kameyama as the residence for his mother Omiya-in was turned into a temple by the Zen priest Mukan Fumon (otherwise known as Daimyo Kokushi [“kokushi” being a priestly instructor to the emperors]). In 1334, it was ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, and then under the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it prospered immensely, and was given the highest rank of all, even above the Five Great Zen Temples.
The hojo (abbot’s quarters), registered as a National Treasure, consists of the Greater Hojo (the Seiryo-den Hall) and the Lesser Hojo. Many of the interior wall paintings are Important Cultural Properties. The Lesser Hojo, known as the Tora-no-Ma, is a work believed to be by Kano Tanyu of tigers in a bamboo grove (Gunkozu, an Important Cultural Property). The garden in front of the Greater Hojo is one of Japan’s best karesansui (dry landscape) gardens, and was designed by Kobori Enshu. The stones placed to represent a tiger and cubs swimming across are particularly famous.
The huge sanmon gate (Important Cultural Property) in the Zen style was donated by Todo Takatora, and from its upper level it offers a panorama of Kyoto.
Suirokaku, the brick aqueduct bringing water from Lake Biwa, is a beautiful structure in the southeast part of the grounds.
Kyoto City