Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into Stunning Autumn Foliage and the Iconic Suirokaku Aqueduct

2023-12-032024-09-16

Nanzenji Temple was built in the 13th century and is known as a famous spot for autumn foliage. The temple grounds cover over 132,000 square meters and are home to around 300 maple trees, offering vibrant autumn colors throughout the area. In addition to the breathtaking foliage, the temple also features the impressive 22-meter-tall Sanmon Gate and the popular photo spot, the Suirokaku Aqueduct.

This article will share the highlights of Nanzenji Temple, along with some personal photographs.

Getting To Nanzenji Temple from Kyoto Station

The fastest way to reach Nanzenji Temple from Kyoto Station is by subway.

STEP

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line subway bound for Kokusaikaikan.

The Karasuma Line subway station is located on the second basement floor of Kyoto Station. The photo above shows the entrance to the Karasuma Line subway.

Trains bound for Kokusaikaikan depart from platform 2 of the subway.

STEP

Disembark at Karasuma Oike Station and transfer to the Subway Tozai Line bound for Misasagi, Rokujizo, Hamaotsu.

It takes about 4 minutes to reach Karasuma Oike Station from Kyoto Station.

STEP

Disembark at Keage Station.

It takes about 7 minutes to reach Keage Station from Karasuma Oike Station, and exit from “Exit1”.

STEP

From the station, walk about 600m, which takes about 8 minutes.

When you exit the station and go about 50m to the right, you will see a tunnel called Nejirimanpo (Keage Tunnel).

Pass through this tunnel.

If you go along the road, you will reach Nanzenji Temple.

Highlights of Nanzenji Temple

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering the temple grounds is the iconic Sanmon Gate. With a towering height of 22 meters, the massive gate is one of the “Three Great Gates of Japan,” along with the gates at Chion-in and Ninnaji Temples. Sanmon, built about 400 years ago, is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Curious about its meaning, I did a bit of research and found that “Sanmon” refers to three gates on the Buddhist path to enlightenment. It symbolizes freedom from the delusions of greed, anger, and ignorance. Sanmon Gate is a popular spot for commemorative photos, especially with the autumn leaves in the background.

For a fee of 600 yen, you can climb to the upper level of Sanmon. Among Japan’s Three Great Gates, Nanzenji’s is the only one you can ascend.

The upper level of the gate offers a 360-degree view, and from there, you can see the city of Kyoto.

The photo above was taken from the eastern side of the gate after walking through it. The view from here is also stunning, with the vivid autumn leaves framing the gate beautifully.

The temple grounds feature around 300 maple trees, offering spectacular views of autumn foliage from various spots. Although it was slightly cloudy on the day I visited, I was lucky to catch a moment when the setting sun broke through, illuminating the leaves as if they were glowing. It was truly beautiful.

As you continue past the Sanmon Gate, you’ll come across the retro red-brick aqueduct, a popular photo spot. This aqueduct, known as Suirokaku, was built to bring water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto’s Kamo River.

The contrast between the red bricks and the autumn leaves is captivating and makes for a scene you’ll want to admire for a while.

Interestingly, water from Lake Biwa still flows through this aqueduct today, serving as a vital water source for the city.

Many people were taking photos at this spot, and it’s easy to see why. A picture under the Suirokaku is sure to be Instagram-worthy.

Near the aqueduct is a beautiful garden called Hojo, which you can enter through the building shown in the photo above.

The garden has a serene atmosphere and is designated as a National Scenic Spot.

On this day, the setting sun added to the peaceful beauty of the scene.

While the peak season for autumn foliage can vary slightly each year, it’s typically best from mid-November to early December.

Information of Nanzenji Temple

Web Site	Official web site (Japanese only)
Opening hours	Mar.-Nov. 8:40 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Opening hours	Dec.-Feb. 8:40 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone number	+81-75-771-0365

Please check the official website for the latest information.

Nearby tourist spots include Keage Incline and Philosopher’s Path. If you’re interested, please check out the article below.