Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji (南禅寺) is a major Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. Founded by Emperor Kameyama in 1291 on the site of his former detached palace, it later became one of Kyoto’s most important temple complexes. The precincts are a National Historic Site, and the Hōjō gardens are designated a Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple was known as Zenrin-ji before taking the name Nanzen-ji. A major fire destroyed much of the complex in 1895, and the buildings were rebuilt in 1909. The site remains significant for Zen practice and temple architecture, including the Sanmon gate, Hōjō, and other historic structures within the grounds.