Nanzen-ji

(Source : pixta)

Nanzen-ji, the most famous temple of the Rinzai School of Zen, was established in 1291. It is the highest class of Japanese Zen temples and is also famous for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. The view from Sanmon (gate), a 22-meter high important cultural property of Japan, is a prime spot to look out over the southwest part of Kyoto. There are also many historical buildings and articles such as Daihojo, a national treasure, paintings on fusuma (Japanese sliding paper doors) which are important cultural properties and Hojo Teien (garden), designated as a Japanese scenic spot. You can even try Zen meditation if you make reservations in advance.

(Source: pixta)

Sanmon

The 22-meter sublime sanmon is one of the three major Japanese gates and is called Tenka-ryumon, which literary means dragon gate under the sun. The current gate was rebuilt in 1628. You can go into the upper part of this gate from where you can enjoy an amazing view of whole northwest part of Kyoto.

(Source: pixta)

Hojo Teien

This garden with its Kare-sansui style depicts a water landscape without water and is designated as Japanese scenic spot. It is also known as “Toranoko-watashi-no-niwa” as it is said the garden depicts a tiger cub crossing the river. The sand is water and rocks stand for the parent tiger. However, the interpretation is obviously left to the imagination of the viewer.

(Source: pixta)

Sosui

This arched, raised aqueduct made of bricks is an artificial water way from Lake Biwa to Kyoto and was built in 1890. It is popular because of its distinctive beauty and retro-style atmosphere that matches Nanzen-ji’s Japanese antiquity.