Sights and attractions, experience Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto

Address
Nanzen-ji Fukuchi-chō, Higashiyama-ku
Phone
771 0365
Website
nanzenji.com/english/index.html
Transport
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train: Keage from JR Kyoto or Keihan
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08:30 - 17:00

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Lonely Planet review

The Nanzen-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's most pleasant temples, with expansive grounds and numerous sub-temples. It began as a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama but was dedicated as a Zen temple on his death in 1291. Civil war in the 15th century destroyed most of it; the present buildings date from the 17th century.

The temple now operates as headquarters for the Rinzai school of Zen. At its entrance stands the massive San-mon. Steps lead up to the 2nd storey, which has a fine view over the city. Beyond the gate is the Hōjō, a hall with impressive screens painted with a vivid depiction of tigers. Within the precincts of the same building, the Leaping Tiger Garden is a classic Zen garden well worth a look. While you're in the Hōjō, you can enjoy a cup of tea while sitting on tatami mats and gazing at a small waterfall. Dotted around the grounds of Nanzen-ji are several sub-temples that are often skipped by the crowds and consequently are easier to enjoy.

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Guan Hoe Soon has an old following of diners for many years now. My grandma ate there and so did my Mum. We (children) follow their tradition. This hard core Peranakan cuisine serves their food with pride and their recipes have not changed as long as I can remember. Reservation: Not needed. They cater for "tok panjang" too. Parking is difficult. Park at an open car park about 50 m away. Food / Beverage: Rendangs, curries, kang kong, brinjal, selar, chili blachan are all standard. Must try is their straits style fried mee. This style is different from the Rochor noodles and uses a lot more thick gravy from three layered pork, gravy is also thinner and fuller. Uses yellow noodles with large beehoon. Eat with their chili belachan and kalimansi. If you can eat one dish, order this. Ambience: Shophouse set in a row of terrace shophouses. Pleasantly laid in a Peranakan theme. Old style coffee shop chairs and marble tops. Aircon is cool enough to take the heat out of the chili.