This is one of the most rewarding temples in Kyoto, with its expansive grounds and numerous subtemples. Nanzen-ji began as a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama (1249–1305) before becoming a Zen temple in 1291. Civil war in the 15th century destroyed most of the temple; the present buildings date from the 17th century. It operates now as headquarters for the Rinzai school of Zen.
Near the entrance stands the massive San-mon gate, which has a great view over the city from the 2nd floor. Continue around the Hattō (Dharma Hall, closed to the public) to the Hōjō (head priest’s quarters), best known for the classic Zen-style Leaping Tiger Garden; the large stones are meant to evoke tigers crossing raked gravel "water." The tiger theme continues on gold-leaf fusuma-e (sliding-door paintings) inside.
