Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan, holding the highest rank among the Rinzai school's five great temples of Kyoto. Founded in 1291, the temple complex sprawls across the base of Kyoto's eastern mountains and features several remarkable structures. The massive sanmon gate, standing over 22 meters tall, offers panoramic views of the city from its upper level. Perhaps the most photographed feature is the Suirokaku, a Roman-style brick aqueduct built in 1890 as part of the Lake Biwa Canal project, which creates a striking juxtaposition of Western engineering within a traditional Japanese temple setting. The temple grounds are free to enter, while individual sub-temples and gardens charge separate admission fees.