Attractive contrast between the temple and the Roman Waterway.

Nanzenji Temple is the head temple of the Zen Buddhist Rinzai Sect, and the first temple in Japan built on the order of the emperor. It was built in the 13th century but was burned down in 1467 during the Onin War. The current buildings are reconstructions made in the 16th century.
The temple is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring and as a good place to enjoy the autumn colors when summer comes to an end.
The first thing that greets visitors is one of the three great gates of Kyoto, Sanmon. It is designated important cultural property, and from the top of it you have a splendid view of Kyoto's cityscape.
The spacious temple grounds boast scenic gardens, and 124 sliding doors with paintings, among which some are designated cultural treasures or important cultural property.