Nanzen-ji

One of those Kyoto spots that are not as popular among tourists. Definitely worth the visit if you are around the area. 10/10 could have been more beautiful if the momiji was around.

Amazing zen temple a bit away from main Kyoto attractions. There was not that many tourists there as in most popular temples which contributed to the calm and spiritual vibe. If you can I recommend going for matcha tea room there as it’s so beautiful and relaxing. I absolutely recommend coming there to enjoy cultural side of Kyoto.

A bit of walk to get to. The nearest bus stop is 10 minutes walk, but it takes you through a beautiful part of the city. Interesting aqueduct that's worth checking out. The grounds are very peaceful and the sound of running water is all around you.

A peaceful and beautiful temple to explore. We visited on a Friday and although many of the buildings were closed, it was still absolutely worth it. The grounds are stunning - very green, tranquil, and spacious. It feels different from some other temples, more immersive in nature. A lovely place for a quiet walk and to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

We are a family of 5 and were looking for an alternative to the busy tourist areas of Kyoto. At Nanzen-ji this is exactly what we found. Very few people between 9 and 11 am. Beautiful views and impressive landscaping and historical buildings. We explored the area for about 2 hours. Highly recommended!

Beautiful Buddhist temple which was not too crowded when visited. What I liked the most was the extremely well kept and detailed zen garden, it was raining during my visit so it felt extremely peaceful and calm. Really enjoyed some time to rest and think about life while looking to the beautiful wooden structure of the temple and beautiful gardens. At the entrance the massive gate really surprised me, incredible structure.

Nanzen-ji is a beautiful, sprawling temple complex that offers a peaceful yet stimulating experience, even if you walk through it quickly like I did. There were a lot of people when I visited, but it never felt crowded — the grounds are spacious enough to absorb the foot traffic without losing that calm, open-air feeling. It's one of those places where you can be surrounded by others and still feel like you’re having your own moment. The walk itself is very pleasant, with wide paths, historical buildings, and tall trees lining the way. You’ll come across several sub-temples along the route, each with its own personality and layout. Some you can enter, some have stairs to climb, and others are just there to admire from outside. There's enough variety to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. I didn’t linger too long, but even a brisk walk through Nanzen-ji felt worthwhile. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to reflect or just a scenic, historical route to pass through, this temple complex delivers. It’s a great spot to add to your Kyoto itinerary, especially if you want a break from more tightly packed tourist areas.

Technically it's free of charge if you don't enter Ten Juan garden. You likely just walk around and can't enter the temple itself. But the garden around is quite nice. There's also subway station nearby.