Nanzen-ji Temple

Kyoto, Japan

Originally the villa of the retired emperor Kameyama, Nanzenji was converted into a Zen temple in 1291. By 1380 it was ranked first among all Zen temples in Japan. The temple was destroyed during the Onin Wars (civil war, 1467-1477); the present buildings date from around 1600.

The two-story San-mon Gate is shown here. The second story, which is open to the public, contains statues and paintings.