traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2025 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
Japan/Things to Do in Kyoto, with kids

Nanzen-ji Temple (with kids)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Kids-Friendly is Nanzen-ji Temple?

67%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: Kids like wide paths, pond fish, and the red-brick arches, but 60 steep gate steps, hush-required rock gardens, and few hands-on exhibits demand supervision and may shorten stays.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 11,383 reviews)
2024 Cherry blossoms at Nanzenji Temple, Kyoto, Japan | 4K Walking
21 min
Start from:
0:00
2024 Cherry blossoms at Nanzenji Temple, Kyoto, Japan | 4K Walking
2.2K views • 1 year ago
Hidden Gems in Kyoto, Japan | Nanzenji Temple And Eikando Temple
25 min
Start from:
0:00
Hidden Gems in Kyoto, Japan | Nanzenji Temple And Eikando Temple
2.7K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Flat, safe paths: Kids can roam freely on wide walkways without steep steps.
  • Free entry: No admission fee for main grounds, so family can stay flexible.

Challenges:

  • Uneven paving: Some stone paths are bumpy—watch small children and strollers.
  • Limited shade spots: Few benches under trees; bring shade hats and water.
Nanzen-ji Temple image 1
Nanzen-ji Temple image 2
Nanzen-ji Temple image 3
Nanzen-ji Temple image 4
Nanzen-ji Temple image 5
Nanzen-ji Temple image 6
Nanzen-ji Temple image 7
Nanzen-ji Temple image 8
Nanzen-ji Temple image 9
Nanzen-ji Temple image 10
Found this helpful? Please support us by visiting 🏖️ our GetYourGuide partner link - The 10 BEST Activities around Nanzen-ji Temple, and we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us pay the bills and help more travelers!

What is Nanzen-ji Temple?

  • A Zen Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto founded in 1291 as the head temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism
  • Home to the three-story Sanmon gate and Momoyama-period Abbot’s Quarters, both designated Important Cultural Properties
  • Set within forested grounds that feature several dry-landscape Zen gardens and the red-brick Suirokaku Aqueduct completed in 1888

What is so special about Nanzen-ji Temple for with kids?

  1. Free entry with wide flat paths for safe family strolls
  2. Red-brick aqueduct arches that kids love to explore
  3. Seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn leaves near ponds
  4. Easy picnic spots under Sanmon Gate
  5. Minimal staircases—ideal for ages 3–12

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore flat paths, the aqueduct and let kids play without rushing.

(View Nanzen-ji Temple on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Nanzen-ji Temple

Walk the Suirokaku Aqueduct:

Step under red-brick arches built in 1888.

Tip: Let children count arches and take photos at each span.

Stroll Temple Grounds:

Follow wide flat paths around ponds and minor shrines.

Tip: Point out koi fish in ponds and moss on ancient stones.

Picnic by Sanmon Gate:

Relax under the gate’s shade on the lawn.

Tip: Bring a blanket and simple snacks from nearby cafés.

When is the best time to visit Nanzen-ji Temple (Kyoto, Japan)?

Cherry blossoms bloom late March–early April near the entrance. Autumn leaves peak mid-November around the ponds. Winters are quiet but cold—dress warmly.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Kyoto on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Reviews of Nanzen-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Powered by Google
Jim Reaugh

Jim Reaugh

Jul 2025

If you’re looking for a temple that doesn’t gently whisper enlightenment in your ear but instead grabs you by the collar and slaps you with four centuries of Zen austerity, this is your place. You enter down this dead-straight path lined with maples and pines standing like bodyguards. It’s serene, sure, but there’s also this unspoken “know your place, tourist” vibe humming through the gravel. You...

Ting Fu

Ting Fu

Jul 2025

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.

David Brebner

David Brebner

Jul 2025

Nanzen-ji Temple is an awe-inspiring and peaceful place to explore, full of history, natural beauty, and stunning architecture. We began our morning here and it was the perfect start to a day of quiet reflection and discovery. Walking through the massive Sanmon Gate into the lush temple grounds felt like entering another world. The Dharma Hall (Hatto) was particularly impressive, with its intrica...

AussieIslander

AussieIslander

Jun 2025

Quiet compared to other temples in Kyoto. A lovely zen garden to sit and contemplate life. Good exercise walking around the garden and temple.

Julian Cadavid

Julian Cadavid

May 2025

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...

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Grounds entryJPY 0
Snacks and drinksJPY 1,600
Total EstimatedJPY 1,600

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Nanzen-ji Temple

  1. Arrive at opening: Start at 8:40 AM to beat crowds and find stroller space.
  2. Pack light snacks: No food stalls inside—carry water and easy bites for kids.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Kyoto attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Nanzen-ji Temple

Address: Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Nanzen-ji Temple (Kyoto)?

← See other Things to Do in Kyoto (with kids)

About Nanzen-ji Temple

Opening Hours

Monday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:8:40 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 75-771-0365

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇯🇵 Japan, with kids

Things to Do in Tokyo, with kids
Tokyo
Things to Do in Osaka, with kids
Osaka
Things to Do in Kyoto, with kids
Kyoto
Mount Fuji AreaSapporoHakoneFukuokaNagoya

🇨🇦 Canada, with kids

Things to Do in Toronto, with kids
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, with kids
Montreal

🇮🇪 Ireland, with kids

Things to Do in Dublin, with kids
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, with kids
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, with kids
Galway

🇬🇷 Greece, with kids

Things to Do in Santorini, with kids
Santorini
Things to Do in Athens, with kids
Athens
Things to Do in Heraklion, with kids
Heraklion

🇰🇷 South Korea, with kids

Things to Do in Seoul, with kids
Seoul
Things to Do in Busan, with kids
Busan
Things to Do in Jeju, with kids
Jeju

🇦🇺 Australia, with kids

Things to Do in Sydney, with kids
Sydney
Things to Do in Melbourne, with kids
Melbourne
Things to Do in Gold Coast, with kids
Gold Coast
BrisbaneCanberra

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Kyoto, Japan

searching for