In Kyoto, there are some 1,600 Buddhist temples, including five of them are called great. In 1386 control of the five great temples (Kyoto Gozan) was handed over to the temple nanzen-ji, and since then it is in the heart of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Sanctuary is the main temple direction nanzen-ji Rinzai. Its history began with the construction of the villa, which was built for the Emperor Kameyama in the XIII century, who in 1293 turned it into a Buddhist temple.

The buildings of the temple complex Give Hojo (Deanery) and Co-Hojo made in the architectural style Sinden-zukuri and are a national treasure of Japan. Partitions in these rooms are decorated with paintings by the artist Kano, including the well-known story "Tiger, drinking water."

At the gate of the ensemble Sanmon scenes from kabuki performances of the legendary Japanese ninja - Ishikawa Goemon. Door height is 30 meters, with its terrace offers a wonderful view of Mount Hiei. In the temple are still one of the gates - Hutto.

One of the small temples ensemble nanzen-ji - Tendzyuan - was built in memory of the founder Dayminkokusi in 1336-1337 years. Many of the buildings in the complex were destroyed during military conflicts, but repaired to the beginning of the XVI century and in this form survived until the present time.

On the territory of the temple complex there are two gardens. Oriental stone garden in front of the main hall. Its stones resemble tigers and tiger cubs frolicking. South is considered to be a garden for walks in the center are two of the reservoir. The appearance of both gardens remained virtually unchanged since the XIV century. The complex is an aqueduct in western style.

The temple is also known that in 1937 there took place, perhaps, the longest party in shogi, which lasted a week. Shogi is a logical game of chess, and the type is also called a "game generals." Party between Yoshio Kimura and Sankiti Sankat called "Battle of the nanzen-ji."