Nanzen-ji

Japan loves to rank its attractions, and since the 14th century Nanzen-ji has been rated the country’s top Rinzai sect Zen temple. Its exalted position is partly a political gesture: the Muromachi government was fearful of fellow Rinzai temples Myoshin-ji and Daitoku-ji, so it announced a Big Five list that failed to mention them. Still, there is no disputing the fact that Nanzen-ji is an awesome sight, and has played a significant part in popularising Zen Buddhism in Kyoto. It was built by Emperor Kameyama during the 13th century, and a towering sanmon (main gate) was added to the structure in 1628. The gate offers impressive views across the city, but is most famous as the hiding place of Japan’s version of Guy Fawkes. After a failed attempt to assassinate ruler Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1594, robber Goemon Ishikawa hid away inside the gate until he was discovered and boiled alive in oil. More peaceful, Zen-like reasons to visit Nanzen-ji include the ‘Leaping Tiger’ dry Zen garden of the Abbot’s quarters atrio of tranquil sub-temples, all of which feature impressive gardens.