Nanzen-ji Buddhist Temple holds the highest rank among many Zen temples in Japan. San-mon gate, which corresponds a main gate, of this temple was originally built in 1295 thanks to the donation from Saionji Sanekane, a high-ranking aristocrat in Kyoto. Long after being destroyed by fire in 1447, it was reconstructed in 1628, that's shown in the picture. Featuring the overpowering massive presence as well as imposing colonnade, this gate, 22 meters high, appears as the site of famous Kabuki and novels. From the upstairs, for a fee though, the entire view of Kyoto can be commanded. This gate got designated as an important cultural asset in 1899.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
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