The featured image was AI-generated from a photograph,
with the cat modeled after our family cat.
Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
Introduction｜はじめに
A quiet Zen temple.
Wooden gates and traditional gardens.
And a row of red brick arches.
At Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto,
an unusual structure stands
among the historic buildings.
It is called the Suirokaku Aqueduct.
Why was a brick aqueduct
built inside a Zen temple?
Red Brick Arches in a Temple｜お寺に現れる赤レンガのアーチ
Walk through the temple grounds,
and you will find
a long row of brick arches.
Their rounded shapes
look different from the wooden halls nearby.
This is Suirokaku,
a water bridge completed in 1888.
It is part of the Lake Biwa Canal.
What Is Above the Arches?｜アーチの上には何がある？
The arches are not just decoration.
A water channel runs across the top.
Even today, water flows
through the aqueduct.
The structure carries canal water
across the temple grounds.
Its brick arches support
the channel above.
Suirokaku is a working part
of the Lake Biwa Canal system,
not simply a historic monument.
Why Was It Built?｜なぜ明治時代に造られたの？
In the Meiji period,
Kyoto began a major project
to bring water from Lake Biwa.
The canal helped support
the city’s industry and daily life.
The canal route passed
through the Nanzen-ji area.
Suirokaku was built to carry
the water across the grounds.
The Lake Biwa Canal project
was an important part of
Kyoto’s modernization.
Its first canal was completed in 1890.
From a permitted spot beneath
the aqueduct, look along
the repeating arches.
Their rhythm creates a sense of depth.
The red brick arches
are more than a beautiful landmark.
They are part of a waterway
that helped modernize Kyoto.
Sanmon Gate｜三門
The imposing Sanmon Gate
is one of Nanzen-ji’s landmarks.
It stands about 22 meters tall.
From its upper level,
visitors can enjoy views
of the temple roofs, mountains,
and the city of Kyoto.
Sanmon is associated with
the Kabuki play Sanmon Gosan no Kiri,
featuring Ishikawa Goemon.
The play is fiction,
not a record of a real event here.
Hatto｜法堂
The Hatto is a central hall
used for Buddhist ceremonies.
The present building
was rebuilt in 1909.
Hojo and Zen Gardens｜方丈と禅の庭園
The Hojo consists of
the Ohojo and Kohojo.
The buildings are designated
a National Treasure of Japan.
In front of the Ohojo,
a dry landscape garden
uses rocks and white gravel
to create a quiet scene.
Other gardens include Joshin-tei,
whose stones suggest
the character for “heart,”
and Rikudotei, inspired by
the Buddhist Six Realms.
Notice the balance
of stones, gravel, and moss.
Each garden has its own design.
Sub-temples and Seasonal Scenery｜塔頭寺院と四季の風景
Tenju-an is known
for its beautiful gardens,
with fresh green leaves
and autumn colors.
Konchi-in also preserves
historic buildings and gardens.
Nanzen-in is associated
with Emperor Kameyama’s former villa.
Nanzen-in has been closed
for restoration work.
Please check current access
on the official website before visiting.
Nejiri Manpo｜ねじりまんぽ
Near Nanzen-ji is Nejiri Manpo,
a brick tunnel with an unusual
spiral pattern.
It was built beneath
the Keage Incline.
The twisted brickwork helps
the tunnel withstand loads above.
🗺 Google Map
Please check the official website
for the latest information before your visit.
Cat Memo
I only gave it a tiny boop…
Now it won’t stop! 🐾
At Nanzen-ji,
a red brick aqueduct
stands beside centuries of Zen history.
Together, they tell
two different stories of Kyoto.
Thank you
for visiting
Nanzen-ji Temple.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas, each offering different attractions and experiences.
