NANZEN-JI
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Nanzen-ji is at the heart of the cultural identity of the imperial capital. It includes both the monastery, a Zen temple, and to the north, the Ginkaku-ji - an elegant residence of a late medieval world. The last two buildings are connected by the Philosophy Path. The temple and monastery were built in 1291 on the site of a residence of Emperor Kameyama (1259-1305) at the foot of Mount Higashiyama.
Temple of the Rinzai sect, it is one of the most important temples in Kyoto and Japan. According to Chinese tradition, there are five important Zen temples, which form the Gozan (five mountains). Nanzen-ji was regularly considered as the first temple of the Gozan. Most of the buildings were burned down during the civil wars. These buildings were regularly restored until the 17th century and the oldest ones are from the Edo period. The temple is particularly known for the Hojo stone garden, the former residence of the head priest.
Eikan-dō. The temple is located at the northern end of the Nanzen-ji complex. Originally called Zenrin-ji, it was built in 855 by Shinshō of the Shingon sect. It was in the 11th century that its name changed to Eikan-dō. This place is famous for both its artworks and its beautiful gardens. The temple is built into the side of a mountain and has many corridors and landings. The main hall houses a statue of Amida looking back. This is a rather unusual type of representation of the Buddha.
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