In Kyoto there are approximately 1600 Buddhist temples, including five of them referred to as great. In 1386 the control of five great temples (Kyoto Gozan) was transferred to the temple Nanzen-JI temple, and since then he is in the heart of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The sanctuary is the main temple Nanzen-JI temple of the Rinzai school. Its history began with the construction of the Villa, which was built for Emperor Kameyama in the XIII century, and that in 1293 turned it into a Buddhist temple.

The buildings of the temple complex Dai-HOJO (deanery) and Ko-HOJO made in the architectural style of the Shinden-zukuri and are a national treasure of Japan. The walls in these rooms is decorated with paintings by the artist Kano, including the well-known story "the Tiger who drinks of this water".

On the gate of the ensemble Salmon depicts scenes from productions of Kabuki plays about legendary Japanese ninja Ishikawa Goemon. Gate height is 30 meters, terrace with wonderful views of mount Hiei. In the temple are another gate – Hutto.

One of the smaller temples of the ensemble Nanzen-JI - Tanjung - was built in memory of the founder Deiminases in 1336-1337. Many of the buildings of the complex were destroyed during the military conflict, but restored to the beginning of the XVI century and in this form has survived to the present time.

On the territory of the temple complex are two gardens. Oriental rock garden is located in front of the main hall. It rocks resemble tigers and cubs frolicking. South is considered to be the garden, in the center are two of the reservoir. The appearance of both gardens remains virtually unchanged since the XIV century. Leads to the complex aqueduct in the Western style.

The temple is also known that in 1937 took place here, perhaps, the longest party in Shogi, lasting a week. Shogi is a chess puzzle game type and is also called "game of the generals". The game between Yoshio Kimura and Sancity Sankaty called "Battle in Nanzen-JI".