Overview
Nan'yō-ji is a temple of the Kenchō-ji school of Rinzai Zen, located in Kunitachi, Tokyo. It belongs to a Zen lineage headed by Kenchō-ji in Kamakura, and is said to trace its origins to 1347, during the Northern and Southern Courts period. Set on the flatland of the Tama area, within the academic and composed townscape of Kunitachi, its grounds hold the quiet passage of time that only a Zen temple with a long history can offer. Its setting, which still recalls the old Musashino plain, is part of its appeal.
Highlights
- ●An old Tama temple said to trace its origins to 1347
- ●A flame of Rinzai Zen headed by Kenchō-ji in Kamakura
- ●The composed Kunitachi setting that still recalls old Musashino
- ●Quiet grounds that convey over six centuries of history
History
Nan'yō-ji is said to date back to 1347, beginning its path together with Zen teaching in the turbulent age of the Northern and Southern Courts. The Kenchō-ji school of Rinzai Zen is headed by Kenchō-ji, a famous temple founded under the patronage of the Kamakura shogunate, and strongly inherits the tradition of Kamakura Zen. Nan'yō-ji belongs to this lineage and has guarded a flame of Buddhist teaching for over six centuries here in Kunitachi in the Tama area. As accounts of its founding may differ among sources, checking on-site notices or official information is recommended.
Access
The temple lies at roughly 35.680°N, 139.432°E, in Kunitachi, Tokyo. It can be reached from lines such as the JR Nambu Line and Chūō Line, with the final stretch from the nearest station on foot, by bus, or by car. As the surroundings include residential areas, it is best to confirm visiting hours and parking availability through official information in advance.
Best season
As if reflecting its six centuries of history, the temple is especially beautiful when the trees color in autumn and when buds open in spring. Combined with a walk around Kunitachi, the settled days of spring and autumn make for a comfortable visit.
Map
35.6806, 139.4323 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Reach Nan'yō-ji from a Kunitachi station on foot, by bus, or by car
- 2Pray at the historic Zen temple said to date to 1347
- 3Stroll the Musashino-flavored townscape and greenery nearby
- 4Close the trip at a calm Kunitachi cafe or shop
Did you know?
💡 The tradition of a founding in 1347 falls in the great turning point of Japanese history that was the Northern and Southern Courts period. The Kenchō-ji school, headed by Kenchō-ji in Kamakura, is known as a sect that brought full-fledged Rinzai Zen to Japan.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!