The Emperor Kameyama built a detached palace in Nanzenji about 700 years ago, and in 1291, the Emperor became Pope Nina The origin of this temple is that it was named Zenrin-Zenji Temple. It is treated as one of the top five Zen temples in Kyoto and Kamakura, and is said to be the most prestigious of all the Zen temples in Japan. It is also famous for the legend of Ishikawa Goemon, who played a role in the Kabuki play "Sanmon Gozan no Kikiri," in which he said, "I wonder if it is a superb view. The temple is very beautiful with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumnal leaves in the fall.