Nanzen-ji Smoking Areas
The temple grounds are non-smoking, but there is a designated ashtray at the gate itself — you do not have to walk back to the station.
5
Spots
mapped
3
Open
24/7
¥1,000
Street smoking
fine
You do not need to walk back to Keage
Guides usually note that Nanzen-ji’s grounds are non-smoking and send readers back toward the station. There is a designated spot at the temple gate itself and another in the temple car park about 40 m further on — both confirmed still in use in January 2026.
Kyoto smoking rules
Smoking outside designated zones in Kyoto’s Enhanced Street Smoking Prevention Areas carries an on-the-spot fine of 1,000 JPY. Smoking while walking or cycling is banned across the city, and carrying a portable ashtray does not exempt you.
Read more about smoking fines in Japan →The spots
#1 · 249 m from Nanzen-ji
Nanzen-ji temple gate
南禅寺門前
Directly in front of the temple gate, with somewhere to sit. The closest legal spot to the temple, and confirmed still in place in January 2026.
📍 京都府京都市左京区南禅寺福地町８６
21 of 23 visitor reports found it open · rated 4/5 (4)
Open in Google Maps#2 · 289 m from Nanzen-ji
Nanzen-ji car park
南禅寺駐車場
Between the Times car park and the municipal one, about 40 m past the gate spot. Has seating.
📍 京都府京都市左京区南禅寺福地町86
5 of 5 visitor reports found it open
Open in Google Maps#3 · 512 m from Nanzen-ji
Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine
熊野若王子神社
In the shrine grounds at the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path. Covered, enclosed and with seating — the most comfortable of the five, and confirmed in January 2026.
📍 京都府京都市左京区若王子町２
7 of 7 visitor reports found it open · rated 4/5 (2)
Open in Google Maps#4 · 605 m from Nanzen-ji
Kyoto International Community House
京都市国際交流会館 出入口横
An ashtray under cover, to the left of the main entrance as you face the building.
rated 4/5 (3)
Open in Google Maps#5 · 680 m from Nanzen-ji
Westin Miyako Kyoto, West Wing 3F
ウェスティン都ホテル京都 西館3F
Inside the hotel’s west wing on the third floor, about ten minutes’ walk from the temple.
📍 京都府京都市東山区粟田口華頂町1
6 of 7 visitor reports found it open
Open in Google MapsSpot data checked against community field reports in August 2026. Smoking areas move and close — if you find one gone, the Google Maps link will show recent photos.
← All Kyoto smoking spots