Nanzen-ji (Sanmon gate and Hōjō) is a landmark in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, and a filming location for Lost in Translation (2003). Built in 1291 (temple founded); Sanmon reconstructed 1628.
Location: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Verified facts
- Appeared in Lost in Translation (movie, 2003) — as Zen temple Charlotte visits in Kyoto; climbs to the Sanmon gate
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-16107, SRC-16108, SRC-10880 - Built in 1291 (temple founded); Sanmon reconstructed 1628
confidence 85/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-16107, SRC-16864, SRC-17389
Evidence & sources
- SRC-10880 — https://www.discoverkyoto.com/kyoto-voice/filming-locations-kyoto/ (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-16107 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanzen-ji (Tier 1, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-16108 — https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/film-locations_japan_lost-in-translation (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-16864 — https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/nanzen-ji/ (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-17389 — https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3905.html (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
How we verify
Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed .
Frequently asked questions
Where was Lost in Translation filmed?
Nanzen-ji (Sanmon gate and Hōjō), in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for Lost in Translation.
Where is Nanzen-ji (Sanmon gate and Hōjō) located?
Nanzen-ji (Sanmon gate and Hōjō) is located in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture.