Temple Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Tōdai-ji

4.5

5684 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 406-1

"Located in Nara City, as the head temple of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The principal image is Vairocana Buddha, the symbol of Nara as the ""Great Buddha of Nara"". In 743, Emperor Shomu issued his imperial edict for the erection of the Great Buddha Image, and with the cooperation of many people, it was constructed in the hope that all would be happy. The temple grounds are dotted with the national treasures such as Nandai-mon (Great South Gate), Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), Bell Tower, and Hokke-do (Lotus Hall, Sangatsu-do). It is also known worldwide as one of Japan's most popular tourist spots and attracts many foreign tourists."

This temple is beautiful. As we walked towards it, we met many friendly deer who are famous in Nara. They come up to visitors hoping to be fed and can be convinced with biscuits.To enter the temple...
Jisho-ji Temple (Ginkaku-ji Temple)

4.5

4638 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Ginkakujichou 2

A mountain retreat modeled after the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Gold Pavillion Temple) built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, grandfather of the eighth Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, in 1482. After Yoshimasa’s death, the villa was turned into a Rinzai Shokoku-ji school Zen Buddhist temple and, based on Yoshimasa’s posthumous name, the temple was named the Jishoji Temple. The Kannon Hall, commonly known as the Ginkaku (Silver Pavillion), is simple and elegant in its design; the Togu-do hall is the oldest extant example of ancient Japanese shoin-zukuri architecture and is designated a National Treasure.

We stopped here despite the pouring rain. There is an entrance fee. The grounds are quite beautiful and you even can walk up a path of the side of the adjacent hill and find a wonderful overview of...
Kotoku-in Temple (Kamakura Daibutsu)

4.5

3055 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 4-2-28

A Pure Land Buddhist temple founded by the great priest Honen. The 11.3 meter tall, 121 ton giant copper Buddha statue known as the Kamakura Daibutsu, a National Treasure, is the temple’s principal object of worship and depicts a seated Amitabha. The original daibutsu was made of wood and was destroyed by a typhoon. The copper form of the current statue first began to be cast in 1252. This figure, too, was damaged by typhoons and earthquakes but was repaired each time, leading to its current excellent condition. The interior of the statue can be viewed and from here visitors can see evidence of the repairs that have been made.

Kotoku-in, the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) Temple - the landmark of Kamakura. I took a bus from the train station which is also a bus terminal, in fact several buses go past that area. Had to pay an...
Zenkoji Temple

4.5

1970 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Naganomotoyoshichou 491-b

"Located in Nagano City, this temple does not belong to any sect. Any sect is free to worship here, which has received veneration for having Japan's oldest Ikko Sanson Amida Nyorai as the main deity. During the Edo period, it was said that ""once in your life, visit Zenkoji Temple,"" The ""oasaji"" is performed every day during the sunrise. If you purchase a ticket for the inner sanctum, you can worship up close. The ""zenritsu honzon"" is performed once every seven years. About 15 minutes by bus from JR Nagano Station."

This temple is absolutely beautiful and our favourite so far having visited many of the shrines and temples in Tokyo. There are much less tourists here which gives you the opportunity to savour and...
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

4.0

57 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Kiyomizu 1-294

A famous Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The temple is said to have been started when the priest Enchin enshrined a thousand-armed statue of Kannon above the Otowa Waterfall in 778. The main temple nave enshrines a standing figure of an eleven-faced Kannon and is built in the elegant Shinden-zukuri style. The Kiyomizu Stage jutting out over the Cliffside offers a sweeping view of the streets of Kyoto and blooming cherry trees, verdant plant life, or autumn foliage depending on the season, making it a popular photo spot. The three channeled Otowa Waterfall is said to provide benefits such as long life and people line up to drink its waters. Bustling with students on a school excursion as well as tourists both domestic and international, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist sites.

Its great fun watching everyone queueing for these three streams - which one will they want to go for? Apparently you should only choose one!
Byodoin

4.5

1647 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Ujishi Uji Renge 116

A Buddhist temple located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture that was founded in 1052 when Fujiwara no Michinaga, the father of Fujiwara no Yorimichi, turned a villa he had inherited into a temple. Due to the pessimism of the time which believed the world was coming to an end, Pure Land Buddhism grew in popularity, and the temple’s hall was designed to recreate the Western Paradise, a key aspect of the faith. The luxurious hall enshrines a seated figure of Amitabha created by the Buddhist sculptor Jocho. Most of the original temple excluding the main hall, Kannon hall, and bell tower were destroyed by fire. In the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan, however, visitors can view a Chinese Phoenix depicted on the ceiling and temple bell (National Treasures) as well as 26 of the 52 floating bodhisattva figures suspended from the ceiling of the main hall.

I visited Byodoin Jinja early April 2023. While the cherry blossoms had bloomed early here in UJi a fair amount were still at close to full bloom. In addition there was lovely blooming lavender on...
Rokuon-ji Temple (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

4.5

28 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Kinkakujichou 1

This temple began when third generation shogun of the Muromachi shogunate Ashikaga Yoshimitsu inherited the Saionji family's mountain villa and called the villa “Kitayamadono.” After his death it was changed into a Zen temple named “Rokuonji.” The reliquary hall is a three-story building shining beautifully in gold and looks pretty reflected in the Kyokoike (mirror pond). This brilliant architecture was a symbol of Kitayama culture but burned down in a 1950 fire, then was rebuilt in 1955. In 1994 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was nice to sit quietly and have a bowl of matcha tea and a sweet while finishing our visit at kinkaku-ji. It wasnt busy at all despite the huge crowds at the temple and the tea was lovely.
Zojoji Temple

4.0

2177 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Minato-ku Shibakouen 4-7-35

This temple that belongs to the Jodo sect is located in Shiba Park in Tokyo’s Minato City and is situated close to the base of Tokyo Tower. Zojoji Temple was founded by the monk Yuyo Shoso shonin in 1393 as an orthodox and fundamental nembutsu seminary for the Jodo sect. It used to be a large-scale temple with more than 120 buildings and more than 100 dormitories, and structures such as the Important Cultural Property Sangedatsumon (Three Gates of Liberation) that escaped damage from the war and the reconstructed main hall give an indication of the temple’s former glory. Tokyo Tower can be seen in the background behind the main hall, making this a popular photo spot. Inside the temple is the mausoleum of the Tokugawa family which contains six of the 15 Tokugawa shoguns.

A temple that is far from all the attractions in the city In my opinion it is worth a visit not only because of its days but because of its place and its message The temple is dedicated to babies...
To-ji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji Temple)

4.5

1646 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Minami-ku Kujouchou 1

This Buddhist temple is the only remaining structure built during the days of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo (the former name of the city of Kyoto) and officially named Kyo-o gokoku-ji Temple. The temple was registered as a World Heritage site in 1994. The temple’s numerous National Treasures are worthy of note, such as its Kondo Hall (Main Hall), Daishido Hall (Miei House), and five tier pagoda, which is 55 meters (187 feet) tall and is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. Some of the temple’s many other historic and cultural assets include the southern gate and lecture hall, both registered as Important Cultural Properties.

this place was absolutely gorgeous. It was established towards the end of the 8th Century, with it being the only remaining site from the original Heiankyo. (meaning that it existed since Kyoto...
Eikando Zenrin-ji

4.5

1727 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Eikandouchou 48

The head temple of Nishiyama Zenrinji Pure Land Sect of Buddhism, located in Eikando Town, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. The temple was erected by Shinsho, a disciple of the famed priest Kukai, in 853 to serve as a Pure Land Sect dojo. Thereafter, a man named Eikan joined the priesthood and began engaging in philanthropic works while spreading Pure Land Buddhism and encouraging people to pray to Amitabha. Accordingly, the name “Eikando” is derived from his name. The temple is famous for its standing figure of Amitabha, which is looking back over its shoulder. An exhibit of the temple’s treasure house is held in November. The temple has also been famous for its autumn foliage since ancient times.

One of famous autumn leaves temple. Here is special to maintain trees during year for autumn season. It’s said water is impotent for red leaves if few rain they put water to a lot of trees. There are...
Hasedera Temple

4.5

1733 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 3-11-2

Hasedera Temple is located around five minutes’ walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line. Besides the Kannon Hall, which houses an impressive statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) with eleven heads, the temple complex also includes six other main buildings, including the Amida-do, Taikoku-do, and Benten-do buildings. Hasedera Temple is situated in one of the most scenic parts of Kamakura, and there is an observation platform with spectacular views of Kamakura’s streets and coastline. With beautiful trees and flowers that change with the seasons, the Hasedera Temple has been called “Kamakura’s Western Paradise,” and is affectionately known as the “temple of flowers.”

Really great place to visit in Kamakura its a must see! The temple is beautiful however it also has a fantastic view next to it of the coastline which is great for some photos. There is also a...
Kodai-ji Zen Temple

4.5

1499 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji Shimogawara-machi 526

This temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City was founded in 1606 to pray for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's happiness in the next life by his wife, Nene. Along with a mausoleum for the both of them, you can also visit the front gate of former Fushimi castle, the Kasatei teahouse, the Shiguretei teahouse, the Kaisando hall which holds favorite mementos of the two, and the Mizukidai pavilion (all of which are Important Cultural Properties of Japan). The fine gold lacquer work on the Buddha dais and miniature shrine within the mausoleum are masterpieces of Momoyama-period artwork and known as Kodai-ji Temple Makie. The garden on site surrounding a small pond is not to be missed and has been nationally designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty as well as a Historic Site. It is lit up during the sakura cherry blossom season in spring, at night in summer, during the gorgeous foliage season in fall, and on New Year's Eve.

This is a smaller but beautiful temple in the heart of Kyoto. There are nice walking trails through the complex.
Ninna-ji Temple

4.5

1264 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Omuroouchi 33

This temple built in 888 by Emperor Uda is also known as Omuro Gosho. It is a World Heritage site and head temple of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism, with a number of Important Cultural Properties on the expansive grounds including the National Treasure main building, five-storied pagoda, Goei-do building and Deva gate. The late blooming “Omuro Sakura” cherry blossom are best seen from mid to late April, and in autumn one can enjoy the beautiful and symbolic Kyoto sight of red and yellow leaves covering the road up to the main temple.

Plenty of things to do here. If you go in April you may want to go to Omuro Zakura (Cherry Blossoms) as well. I went there on a rainy Tuesday but I still enjoyed it. There werent as many tourists as...
Kohfukuji Temple

4.0

1332 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Noboriojichou 48

This is a temple located in Nara City. Yamashina-dera Temple has its origin as a temple that was established in Kyoto in 669 by the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari. The temple was destroyed by fires many times and was rebuilt, after which it ended up similar to temple ruins during the anti-Buddhist movement in the Meiji period, although the Tokon-do Hall, the five-storied pagoda, the Hokuen-do Hall and the three-storied pagoda which survived have been designated as National Treasures. The five-storied pagoda which is illuminated at night-time has become a symbol of Nara. There are also many Buddhist images enshrined at the temple which have been designated as National Treasures and Cultural Assets such as the Ashura statue.

A short, 5-minute walk from the train station. The grounds themselves are free, but there is a fee to enter a few of the buildings. The National Treasure Museum exceeded my expectations and had a...
Kenninji Temple

4.5

1004 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamato Daicho Route Shijo Shimo Le Komatsu Town

A Rinzai Sect Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture and the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Erected thanks to funds donated by the Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie in 1202, the temple was founded by the priest Eisai and was modeled after Song China’s holy Mt. Bozhang. The temple is famous for its Image of Raijin and Fujin, a National Treasure created by famed painter Tawaraya Sotatsu, as well as its numerous other sliding screen paintings and treasures designated Important Cultural Properties. The temple is also well known for the beauty of its Japanese gardens, including a dry landscape garden containing a delicate arrangement of white sand, moss, and boulders. The imperial envoy gate contains arrow marks and is built with a gabled roof. The abbot’s chamber, moved here from the Ankoku-ji Temple in old Aki Province, and the Image of Paired Dragons, 108 tatami mats in size and painted on ceiling of the lecture hall in 2002, are both must-sees.

It seems this lovely temple is managing to avoid the hordes. We arrived at 10am on opening, removed our shoes and wandered the beautiful buildings, tatami mats, artworks and incredible roof painting...
Sanzen-in Monzeki (Sanzen-in Temple)

4.5

833 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Ohararaikouinchou 540

This Buddhist temple’s origin dates back to the Enryaku period (782–806), when the priest Saicho opened a temple in the To-do on Mt. Hiei; the temple moved to its current location in 1871. The temple grounds are filled with historic buildings, including the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall and reception halls for Imperial and regular guests. The Amida Hall on the south side of the grounds houses a figure of Amitabha flanked by two attendants, a National Treasure. There are numerous other highlights, including the beautiful moss-covered Shuheki-en and Yusei-en gardens. Seasonal flowers and natural beauty can be enjoyed on the temple’s grounds year round, as well, including cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage in autumn.

The great thing about Sanzen-in is that each way one looks, the view is different. This visit (not our first) it was a chilly day and we were grateful for the hot tea served. Take your time here...
Chuson-ji Temple

4.5

795 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Koromonoseki 202

This temple was reportedly founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi, a monk associated with Enryaku-ji Temple in Hieizan (Mt. Hiei). Fujiwara Kiyohira is said to have laid the substantial foundation of the temple. Sights on the premises include the Konjikido, which has been designated as a National Treasure, and the Sankozo, which houses a collection of more than 3,000 cultural properties left by the Oshu Fujiwara lords. In 2011 the cultural heritage of Hiraizumi including Chuson-ji Temple was registered as a World Heritage Site.

The Temple is made up of a few buildings, surrounded by forest. To reach the temple,one has to walk up a slope, which is equiped with rope and anti-slip feature. There is also a lookout pavilion...
Chion-in temple

4.0

717 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Rinkachou 400

This Buddhist temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City is the head temple of the Jodo Pure-land Buddhist Sect. It was founded on the grounds where Pure-land Sect founder Honen built a thatched hut and passed away. After his death the Tokugawa family expanded the grounds and began construction of what would be the large-scale temple. National Treasures of Japan on the ground include the Miedo Hall and the three main gates before the temple while the Karamon gate and the great bellower have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. A definite point to see are the three two-story wooden gates before the temple, which are the largest in Japan. * The Miedo Hall is closed for repair until 2020.

We stumbled upon this active temple while walking through the area. We were able to witness a Buddhist prayer session and the temple was beautiful too.
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

4.5

788 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Horikawa Nagaya-machi Town Down

The head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji sect of Buddhism believed to have originally been built as the mausoleum of the priest Shinran Shonin in 1272. After repeated relocations including Osaka and Wakayama, the temple was moved to its current location in 1591 with a donation from Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1591. The Nishi Hongwanji Temple (officially Ryukokuzan Hongwanji Temple) is the site of numerous Azuchi-Momoyama period structures designated National Treasures, including the Goei-do hall, Amidado-hall, the Kitano Stage (Japan’s oldest Noh stage), and study. The study’s garden is a traditional dry landscape garden and is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. In 1995, the entire grounds of the shrine were registered as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” World Heritage listing.

We came to see this temple after visiting the Higashi Hongonji. There were rather a lot of tents, which rather spoiled the ancient ambience of the complex; also making photography...
Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine

4.5

554 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Honguchouhongu

This Shinto shrine is one of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Known as the first stop on the penance-filled Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, since ancient times this shrine has been visited by countless worshipers of the Kumano faith, which seeks to achieve self-enlightenment through penance. The main building was erected in the Asuka period and was relocated to its current location after being damaged in the Great Flood of 1889. After climbing 158 stone steps through a cedar forest, the shrine’s four hinoki bark-thatched buildings will appear, which enshrine Ketsumiko no okami and the shrine’s three other chief gods.

This shrine is very nice and even 3 of 5 parts are from origin (saved by the flood) , this worth it to come. You can smell the tree odor in this shrine. Roof are amazing