Temple Spots in Kyoto Area

Area

Kyoto
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
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  Fukushima
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  Tottori
  
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  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Shoren-in Temple

4.5

776 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Awataguchisanjoubouchou 69-1

Together with the Sanzen-in Temple and Myoho-in Temple, the Shoren-in Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple. Because it served as a temporary Imperial palace in the Edo period, it is also called the “Old Kurita Imperial Palace.” This highly formal temple is deeply tied to the Imperial household—since ancient times, the temple’s head priest was a member of the Imperial household or a line of Imperial regents and advisors. The entire spacious approximately 33,000 square meter grounds are a nationally designated Historic Site. The highlights of the grounds are the temple’s two gardens which give visitors the chance to enjoy beautiful, seasonal scenery. One is a traditional circular strolling garden with a central pond created by Soami in the Muromachi period. The other, the Kirhishima-no-niwa, was created by Kobori Enshu (formally, Masakazu). Each year in spring and autumn, the gardens are lit up at night by approximately 1,000 lights large and small, creating magical sights.

This temple looks more like a traditional Japanese home with tatami mats and open walls into garden. This is a must do if you want a glimpse into historical Japan.
Higashi Honganji Temple

4.0

769 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasuma-dori Seven Rises

Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism. The “Goeido” housing an image of sect founder Shinran is said to be one of the world’s largest wooden buildings with dimensions north-south of 76 meters, east-west of 58 meters, and a height of 38 meters. It was occasionally devastated by fire, and the current building is a reconstruction from the Meiji period. The gate outside Goeido, “Goeidomon,” is one of Kyoto’s three large gates.

Our taxi driver dropped us off here while he waited. It was near closing time so we had to rush. The massive scale of this temple is quite impressive. The decor is beautiful and you really have a...
Kurama-dera Temple

4.5

402 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kuramahonchou 1074

A Buddhist temple whose origin dates back to 770 when Gantei (Jiàn zhēng) shonin, the leading disciple of the Chinese priest Ganjin (Jiàn zhēn) wajyo, enshrined a statue of Bishamonten (Vaisravana: the guardian god of Buddhism) here. Thereafter, in 796, Chief of Temple Construction Fujiwara no Isendo had an additional temple building constructed here enshrining a figure of Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). The temple is known for its legends regarding a tengu (long-nosed goblin) and Ushiwakamaru (young Minamoto no Yoshitsune), and there are sites along the mountain trail leading to the inner sanctuary from behind the main temple building connected to him. The “path of 99 bends,” which famed author and court lady Sei Shonagon described as being “short yet long” in her Pillow Book, extends for approximately one kilometer between the main temple gate and the main temple building, but visitors may also ride a cable car up to the temple’s two tier pagoda. A renowned “power spot,” this popular site is visited by great numbers of people each year.

Beautiful walk up the mountain. You pass shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples in which the priests chant the Heart Sutra, up to the main complex with beautiful view over the green valley. If you have...
Tenryu-ji Temple

4.5

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagatenryujisusukinobabachou 68

The head temple of Rinzai Tenryuji Buddhsim. The temple is one of the foremost sightseeing locations in the Saga Arashiyama area. The temple was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to memorialize Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple was founded as the first of the five Kyoto Gozan premier temples and the spacious grounds encompassed over 150 sub-temples, but these were all lost in a series of later fires. The various temple buildings standing today were reconstructed in the Meiji period; the abbot’s chamber enshrines a seated figure of Gautama Buddha created in the Fujiwara period. The temple’s circular garden, built around a central pond, is a designated Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty and makes use of Mt. Arashiyama and Mt. Kameyama in the background. The garden looks the same as it did approximately 700 years ago when it was first created by Muso Kokushi.

Walking quietly through these gardens can lead you to a deep need for meditation! The gardens are incredibly intricate and I expect, offer something different in each season. This is the kind of...
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

4.5

291 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagatorimotofukatanichou 2-5

A Tendai Buddhist temple located in Sagano in Kyoto Prefecture that has attracted many faithful since the Heian period (794–1185) for providing protection against misfortune. The temple gained its name, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, from the priest Senkan, who was ordered to restore the temple after it was damaged by the flooding of the Kamo River and who constantly intoned the nenbutsu prayer. The temple’s principle object of worship is a thousand-armed figure of Kannon warding away evil. The grounds are filled with 1,200 arhat figures, each with a differing expression. Surrounded by Japanese irises in spring and autumn foliage in fall, the sight of these friendly statues brings comfort to visitors.

Located a bit away from the center of Arashiyama, maybe 15-20 minutes walk, but it is totally worth it. Such a calm place, without crowds of tourists.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

4.5

30 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kamigyou-ku Bakurochou

Popularly known as “Kitano no Tenjin-san,” this Shinto shrine is located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. The shrine was founded in 947. It is also the head shrine of all 12 thousand Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines throughout the country dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of scholarship. The shrine is frequented by students and test-takers not only during entrance exam season in winter but throughout the year. The main shrine, erected in 1607, is a National Treasure and a magnificent example of Momoyama architecture. Famed for its Japanese apricot blossoms, a gorgeous open air tea ceremony is performed by Kamishichiken geisha at the shrine during the Plum Blossom Festival on February 25. The shrine also bustles with numerous street stalls and people during the Tenjin Market, opened every month on the 25th.

It was actually pouring down rain the day we went to this flea market but we still had a great time. There were tons of booths with lots of interesting and different things to purchase at a...
Saiho-ji Temple (Kokedera / Moss Temple)

4.5

271 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Matsuojingatanichou 56

Saiho-ji Temple was first opened by Gyoki in the Nara period and then restored in 1339 by Muso kokushi (Muso Soseki). Covered by 120 kinds of beautiful green moss, it has acquired the name “Koke-dera” (moss temple). The two level garden, designated as one of Japan’s special areas of scenic beauty, is separated into an upper dry landscape garden and lower garden with central pond. In the autumn season, visitors’ hearts are stolen by the sight of red and yellow leaved trees contrasted against the green moss. Note that visits require booking in advance.

The temple grounds were overrun with tourists in 1977, so the monks established an elaborate system of reserving a space for a 10:00 a.m or 1:00 p.m. visit. You write a request to the monastery with...
Kegon-ji Temple (Suzumushi-dera Temple)

4.0

307 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Matsumurojikechou 31

A Rinzai Buddhist temple in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City. Some 50 thousand bell crickets are bred on the temple grounds annually, and due to their songs, audible not just in autumn but throughout the year, the temple has come to be known as the Suzumushi-dera (Bell Cricket Temple). In addition to a figure of Dainichi-nyorai (Voirocana), the main object of worship, the temple also enshrines a statue of Jizobosatsu (Kshitigarbha), and the temple attracts Kshitigarbha worshipers from around the nation as well as persons seeking aid with university entry, attaining better fortune, and finding a suitable partner. The temple is famous for its “Happy Kshitigarbha,” the only one in Japan to be depicted wearing straw sandals and said to grant a single wish, as well as its Suzumushi-seppo (Bell Cricket Sermons) given by priests, and the temple actively welcomes worshipers.

Because there are many crickets, this temple is called Suzumushidera. When you go inside, you are obliged to take a seat and listen to a discourse of a bonze for a half hour. It smells a little bit a...

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Temple Temple

Kyoto Areas

Its wooden tea houses, shuffling geisha, and spiritual sights have seen Kyoto hailed as the heart of traditional Japan, a world apart from ultramodern Tokyo. Despite being the Japanese capital for over a century, Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II, leaving behind a fascinating history which can be felt at every turn, from the fully gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple down to traditional customs such as geisha performances and tea ceremonies, which are still practiced to this day.