Temple Spots in Kyoto Area

Area

Kyoto
- 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

Rengeji Temple

4.0

87 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kamitakanohachimanchou 1

Rengeji Temple is known for its distinctive Rengeji-style garden lanterns, once loved by tea ceremony masters. The pond garden created by Jozan Ishikawa with walking path is surrounded by maple trees, and the pond’s reflection of green in early summer and red in autumn are sights to behold.

This is a small temple with a beautiful garden on the edge of Kyoto.Bus stop Karasuma Matsubara to Kanbashi. Make sure you take the correct bus, the one that follows the Kamo River and the Takano...
Kaju-ji Temple

4.0

70 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Yamashina-ku Kanshujinioudouchou 27-6

A Buddhist temple located in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, and the head temple of the Yamashina Shingon sect of Buddhism. Erected in 900 by Emperor Daigo to pray for the happiness of his true mother, Fujiwara no Taneko, in the next life, the temple is thus connected to both the imperial household and the Fujiwara clan. The temple’s Mountain Gate stands in front of the road to the temple, which is enclosed by roofed mud walls. A stone lantern with long shade presented by the Daimyo Tokugawa Mitsukuni stands in the front garden of the temple study, an Important Cultural Property. The grounds also feature a traditional strolling garden built around a central pond called the Himuronoike which is famous for the beauty of its sacred lotus and rabbitear iris blossoms. During the Heian period, ice from the pond would be presented to the imperial court on January 2 and its thickness was believed to predict whether the year’s harvest would be a bumper crop.

Spring is obviously the best time to visit this slightly out of the way temple.The garden is unusual as it is a stroll-thru, as opposed to most other temple gardens which are made for viewing only...
Gansenji Temple

4.5

73 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kidugawashi Kamochouiwafune Kaminomon 43

This temple of the Shingon Risshu sect is located in Kamo Town, Kizugawa City, Kyoto. It is famous for its hydrangeas, which has earned it the nickname “Hydrangea Temple.” It is not clear when it was constructed, but it is said it was founded when high priest Gyoki was instructed by Emperor Shomu to build a hall dedicated to Amitabha in the southern region of Narukawa. You’ll find three-storied pagodas from the Muromachi period, a statue of Amitabha Tathagata, and other Important Cultural Properties. The temple grounds are filled with seasonal blooms, including cherry blossoms, camellias, water lilies, and various fall foliage, and approximately 5,000 hydrangeas blossom during the rainy season, the best time to view them.

If you visit Joruriji temple, must go to this temple as well, just 7 minutes bus ride. Spare more time to travel around the village to see the Buddhas crafted on caves, it’s a walking route. But I...
Koshoji Temple

4.0

80 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Ujishi Uji Yamada 27-1

Koshoji is a temple located in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. It was the first temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism built in Japan, founded by Dogen as Kosho Horinji Temple. Its principle image is that of Sakyamuni and two bodhisattvas. The path to this temple is famous for its tree buds and cherry blossoms in the spring and for its colorful leaves in the fall. Among its religious offerings are meditation retreats on the first and third Mondays of the month and sampler sessions of zazen that are open to the public.

This is a big temple with nice and serene temple grounds in the city but surprisingly is not as crowded as other temples and also very few foreign visitors. We passed by this temple after visiting...
Umenomiya-taisha Shrine

4.0

63 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Umedu Fugeno River Town 30

A Shinto shrine standing in the Umezu area of western Kyoto famous as the guardian shrine of the Tachibana clan. The shrine was originally built in the Ide-cho neighborhood of Tsuzuki-gun and was later moved to its current location by Tachibana no Kachiko (Empress Danrin). As Kachiko prayed here for a son and later gave birth to Emperor Ninmyo, the shrine is believed to grant divine benefit in being blessed with children and having an easy childbirth. The shrine celebrates a custom in which women who wish to be blessed with children step over a grouping of stones called the “matage-ishi” (“straddling stones”) and receive a packet of sand believed to aid in achieving conception. The shrine is also believed to aid in sake brewing and a variety of ceremonies are performed here relating to sake. Umenomiya Shrine is also renowned for its beautiful rabbitear irises. Many visitors come to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the shrine grounds—cherry tree blossoms and azaleas in the spring, French hydrangeas and Japanese irises in the summer, and the autumn foliage in the fall.

梅宮大社は、特に梅とカキツバタの名所として有名です。境内には人慣れした9匹の猫がいて、猫好きにはとても癒される場所です。
Koetsuji Temple

4.0

79 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Takagaminekouetsuchou 29

Cultural figure Koetsu Honami built a thatched house on this land at the beginning of the Edo period, which later became the Hokke Daimoku-do Hall. There are seven teahouses on the grounds, and in the autumn changing leaves season the cobblestone walkways swathed in red and yellow hues is a beautiful sight.

The Entrance was in full Splender with lovely red Momiji fluttering in the morning sun. Stepping on the diamond-patterned stones leading to the thatched bell tower, we leave modern Kyoto behind...
Rokudochinnoji Temple

4.0

75 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamato-shi Shinjoji Shimojo Le 4 - chome Komatsu cho 595

A sub-temple of the Kennin-ji Temple popularly known as the Rokudo-san (“Rokudo Temple”). Because of its location, once the entranceway to Toribeno, the burial ground of ancient Kyoto, the temple was viewed as the “intersection between the six realms”—the connection point between this world and the world of the dead. There is a well on the grounds which legend has it early Heian period noble, scholar, and poet Ono no Takamura used to travel to and from the world of the dead, and the temple’s Enma-do hall contains figures of Takamura in addition to King Yama, judge of the afterlife. Each year from August 7 to 10, the Rokudo-mairi ceremony is conducted, and many people come to the temple to ring the “Welcoming Bell” which ushers in spirits from the world beyond.

冥界の入口、葬送の道に建っているお寺です。小野篁の縁で有名ですね。入った途端に不思議な気が満ち満ちています。たまたま六道参りの最中にお邪魔したせいか、いつもの参詣とはまるで違う雰囲気に飲み込まれそうになりました(^^)
Sekizan Zen-in Temple

4.0

77 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Shugakuinkaikombouchou 18

A Tendai Buddhist temple located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City and a sub temple of the Enryaku-ji Temple. The temple was founded in 888. As seen from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the temple is located in the unlucky direction of the northeast and has come to be seen as providing powerful protection from evil. A masaru, a monkey-shaped ward against evil, carrying a gobei paper streamer and bell stands atop the roof of the front hall. The temple’s principle object of worship is a statue of Sekizan Daimyojin, which is perceived to be Fukurokuju, a member of the Seven Gods of Fortune and the god of happiness, wealth, and long live. Accordingly, the temple is also counted as one of Kyoto’s Seven Temples Dedicated to the Seven Gods of Fortune. The temples cute mikuji (fortune-telling strips) are in the shape of Fukurokuju and are quite popular with visitors.

Well-signed and easy to find with Google maps, Sekizanzenin is worth the extra wander. The grounds are very peaceful and there are a number of shrines to explore as you walk through the forest. Spend...
Shogoin Temple

4.0

54 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Shougoinnakamachi 15

Shogoin Temple is part of the eclectic Shugendo mountain tradition with its ascetic yamabushi priests. It enshrines numerous Buddhas important to the Shugendo school. They offer both free and fee-based plans for visiting. The fee-based option is available in the fall when they offer a special program (reservations not required). They hold ascetic exercises called the Katsuragi Training in spring and the Omine Okugake Training in summer. They also hold the KunimineTraining carried out by Shugendo centers nationwide once every few years.

It has a nice atmosphere and never very crowded so these would be the main reasons for stopping by. Not worth a special visit though as there are far more impressive and important places one can...
Matsunoodera Temple

4.0

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Maidurushi Matsuno 532

Said to have been established in 708, this is temple 29 of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage (33 temples in the Kinki area containing a statue of Avalokitesvara). Located halfway up Aobayama, the gohonzon or principal object of worship is a carving of a seated figure of the Batokanzeon bodhisattva (Horse-headed Kannon). The treasure hall has many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and they are displayed for approximately one month in both spring and autumn. Every year on May 8th the Hotokemai (Buddha Dance) is held when people wear masks representing Dainichi Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai and perform the dance as an offering.

徒歩で駅から約50分、バス停から約30分ぐらいで着きます。徒歩の場合は入山料無料。山門の修理は終わっていました。西国では唯一の、馬頭観音が御本尊。馬頭観音は、第四番施福寺でも拝観できますが、松尾寺の馬頭観音は片膝立ちです。近くの金剛院とのセット参拝がお勧めです。
Bishamondo Shorinji Temple

4.0

66 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Honmachi 15-795

This sub-temple on the grounds of Tofukuji Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City enshrines an image of Bishamonten. Normally, only groups can view it by appointment. However, special viewings for the public are held in spring and autumn, when many visitors come. They also hold zazen meditation and Buddhist scripture copying workshops.

I participated in the sutra/deity image copying experience at Shorin-ji. You are led to a room that opens out to a lush green, peaceful garden and spend an hour either copying the Heart Sutra (心經) or...
Inabado (Byodoji Temple)

4.0

49 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Inabadouchou 728

Located in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, Inabado, also known as Byodoji, is a temple of the Chisan branch of Shingon Buddhism, dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, one of the three major Buddhas revered in Japan. The national government has designated it an Important Cultural Property. Prayers said at this temple are said to be effective against cancer. On the eighth day of every month, cedar sticks are burned in a goma ceremony for purification, and prayers are offered.

A very well-known and popular temple for the Japanese Medicine （healing) Buddha. The bhaisajyaguru (Medicine) Buddha can heal all diseases including cancers, thus a lot of people came over this...
Daisen-in Zen Temple

3.5

99 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Murasakinodaitokujichou 54-1

Daisen-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and features a great example of a traditional dry landscape garden. The garden spreads in four directions from the main temple building, with its union of white sand and huge stones making a wonderful representation of a seas and rivers.

We felt ripped off after having visited this temple. We paid the price of admission only to be told afterwards that you couldnt take photos of the garden. I fully understand the need for this in the...
Koudo, Gyoganji Temple

4.0

56 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Nakagyo-ku Teramachi-dori Takeya Town Kameru Bokenji temple gate town

Kakudo, Gyoganji Temple is the 19th station on the Saigoku Sanjusansho pilgrimage circuit. Founded by Gyoen Shonin and originally built on Ichijo-dori Street, it has a thousand-year history. The temple was destroyed many times by war and fire, but through the fervent faith of the people it was reconstructed again and again. Designated by Kyoto City as a Tangible Cultural Property, the ceiling of the main hall is carved with depictions of flowers and birds. The principal object of worship is a Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva said to be carved by Gyoen Shonin himself.

今回の参拝は毎年恒例の都七福神の一環としての参拝。相変わらず狭い境内に多数の参拝者、この霊場だけでなく、数少ない、色々な七福神霊場にも入っている寺院です。当然「京都七福神」にも入っています。ここは寿老人をお祀りしてある。創建も古く平安時代初期、西国３３所観音霊場の第１９番札所でもあります。当初は別の場所にあったものを成り上り者の神仏を恐れぬ秀吉によって現所に強制的に移転させられた歴史がある。長寿を...
Sennyu-ji Temple

3.5

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Sennyujiyamanouchichou 27

Located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, this is the head temple of the Shingon Sennyu-ji sect of Buddhism. The temple’s principle object of worship are figures of Gautama Buddha, Amitabha, and Maitreya. The temple is said to have been founded in the Heian period (794–1185) but the real foundations were laid in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) by the priest Gachirin Daishi (Shungyo). The tombs of successive generations of emperors such as Emperor Go-Horikawa and Emperor Shijo can be found on the grounds. Long affiliated with the imperial family, the temple is also nicknamed “Mitera” (the August Temple). Famous for being part of the Seven Gods of Fortune Pilgrimage conduct each year on Coming of Age Day, it is said one can bring home luck itself by acquiring a bamboo branch decorated with tags showing it was carried to each of the temples in the pilgrimage.

１１／２０に３ねんぶりに訪問。宝物館ということにはなっていますが、一般客の目を引くような展示物はありませんでした。
Seikanji Temple

3.5

59 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Nakagyo Ward Shinkyo Pole Sakuranocho 453

This temple, the main temple of the Seizan-Fukakusa branch of the Jodo Sect, is just a 10-minute walk from the Sanjo Station and is in the middle of the Shinkyogoku Avenue. The enshrined deity is the Amida Buddha. The establishment of this temple dates back to the Asuka period. Although this is sacred land of the Jodo way, instead of being located in deep remote parts of mountains, it’s right in the midst of town, and is intimately intertwined in the lives of the community and is well beloved. For this reason, the temple is associated with historic figures, and has garnered the faithful following of such women as Seisho Nagon and Izumi Shikibu, so that it has been called the temple where women give up the ghost. It has also broadly garnered followers as the temple for improving one's art form from being extolled in Noh theater song, so that one may seek to receive the blessing of improved art skills from the fan-shaped amulet.

I stumbled upon this place by accident and I was so glad I did. Take your shoes off at the door, take in the smell of incense and the sight of the golden Buddha as you listen to the lovely...
Shoden-ji Temple

4.5

45 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Nishigamokitachinjuanchou 72

"A Buddhist temple located a 15-minute walk from the ""Jinkoin-mae"" municipal bus stop. Officially titled the Kisshozan Shoden Gokoku Zen-ji, its principal object of worship is a statue of Gautama Buddha. The main temple building was moved here from the Konchi-in and was originally that temple's smaller abbot's chambers and is famous for its ""bloody ceiling"" whose panels were originally the floorboards of a corridor where more than 380 people, who had barricaded themselves in Fushimi Castle during immediately prior to the Battle of Sekigahara, committed hara-kiri. Other highlights include a rock garden backed by Mt. Hiei with islands of trimmed satsuki azalea bushes floating on a sea of white sand representing the lucky numbers of seven, five, and three; and a screen painting by Kano Sanraku depicting China's West Lake (today located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province)."

This old temple is a highlight of Nishigamo area. There is a famous garden, which benefits the landscape of Mt. Hiei. The main building, with the paintings of Kano Sanraku, is designated as an...
Daihikaku Senkoji Temple

4.5

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamanakaoshitachou 62

This Obaku Zen temple is in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City. It's also called Daihikaku. The principal image is a thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva ascribed to Genshin, a Tendai Buddhist priest. It's built on a cliff, so it's well known as a viewpoint for taking in the scenery of the seasons.

Climbed to the temple and chanted with the monk living there! There was a matcha tea ceremony that we participated in too! We had a question and answer time were we learned the history abt the...
Rokuo-in Temple

4.0

51 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoto-shi Ukyo-ku Sagakitaboricho 24

This temple was founded as a sub-temple of Hodoji Temple by monk Fumyo Kokushi in 1379 under orders from Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The temple is home to many Important Cultural Properties of Japan and is famous for the expansive Japanese rock garden that stretches between the pathways tying the temple halls together. The straight road approaching the temple is known for its beautiful autumn colors and is relatively quiet in comparison to the rest of Arashiyama.

The temple is called the Golden Pavilion as it has two floors covered with gold foil on lacquer. Theres a tea house, the temple and some other buildings among the wooded, manicured area. An...
Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka-no-to)

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Kiyomizu Yasaka Kami-cho 388

A Buddhist temple famous for its five tier pagoda called the Yasakano-to located midway between Yasaka Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There are various theories about the origins of the Hokanji Temple, but it is generally believed to have been founded in the Asuka period (593–710) as the guardian temple of the Yasaka clan. The 46 meter tall five tier pagoda is a reconstruction built in 1440 by Ashikaga Yoshinori and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Visitors can go inside the pagoda to view a dais on which are placed figures of Mahavairocana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and amoghasiddhi—the Five Perfected Ones; as well as the interior structure of the pagoda and the great central pillar supporting it.

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.