Best Temples around Kyoto Spot List

Twin Dragons created during the Heisei period watch over Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple

One of the Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect that enshrines the National Treasure Amida Sanzon (Amida Triad) statue in eternal tranquility.

One of Kyoto's most renowned temples, located on the side of Mt. Otowa in the Higishiyama Range. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

A temple founded in Higashiyama by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nene, to mourn his passing and pray for his soul. The nighttime illuminations in spring, summer and fall are beautiful to see.

Famous for its tea room, ”Hasso-no-seki”

The head temple of the Rinzai sect, known as the highest-ranked Zen temple in Japan.

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

Fallen leaves on the road to the temple invite you to this high-status monzeki temple

Featuring a garden created by Motonobu Kano

An ancient temple with a beautiful garden, connected to Murasaki Shibibu

Two different windows overlooking a garden

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

Famous for the bell that angered Ieyasu

Don't miss seeing the resting place for Shinsengumi members, Mibu-zuka

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

A beautiful temple like the Pure Land itself that illustrates the prosperity of the Fujiwara regency during the late Heian Period.

A temple of the Nichiren sect on Mt. Ogura in Sagano. It is well-known for ”Hyakunin Isshu” (a collection of 100 poems by 100 different poets). In autumn, the nearby mountains awash with brilliant red leaves.