Best Temples around Kyoto Spot List

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

Enjoy the burning red foliage in autumn and the cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring

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.

A famous location for autumn leaves, connected to Kukai (Kobo-daishi)

The main training center for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism with its iconic five-story pagoda, the key landmark of Kyoto's scenery. The temple is known as ”Daishi's temple.”

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

Blessed with knowledge by Monju

A massive triple gate welcomes you to the head temple for the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism

Tie your prayers under the branches of the willow trees

Flowers blossom throughout the seasons at this temple, also known as “The Flower Temple”

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

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

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

Famous for its connection to Honen and it’s beauty in autumn

A temple located in the holy mountain of Kurama in Kyoto. Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have trained here, and visitors can feel the vibrant energy of nature and the universe.

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

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

An ancient temple known as an exemplary viewing spot for autumn leaves since the Heian period.

The Osawa-no-ike Pond is famous for its cherry blossoms and moon-viewing pavilion

Established by Emperor Shirakawa during the Heian Period, the temple's name derives from the ingo (posthumous Buddhist name) of Yoshiakira Ashikaga, the second shogun of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun). While exploring the precinct, you'll find the graves of Yoshiakira and Masatsura Kusunoki, the busho (military commander) of Nancho (Southern Court) located next to each other. Masatsura was much respected by Yoshiakira even though he was an enemy general. During autumn, the maple leaves turn a striking red (visitors are not allowed to bring in a tripod stand or a unipod).