Best Architecture around Kansai Spot List

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

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

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

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

Successive generations of emperors lived at the site of these historical remains

Known for its god that brings economic blessings

Inherit Hikaru Genji's luck in love

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

A crimson tower glistening in the ocean and sky

The head shrine of all the Inari-jinja shrines across Japan. Its approximately 1,000 photogenic torii gates (an archway to a Shinto shrine) attract many visitors.

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.

Encounter a god of matchmaking in a busy district

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

Autumn colors light up the moss garden in this temple's garden of enlightenment

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

Nara's symbol, the world's largest bronze statue of Rushana Daibutsu is seated in the Great Buddha Hall located in the vast grounds. The temple has been designated as a World Heritage site.

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.

Two different windows overlooking a garden

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism