Best Architecture around Kansai Spot List

Where the guardian buck and doe are enshrined

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

A temple built upon the request of Emperor Tenmu during the Hakuho Period. Reconstructed in recent years, the temple structures showcase beautiful, vibrant colors.

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

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

A popular spot for taking commemorative photos

A temple famous for its Bone Buddhas

Having many children themselves, rabbits symbolize safe child-rearing here

The head temple of the Shingon Sect's Omuro School. Holding a long association with the Imperial Household, the temple is also well known for its late-blooming cherry trees called Omuro-zakura.

A large temple in Nara featuring many structures that illustrate the culture from the Tempyo Period. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The head temple of the Myoshin-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect. It is Japan's largest Zen temple, with 46 sub-temples.

The main shrine hall is a national treasure with droves of people lining up for the New Year’s shrine visit at “Sumiyossan”

An elegant temple with a Japanese rock garden and wonderful autumn foliage

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

The symbol of Osaka and loved by people as ”Mr. Taiko's castle,” the Main Tower has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan.

A beautiful castle otherwise known as Shirasagi-jo Castle. It was Japan's first UNESCO 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.

A shrine to the south of the imperial palace for gods who offer directional protection