Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

The head temple of the Rinzai sect's Tofuku-ji School, which has Japan's largest monastery and oldest San-mon gate. It is known as one of Kyoto's best places to view autumn leaves.

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 thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

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

A temple that has existed since the Warring States period and is connected to Nobunaga

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

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.

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.”

Spend your time comfortably in the visitor's lodging at a first-class ryokan

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

Many people visit to receive divine blessing from the “kachi daruma”, said to bring good luck

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

Known for “the evening bell of Mii-dera”, one of the Eight Views of Omi

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.

Tie your prayers under the branches of the willow trees

A temple with strings of ”monkey charms”

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

Occasionally open seasonally for cherry blossom, azalea, and fall leaves viewing