Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

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

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

Shitenno-ji Temple is the oldest state-built Buddhist temple in Japan, established in 593 by Prince Shotoku. The architectural structures seen today are faithful reproductions of the temple's original appearance.

The roads are covered with colorful leaves in autumn

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.”

Blessed with knowledge by Monju

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

A grand temple complex established on Mount Koya some 900 years ago

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

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

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

Beloved Buddha artifacts inside the school of Heijo Palace

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.

The nation’s head Koyasan Shingon-shu temple

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

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.