Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

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 nation’s head Koyasan Shingon-shu temple

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.

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

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

The first of 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Seiganto-ji is an ever-popular destination for worshipers

The main temple of the Shingon Sect of the Daigo School of Buddhism that stretches across Mt. Daigo. Famous for its cherry blossoms, Hideyoshi Toyotomi used to hold spring parties here to enjoy the trees when they are in bloom.

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

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

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

The graceful standing statue of Gigeiten is a must-see attraction

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

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

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

The head temple of the Jodo sect, founded at the place where Honen Shonin passed away. The magnificent monastery was built under the wing of the Tokugawa family.

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

Check out the ”Sento Kuyo” ceremony on summer nights

Famous for a painted fusuma from Tohaku Hasegawa

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms