Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

Several hundred structures are scattered across Mt. Hiei

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.

Make your wishes at Nariai-ji Temple

A temple famous for its Bone Buddhas

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

Don't miss seeing the resting place for Shinsengumi members, Mibu-zuka

Famous for its early blossoming cherry trees, which signify the coming of spring

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.

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

Featuring a wooden statue of a historical Shogun from the Ashikaga period

One of the last temples to prohibit entry to women

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

Famous for the bell that angered Ieyasu

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.

The roads are covered with colorful leaves in autumn

A Zen temple of the Rinzai School built in the scenic area of Arashimaya in Kyoto. It was built by Takauji Ashikaga in memory of the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo.

The mountain villa of Minamoto no Toru, the model for Hikaru Genji

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.

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves