Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

Famous for a painted fusuma from Tohaku Hasegawa

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.

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

Enjoy the burning red foliage in autumn and the cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring

Blessed with knowledge by Monju

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

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

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.

An ancient temple with a beautiful garden, connected to Murasaki Shibibu

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

The historic, symbolic spot of Namba. Always popular with tourists

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

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.

Two different windows overlooking a garden

Tadao Ando designed this temple's main hall

This ancient temple was erected by Empress Komyo