Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

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

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

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

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

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

Nara's symbol, the world's largest bronze statue of Rushana Daibutsu is seated in the Great Buddha Hall located in the vast grounds. The temple has been designated as a World Heritage site.

A temple of the Nichiren sect on Mt. Ogura in Sagano. It is well-known for ”Hyakunin Isshu” (a collection of 100 poems by 100 different poets). In autumn, the nearby mountains awash with brilliant red leaves.

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

A famous location for autumn leaves, connected to Kukai (Kobo-daishi)

The roads are covered with colorful leaves in autumn

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

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

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

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.

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

The Osawa-no-ike Pond is famous for its cherry blossoms and moon-viewing pavilion

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

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.