Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

An ancient temple known as an exemplary viewing spot for autumn leaves since the Heian period.

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

A Zen temple of the Rinzai Sect of Buddhism, world famous for its traditional rock garden.

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

Where the successful Hideyoshi Toyotomi worshipped the three-faced Daikokuten

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

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.

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

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

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

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

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 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.”

Himeji’s famous mountain-top temple

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

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 spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum