Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

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

An ancient temple supported by common people

One of the Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect that enshrines the National Treasure Amida Sanzon (Amida Triad) statue in eternal tranquility.

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

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

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.

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.

Make your wishes at Nariai-ji Temple

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

A temple built upon the request of Emperor Tenmu during the Hakuho Period. Reconstructed in recent years, the temple structures showcase beautiful, vibrant colors.

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.

Tie your prayers under the branches of the willow trees

Many people visit to receive divine blessing from the “kachi daruma”, said to bring good luck

This temple guesthouse is home to national treasures

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

Famous for its tea room, ”Hasso-no-seki”

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

A temple famous for its Bone Buddhas

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.