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

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

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

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

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.

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

One of the last temples to prohibit entry to women

The object of worship here is Amida Nyorai and the statue of Prince Shotoku in the main hall is an important cultural property

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

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

Legend has it that the temple buildings were built by Emperor Shomu. In addition to the exquisite Kamakura-Period-style Romon Gate (National Treasure) facing the old road, there is a Kamakura-Period-style thirteen-story pagoda (Important Cultural Property) towering at the center of the temple grounds. The temple is also famous for its cosmos flowers.

Established by Emperor Shirakawa during the Heian Period, the temple's name derives from the ingo (posthumous Buddhist name) of Yoshiakira Ashikaga, the second shogun of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun). While exploring the precinct, you'll find the graves of Yoshiakira and Masatsura Kusunoki, the busho (military commander) of Nancho (Southern Court) located next to each other. Masatsura was much respected by Yoshiakira even though he was an enemy general. During autumn, the maple leaves turn a striking red (visitors are not allowed to bring in a tripod stand or a unipod).

A vault of many national cultural artifacts from the Nara period

Flowers blossom throughout the seasons at this temple, also known as “The Flower Temple”

Japan's oldest convent was a gift from Prince Shotoku to his mother

See the brave figures of twelve protective deities

One of Japan's famous ancient temples, quietly nestled in Ikaruga

The Western Paradise of the Buddha Amida’s dazzling dream, a gold space that reflects upon a pond

Famous for its national treasure, a statue of Miroku Bosatsu

The oldest surviving building of Todaiji Temple. All the Buddhist statues stored here are national treasures