Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

Blessed with knowledge by Monju

The scattered fallen leaves in autumn are beautiful

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.

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

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.

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

A little-known temple hidden deep in the mountains

Two different windows overlooking a garden

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

A vault of many national cultural artifacts from the Nara period

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

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).

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

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

This famous shrine blossoms in full glory from season to season with its flowers

Offer a prayer to Japan's largest Buddha statue in its oldest temple

The orderly lineup of 1001 thousand-armed Kannon is superb

See “Thunder of the Dragon” during special viewings

Nara’s Great Buddha is seated here

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