Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

Two different windows overlooking a garden

Famous for its early blossoming cherry trees, which signify the coming of spring

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

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

Don't miss seeing the resting place for Shinsengumi members, Mibu-zuka

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.

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

Twin Dragons created during the Heisei period watch over Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple

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 temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

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

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.

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

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

Be healed by the wabi-sabi of this Muromachi-period elegant garden that transcends space and time

With ancient living and meditation quarters

Famous for ”The Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans”

See “Thunder of the Dragon” during special viewings