Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

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

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

A temple with strings of ”monkey charms”

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

Fallen leaves on the road to the temple invite you to this high-status monzeki temple

The graceful standing statue of Gigeiten is a must-see attraction

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

Famous for the bell that angered Ieyasu

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.”

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

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).

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 vault of many national cultural artifacts from the Nara period

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

An inn within the temple complex

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

The head temple of Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji School and affectionately referred to as ”Onishi-san” in the Shichijo Horikawa district.

Famous for its national treasure, a statue of Miroku Bosatsu

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