Best Temples around Kansai Spot List

The nation’s head Koyasan Shingon-shu 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.

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

A temple with strings of ”monkey charms”

The first of 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Seiganto-ji is an ever-popular destination for worshipers

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

An ancient temple known as an exemplary viewing spot for autumn leaves since the Heian period.

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

Himeji’s famous mountain-top temple

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 head temple of the Shinshu Otani sect of Buddhism is located within walking distance from Kyoto Station. The local residents refer to it affectionately as ”Ohigashi-san.”

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

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

A three-tiered pagoda and world heritage site, 1200 years old

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

Nara’s Great Buddha is seated here