Best Temples Spot List

The oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo best known by the Kaminarimon Gate is one of the must-visit places in Tokyo. On Nakamise Street, you can enjoy souvenir shopping and snack-joint hopping.

The head temple of the Shingon Sect's Omuro School. Holding a long association with the Imperial Household, the temple is also well known for its late-blooming cherry trees called Omuro-zakura.

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

This temple is the daihonzan (head temple) of the Kencho-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect and ranks first among the Kamakura Gozan (Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples). It has a number of national treasures, cultural assets, and historical structures. The Sanmon (three gates) are a must-see.

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

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

The main temple of the Shingon Sect of the Daigo School of Buddhism that stretches across Mt. Daigo. Famous for its cherry blossoms, Hideyoshi Toyotomi used to hold spring parties here to enjoy the trees when they are in bloom.

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

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

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

The Matsuchiyama Shoden Honryu-in Temple close to Senso-ji Temple, is recognized as a ”power spot” by the common people. On this spot they pray for the material benefits in this world. With Y-shaped daikon radishes and kinchaku (Japanese traditional style pouch) people pray for finding a suitable marriage partner and for matrimonial happiness.

A large temple in Nara featuring many structures that illustrate the culture from the Tempyo Period. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Magnificent views await at the end of the 1,015-step climb

A temple that has existed since the Warring States period and is connected to Nobunaga

One of the Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect that enshrines the National Treasure Amida Sanzon (Amida Triad) statue in eternal tranquility.

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

A soto-zen Buddhist temple, better known as Toyokawa Inari, which had been worshiped by both the mighty warriors of each era and common people of Edo-Tokyo. You can make a pilgrimage to the seven lucky gods and enjoy viewing lit paper lanterns.

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

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

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden