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.

A Tendai sect temple with the magnificent natural monument, Yoryu no Matsu

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

A Zen temple of the Rinzai School built in the scenic area of Arashimaya in Kyoto. It was built by Takauji Ashikaga in memory of the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo.

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

Himeji’s famous mountain-top temple

An elegant temple with a Japanese rock garden and wonderful autumn foliage

Nara's symbol, the world's largest bronze statue of Rushana Daibutsu is seated in the Great Buddha Hall located in the vast grounds. The temple has been designated as a World Heritage site.

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

A temple famous for its Bone Buddhas

Zojo-ji is one of the seven Daihonzan (head temples) of Jodo-shu Buddhism and contains many designated Cultural Properties. It is also where the souls of the Tokugawa clan are mourned.

A grand temple complex established on Mount Koya some 900 years ago

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

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

The head temple of the Jodo sect, founded at the place where Honen Shonin passed away. The magnificent monastery was built under the wing of the Tokugawa family.

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

This temple guesthouse is home to national treasures

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

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.”