Best Temples Spot List

Autumn colors light up the moss garden in this temple's garden of enlightenment

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

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.

A temple founded in Higashiyama by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nene, to mourn his passing and pray for his soul. The nighttime illuminations in spring, summer and fall are beautiful to see.

Two different windows overlooking a garden

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

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.

The head temple of the Rinzai sect's Tofuku-ji School, which has Japan's largest monastery and oldest San-mon gate. It is known as one of Kyoto's best places to view autumn leaves.

An ancient temple supported by common people

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara

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

A beautiful temple like the Pure Land itself that illustrates the prosperity of the Fujiwara regency during the late Heian Period.

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.

A temple located in the holy mountain of Kurama in Kyoto. Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have trained here, and visitors can feel the vibrant energy of nature and the universe.

Beloved Buddha artifacts inside the school of Heijo Palace

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.”

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

This temple is one of the Three Mountains of the Kanto region for the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism and is well-known as a temple to ward off evil. Enjoy the shops in the surrounding streets after attending a Goma Rite (a ceremony in which Goma wood is burned in a fireplace on the Goma platform).

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

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