Best Temples Spot List

A temple built upon the request of Emperor Tenmu during the Hakuho Period. Reconstructed in recent years, the temple structures showcase beautiful, vibrant colors.

Famous for a painted fusuma from Tohaku Hasegawa

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

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

Featuring a wooden statue of a historical Shogun from the Ashikaga period

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

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

A Nichiren Buddhist temple housing Kishimojin (Hariti), the deity of easy childbirth. Steeped in nature, Kishimojin-do has been a popular site for viewing cherry blossoms since the Edo period (1603-1868).

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

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.

Featuring a garden created by Motonobu Kano

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

Blessed with knowledge by Monju

A massive triple gate welcomes you to the head temple for the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism

This ancient temple was erected by Empress Komyo

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.

Hasedera or the Hasedera Temple is an old temple with a view of the ocean and the town of Hase in Kamakura. Various flowers bloom in the garden from season to season. Its principal image of worship is one of the largest wooden statues in Japan.

The historic, symbolic spot of Namba. Always popular with tourists

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

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.