Best Temples Spot List

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

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

An ancient temple supported by common people

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

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

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.

A Zen temple of the Rinzai Sect of Buddhism, world famous for its traditional rock garden.

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

Many people visit to receive divine blessing from the “kachi daruma”, said to bring good luck

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

Himeji’s famous mountain-top temple

Two different windows overlooking a garden

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

A temple with strings of ”monkey charms”

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

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.

Don't miss seeing the resting place for Shinsengumi members, Mibu-zuka

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery