Best Temples Spot List

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

Worshipers are charmed by the many flowers and large Kannon statue

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

The object of worship here is Amida Nyorai and the statue of Prince Shotoku in the main hall is an important cultural property

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.

Twin Dragons created during the Heisei period watch over Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

Where the successful Hideyoshi Toyotomi worshipped the three-faced Daikokuten

Occasionally open seasonally for cherry blossom, azalea, and fall leaves viewing

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.

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

The head temple of the Myoshin-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect. It is Japan's largest Zen temple, with 46 sub-temples.

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

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

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

A little-known temple hidden deep in the mountains

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

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

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara