Best Temples Spot List

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

One of the Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect that enshrines the National Treasure Amida Sanzon (Amida Triad) statue in eternal tranquility.

The main temple of the Shingon Sect of the Daigo School of Buddhism that stretches across Mt. Daigo. Famous for its cherry blossoms, Hideyoshi Toyotomi used to hold spring parties here to enjoy the trees when they are in bloom.

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.

Famous for the bell that angered Ieyasu

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

A temple of the Nichiren sect on Mt. Ogura in Sagano. It is well-known for ”Hyakunin Isshu” (a collection of 100 poems by 100 different poets). In autumn, the nearby mountains awash with brilliant red leaves.

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara

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

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

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

The scattered fallen leaves in autumn are beautiful

This is a temple erected at the wish of Keishoin, the real mother of Shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. The main hall, remaining in its original state from the Genroku period, has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

The graceful standing statue of Gigeiten is a must-see attraction

Worshipers are charmed by the many flowers and large Kannon statue

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

Check out the ”Sento Kuyo” ceremony on summer nights

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

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