Best Temples Spot List

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

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

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).

The mountain villa of Minamoto no Toru, the model for Hikaru Genji

Magnificent views await at the end of the 1,015-step climb

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

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

Shitenno-ji Temple is the oldest state-built Buddhist temple in Japan, established in 593 by Prince Shotoku. The architectural structures seen today are faithful reproductions of the temple's original appearance.

An ancient temple supported by common people

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

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.

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

A large temple in Nara featuring many structures that illustrate the culture from the Tempyo Period. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

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

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.

You can experience making a Buddhist rosary using genuine stones, while looking at the graceful garden

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).