Best Temples Spot List

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.

Two different windows overlooking a garden

The head temple of the Jodo sect, founded at the place where Honen Shonin passed away. The magnificent monastery was built under the wing of the Tokugawa family.

A grand temple complex established on Mount Koya some 900 years ago

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

Take a stroll through the forest-enveloped grounds

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

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

This ancient temple was erected by Empress Komyo

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

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.

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.

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

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 temple is the daihonzan (head temple) of the Kencho-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect and ranks first among the Kamakura Gozan (Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples). It has a number of national treasures, cultural assets, and historical structures. The Sanmon (three gates) are a must-see.

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

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

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

Fallen leaves on the road to the temple invite you to this high-status monzeki temple

The resting place of the Tsugaru family