Best Temples Spot List

Where the successful Hideyoshi Toyotomi worshipped the three-faced Daikokuten

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

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.

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

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

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.

Classical Zen Buddhist temple with gardens designed by Muso Kokushi. Enjoy the maple trees and seasonal flowers.

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

One of the last temples to prohibit entry to women

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.

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.

Famous for its majestic, moss-covered garden

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

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

Featuring a wooden statue of a historical Shogun from the Ashikaga period

Famous for a painted fusuma from Tohaku Hasegawa

The head temple of the Rinzai sect's Tofuku-ji School, which has Japan's largest monastery and oldest San-mon gate. It is known as one of Kyoto's best places to view autumn leaves.

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

This ancient temple was erected by Empress Komyo