Best Temples Spot List

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

A Zen temple of the Rinzai Sect of Buddhism, world famous for its traditional rock garden.

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

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.

Worshipers are charmed by the many flowers and large Kannon statue

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

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.

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara

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

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.

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 with strings of ”monkey charms”

Spend your time comfortably in the visitor's lodging at a first-class ryokan

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

Tie your prayers under the branches of the willow trees

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

Nara's symbol, the world's largest bronze statue of Rushana Daibutsu is seated in the Great Buddha Hall located in the vast grounds. The temple has been designated as a World Heritage site.

A Zen temple of the Rinzai School built in the scenic area of Arashimaya in Kyoto. It was built by Takauji Ashikaga in memory of the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo.