Best Temples Spot List

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

A famous location for autumn leaves, connected to Kukai (Kobo-daishi)

Tadao Ando designed this temple's main hall

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.

Famous for its connection to Honen and it’s beauty in autumn

The temple is the oldest one in Kamakura, founded by a high priest called Gyoki. Its principal image of worship is the three figures of eleven-faced Kan'non, and the temple ground is covered with various flowers throughout the seasons.

A temple with strings of ”monkey charms”

A temple founded in Higashiyama by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nene, to mourn his passing and pray for his soul. The nighttime illuminations in spring, summer and fall are beautiful to see.

Featuring a garden created by Motonobu Kano

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

Worshipers are charmed by the many flowers and large Kannon statue

Take a stroll through the forest-enveloped grounds

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.

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

The main training center for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism with its iconic five-story pagoda, the key landmark of Kyoto's scenery. The temple is known as ”Daishi's temple.”

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).

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.

Make your wishes at Nariai-ji Temple

Blessed with knowledge by Monju