Best Temples Spot List

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

A temple located in the holy mountain of Kurama in Kyoto. Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have trained here, and visitors can feel the vibrant energy of nature and the universe.

The Osawa-no-ike Pond is famous for its cherry blossoms and moon-viewing pavilion

The scattered fallen leaves in autumn are beautiful

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

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

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

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

Famous for its tea room, ”Hasso-no-seki”

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

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

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

Take a stroll through the forest-enveloped grounds

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.

Beloved Buddha artifacts inside the school of Heijo Palace

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

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.

A temple built upon the request of Emperor Tenmu during the Hakuho Period. Reconstructed in recent years, the temple structures showcase beautiful, vibrant colors.

Two different windows overlooking a garden