Best Temples Spot List

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

This ancient temple was erected by Empress Komyo

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

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

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

A thatched hut that stands in lush greenery

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

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

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).

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.

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

Enjoy the burning red foliage in autumn and the cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

Famous for a painted fusuma from Tohaku Hasegawa

Several hundred structures are scattered across Mt. Hiei

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.

Tie your prayers under the branches of the willow trees

Twin Dragons created during the Heisei period watch over Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple