Best Temples Spot List

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

The graceful standing statue of Gigeiten is a must-see attraction

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

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

Take a stroll through the forest-enveloped grounds

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

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

A massive triple gate welcomes you to the head temple for the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara

The roads are covered with colorful leaves in autumn

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

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.

Where the emperors and nobles enjoyed themselves

Two different windows overlooking a garden

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

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

A majestic temple and garden with beautiful Arashiyama in the background

This temple is one of the Three Mountains of the Kanto region for the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism and is well-known as a temple to ward off evil. Enjoy the shops in the surrounding streets after attending a Goma Rite (a ceremony in which Goma wood is burned in a fireplace on the Goma platform).

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