Best Temples Spot List

This is a temple erected at the wish of Keishoin, the real mother of Shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. The main hall, remaining in its original state from the Genroku period, has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

The mountain villa of Minamoto no Toru, the model for Hikaru Genji

A Tendai sect temple with the magnificent natural monument, Yoryu no Matsu

Fallen leaves on the road to the temple invite you to this high-status monzeki temple

An elegant temple with a Japanese rock garden and wonderful autumn foliage

Featuring a garden created by Motonobu Kano

Famous for the bell that angered Ieyasu

The resting place of the Tsugaru family

Famous for its majestic, moss-covered garden

Many people visit to receive divine blessing from the “kachi daruma”, said to bring good luck

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.

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

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

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

Classical Zen Buddhist temple with gardens designed by Muso Kokushi. Enjoy the maple trees and seasonal flowers.

This ancient temple was erected by Empress Komyo

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 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 first of 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Seiganto-ji is an ever-popular destination for worshipers

A temple that has existed since the Warring States period and is connected to Nobunaga