Best Temples Spot List

The abbot’s chambers are surrounded by four gardens

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

A temple associated with Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihara

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.

The head temple of the Rinzai sect, known as the highest-ranked Zen temple in Japan.

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.

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

Known by locals as “Kurodani-san”

A grand temple complex established on Mount Koya some 900 years ago

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

An ancient temple known as an exemplary viewing spot for autumn leaves since the Heian period.

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.

Famous for a painted fusuma from Tohaku Hasegawa

Make your wishes at Nariai-ji Temple

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

The nation’s head Koyasan Shingon-shu temple

Magnificent views await at the end of the 1,015-step climb

The roads are covered with colorful leaves in autumn

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

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden