Best Temples Spot List

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

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.

The head temple of the Shingon Sect's Omuro School. Holding a long association with the Imperial Household, the temple is also well known for its late-blooming cherry trees called Omuro-zakura.

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

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

A mortuary temple for the imperial household

A temple famous for its Bone Buddhas

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

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

The head temple of the Myoshin-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect. It is Japan's largest Zen temple, with 46 sub-temples.

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

Several hundred structures are scattered across Mt. Hiei

Famous for the bell that angered Ieyasu

Tadao Ando designed this temple's main hall

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

Featuring a garden created by Motonobu Kano

A school that embodies the dreams of Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi

The temple is the oldest one in Kamakura, founded by a high priest called Gyoki. Its principal image of worship is the three figures of eleven-faced Kan'non, and the temple ground is covered with various flowers throughout the seasons.

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

The main temple of the Shingon Sect of the Daigo School of Buddhism that stretches across Mt. Daigo. Famous for its cherry blossoms, Hideyoshi Toyotomi used to hold spring parties here to enjoy the trees when they are in bloom.