Best Temples Spot List

A little-known temple hidden deep in the mountains

This Buddhist school was established by the Chinese monk Jianzhen

Famous for its connection to Honen and it’s beauty in autumn

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

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 temple of the Nichiren sect on Mt. Ogura in Sagano. It is well-known for ”Hyakunin Isshu” (a collection of 100 poems by 100 different poets). In autumn, the nearby mountains awash with brilliant red leaves.

Indulge in tea while gazing at the garden

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

This temple guesthouse is home to national treasures

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

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

Don't miss seeing the resting place for Shinsengumi members, Mibu-zuka

Himeji’s famous mountain-top temple

Famous for its tea room, ”Hasso-no-seki”

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

Check out the ”Sento Kuyo” ceremony on summer nights

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

Famous for its early blossoming cherry trees, which signify the coming of spring

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

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.