Best Temples Spot List

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.

A temple famous for its Bone Buddhas

Ono no Komachi concealed herself here amongst the plum blossoms

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.

A Zen temple of the Rinzai School built in the scenic area of Arashimaya in Kyoto. It was built by Takauji Ashikaga in memory of the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo.

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.

This large temple complex boasts a magnificent ancient hall

Flowers blossom throughout the seasons at this temple, also known as “The Flower Temple”

A Zen temple associated with warlord Date Masamune. Visit the main hall, which is a designated national treasure, and the architectural masterpiece that is the Kuri (kitchen building).

Hozomon Gate houses Nio statues on each side (one called Agyo and the other called Ungyo). The 4.5-meter long giant waraji sandals ward off evil

A spacious Buddhist temple with buildings of historical and cultural value. Kan'ei-ji is easily accessible to the general public and heartily welcomes visitors.

A soaring five-story pagoda at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa with magnificent nighttime illumination.

The temple hall is classified as an Important Cultural Property, modeled after Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto Higashiyama. The gorgeous vermillion facade fascinates visitors.

The main gate of Sensoji Temple. Its huge, impressive paper lantern with ”Kaminarimon” written in kanji is a landmark of Asakusa.

Established by Emperor Shirakawa during the Heian Period, the temple's name derives from the ingo (posthumous Buddhist name) of Yoshiakira Ashikaga, the second shogun of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun). While exploring the precinct, you'll find the graves of Yoshiakira and Masatsura Kusunoki, the busho (military commander) of Nancho (Southern Court) located next to each other. Masatsura was much respected by Yoshiakira even though he was an enemy general. During autumn, the maple leaves turn a striking red (visitors are not allowed to bring in a tripod stand or a unipod).

A vault of many national cultural artifacts from the Nara period

Surrounded by nature and visited by many people, Bentendo Temple rises from the center of Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park.

Famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura which weighs 121 tonnes, Kotoku-in is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo-shu sect.

This is a branch temple of the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple on the land of Kawagoe and is famous for its goma-kito (a ritual of consecrated fire) and the flea market on the 28th of every month.

This is a historic temple established in 830 and also known as Kawagoe Daishi. The temple is famous for the 538 statues of rakan (disciples of Buddha) with various facial expressions.