Best Temples Spot List

A vault of many national cultural artifacts from the Nara period

Known for “the evening bell of Mii-dera”, one of the Eight Views of Omi

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

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 five-story traditional Japanese building, towering in the lush woods, you are sure to find while walking in Ueno Park. It is a National Important Cultural Property.

Legend has it that the temple buildings were built by Emperor Shomu. In addition to the exquisite Kamakura-Period-style Romon Gate (National Treasure) facing the old road, there is a Kamakura-Period-style thirteen-story pagoda (Important Cultural Property) towering at the center of the temple grounds. The temple is also famous for its cosmos flowers.

A temple that has long protected Arima Onsen

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

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

This is an old temple that is said to have been built in the Kamakura period (1192 to 1333). During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), it became known for the tomi-kuji lottery and was called Edo-santomi (three shrines selling lotteries).

The principal object of worship at Ennoji Temple is Enma Daio. It also enshrines the Ten Judges of Hell. You can experience an ancient view of the afterlife here.

See “Thunder of the Dragon” during special viewings

Offer a prayer to Japan's largest Buddha statue in its oldest temple

The oldest surviving building of Todaiji Temple. All the Buddhist statues stored here are national treasures

With ancient living and meditation quarters

Nara’s Great Buddha is seated here

One of Japan's famous ancient temples, quietly nestled in Ikaruga

See the brave figures of twelve protective deities

A temple with a living, breathing aesthetic sense of the tea ceremony

A three-tiered pagoda and world heritage site, 1200 years old