Founded on the side of Mt. Otowa in eastern Kyoto about 1,200 years ago in 778, Kiyomizu-dera Temple has long attracted visitors as a sacred site dedicated to the goddess Kannon. The famous stage, which inspired the proverb "Taking the plunge from the stage of Kiyomizu" (meaning to make a bold decision), is about 13 meters above the ground and offers a stunning view of Kyoto's cityscape. The temple grounds cover an expansive 130,000 square meters and include captivating spots such as Nio-mon gate (a Deva temple gate), Sai-mon gate (the west gate), a three-tiered pagoda, the main hall, Otowa-no-taki Waterfalls, and the Thousand Stone Buddhas. Many of the temple structures have been designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Japanese temple architecture. Kiyomizu-dera is also celebrated as a prime viewing point for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, hosting special nighttime viewing events during these seasons.

The Three-Tiered Pagoda: A Symbol of Kyoto
Towering 31 meters high and visible from much of Kyoto, the striking vermilion three-tiered pagoda has been designated an Important Cultural Property. Vivid paintings of the eight founders of Shingon adorn its four walls, while images of Esoteric Buddhism, Hiten (a flying Buddhist angel playing music), and dragons decorate the ceiling and pillars.

The Stage of Kiyomizu: A Testament to Resolve
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is most famous for its stage. In Japan, there is an expression used when people make up their minds to do something: "Show your resolve as if taking the plunge from the stage of Kiyomizu." This suggests the temple has long been synonymous with making bold decisions.

Otowa-no-taki Waterfalls: Sacred Waters Believed to Grant Wishes
At the Otowa-no-taki Waterfalls, holy water known as "Ogon-sui" (gold water) or "Enmei-sui" (longevity water), believed to embody the merits of the goddess Kannon, flows in three streams. Each stream is thought to bring good luck in romance, academic performance, and health (longevity).

Not far south of Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple is home to the prominent five-story pagoda visible from the Shinkansen. Built in 796 to accompany the construction of Heian-kyo, the temple is positioned just east of the Rajo-mon gate, regarded as the south entrance to Kyoto, to protect the Imperial Palace. In 823, Emperor Saga entrusted the temple to Kobo Daishi Kukai, making it the central training center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Though many buildings were burned down during the Doikki (peasant uprising) in 1486, the Toyotomi and Tokugawa families supported its reconstruction over time. The iconic five-story pagoda, symbolizing To-ji Temple, was rebuilt and dedicated by the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, in 1644. The reconstructed buildings, including the Nandai-mon gate, Kon-do Hall, Lecture Hall, and Dining Hall, maintain their Heian period arrangements and scales. In 1994, the temple was added to UNESCO's List of World Cultural Heritage sites as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Three-Dimensional Mandala: Visualizing Esoteric Buddhism
In the Lecture Hall at the center of To-ji Temple, you'll find the Shumi-dan (an altar for placing a principal image) displaying 21 Buddhist statues arranged to represent Katsuma Mandala, a three-dimensional Mandala. At the center is the principal Buddha, Dainichinyorai. The 21 statues, including Nyorai (a person who has attained Buddhahood), Bosatsu (a Buddhist saint), Myo-o (the deity of fire), and Tenbu (the guardian of Buddhism), were made by Kobo Daishi Kukai and convey his teachings to the present generation.

Kon-do Hall: Rebuilt with Contributions from Hideyori Toyotomi
Kon-do Hall, the main hall of To-ji Temple, was originally constructed shortly after the temple's founding and survived until the Doikki uprising of 1486. It was rebuilt in 1603 thanks to contributions from Hideyori Toyotomi. The hall houses the seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the temple's principal image, along with Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu. These statues have been designated as Important Cultural Properties along with Yakushi Sanzonzo (triad image of Yakushi Buddha).

The Five-Story Pagoda: Japan's Tallest Wooden Structure
The five-story pagoda, visible from the Shinkansen, is Japan's tallest wooden structure, soaring 55 meters into the sky and serving as Kyoto's primary landmark. The current pagoda, the fifth incarnation built in 1644 with contributions from Iemitsu Tokugawa, houses Busshari (the ashes of Buddha's bones) brought by Kobo Daishi Kukai from Tang (China). The first layer of the pagoda, usually not open to the public, contains four statues of Nyorai surrounding the central pillar, representing Dainichinyorai, and eight statues of Bosatsu.

Located on the Koyasan mountainside, Jingo-ji Temple is one of the three “sanbi” temples, along with Kozan-ji Temple and Saimyo-ji Temple. With a long history as the place where Kukai founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Jingo-ji Temple is home to countless treasures, including a Yakushi Nyorai statue that is a national treasure of Japan.

Following the death of Honen Shonin, founder of the Jodo sect, in 1212, Chion-in Temple was built at the foot of Mt. Kacho and became the head temple of the Jodo sect. Mt. Kacho is one of the mountains along the “Higashiyama Sanju-Roppo (36-mountain range)” where Honen spent his life. Although a mausoleum for Honen was destroyed in 1227 by monks from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, Honen's disciple Seikambo Genchi erected the temple structure of Chion-in in 1234, naming Honen Shonin as its founder. Emperor Shijo bestowed the name "Kachozan Chion-kyo-in Otani-dera Temple" upon it, and in the Edo period, the temple grounds were expanded under the protection of Ieyasu Tokugawa. The current magnificent monastery was constructed during the era of the third shogun, Iemitsu. Some of the temple buildings, including the Miei-do Hall (which enshrines the statue of Honen Shonin as the principal image), Amida-do Hall (which enshrines the statue of Amida Nyorai), and Japan's largest wooden gate, San-mon gate, have been designated as National Treasures.

Japan's Largest Gate—San-mon
San-mon gate, built in 1621 on orders from the second Tokugawa Shogun, Hidetada, is renowned as Japan's largest wooden gate. Measuring 24 meters high and 50 meters wide, its roof is covered with as many as 70,000 tiles. The tablet bearing the inscription “Mt. Kacho” in the center of the upper level is larger than two tatami mats (176 x 176 cm), emphasizing the gate's enormous scale. The upper level contains a Buddhist hall adorned with richly colorful paintings, where the crowned statue of Shakamuni-butsu and statues of the Sixteen Arhats are enshrined.

Seishi-do Hall—The Birthplace of Nenbutsu
Seishi-do Hall is nestled in a remote and quiet corner of the expansive grounds. Believed to be the site of the first thatched hut built by Honen Shonin, it is considered the original ground of Chion-in Temple. The current Seishi-do Hall, reconstructed in 1530 during the Muromachi period, is the oldest surviving building in the temple complex.

Japan's Largest Bell Tower—Famous for Joya no kane
Cast in 1636, the large bell measures 3.3 meters tall, 2.8 meters across, and weighs about 70 tons. The bell is rung on two occasions every year: Gyoki-daie, held on the anniversary of Honen Shonin's death in April, and Joya no kane, which takes place on New Year's Eve. Joya no kane is broadcast on television each year and has become a charming feature of New Year's Eve in Kyoto.

Established by the 59th Emperor Uda in 888, Ninna-ji Temple was also called "Omuro gosho" because the emperor built priests' living quarters called "omuro" after he entered the priesthood. Until the Meiji Restoration, the temple served as the head of Monzeki Temples, where the head priest was a member of the Imperial Family. Though the temple suffered serious damage from fire during the Onin War, it was rebuilt 160 years later in the Edo period with help from the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu. The current five-story pagoda and Nio-mon gate have remained unchanged since the reconstruction. If you're visiting in spring, don't miss the temple's late-blooming, short-statured cherry trees called "Omuro-zakura," planted during the Edo period. These famous trees are a feast for the eyes. The temple joined the register of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1994 as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

The Late Blooming Omuro-zakura Showcases the End of Spring in Kyoto
Planted in the northwest area of the Chu-mon gate, Omuro-zakura create a timeless atmosphere unchanged since the Edo period. Known for their low height and late blooming, these cherry trees offer a stunning view, especially when combined with the five-story pagoda. This scene is recognized as an official national site of scenic beauty and is one of the 100 best sakura viewing points in Japan.

Priceless Temple Treasures Revealed Twice a Year at Reihokan
Reihokan holds many of Ninna-ji's treasures, including the statue of Amida Sanzon, the principal image at the temple's founding. The exhibits span Buddhist statues, sculptures, paintings, crafts, books, and more. With 12 National Treasures (88 items), 47 Important Cultural Properties (1,678 items), and ancient documents, the collection exceeds 100,000 items. National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are displayed during special-themed exhibitions held twice a year in spring and autumn.

Visit Temples Enshrining Kobo Daishi in Omuro’s Eighty-eight Sacred Places
On Mt. Joju, situated in the northwest part of the grounds, you can experience "Omuro's Eighty-eight Sacred Places," a miniature re-creation of Shikoku's Eighty-eight Sacred Places. The three-kilometer mountain trail is lined with temples enshrining the spirit of Kobo Daishi. It takes about two hours to visit all these fudasho (temples where amulets are collected), and fulfilling the pilgrimage here offers the same benefits as completing the Shikoku pilgrimage. From May to November, you can collect stamp impressions along the "Ninna-ji Temple and Mt. Joju Eighty-eight Walk" for a fee.

Create Unforgettable Memories at Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple offers shukubo, a temple lodging for visitors and pilgrims. Staying at the shukubo allows you to enter the temple's main pavilion and join the morning gongyo (devotional exercises) in the Kon-do Hall—experiences not available to the general public. Additionally, you can enjoy a quiet stroll through the temple grounds (except for some facilities) after the morning gongyo before sightseers arrive. Meals include delicious Kyo kaiseki (Kyoto's traditional local cuisine) for dinner and shojin cuisine (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) for breakfast.

Originally a villa belonging to the Tokudaiji Family, the land was handed to Katsumoto Hosokawa (deputy of the Shogun during the Muromachi Period) in 1450. He established Ryoan-ji Temple as a Zen temple of the Myoshin-ji School of the Rinzai Sect and invited Giten Gensho from Myoshin-ji Temple to be its founder. The karesansui (dry landscape) of Hojo Garden within the temple is a world-famous rock garden. Although the original temple was destroyed during the Onin War, Katsumoto's son, Masamoto Hosokawa, oversaw its reconstruction in 1499. It is said that the rock garden was created at this time, but its precise date of origin and designer are unknown. The intent behind the design is likewise shrouded in mystery, adding to the temple's allure. The rock garden is designated as a Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto in 1994.

The Rock Garden that Captivated Queen Elizabeth
The traditional rock garden is a rectangular space of 248 square meters, featuring 15 rocks of varying sizes laid out among raked white pebbles. The rock formations are known by different names, such as "Tiger Cubs Crossing the Water" and "Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) Arrangement." Queen Elizabeth praised the stone garden during her official state visit to Japan in 1975, propelling Ryoan-ji Temple to global fame.

Stroll Through the Pond Garden to View Seasonal Flowers
Ryoan-ji Temple is renowned for its rock garden, but the south side of the temple complex offers a large garden for strolling, surrounding a reflective pond once famous for its mandarin ducks. Seasonal flowers brighten the garden, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. This stands in striking contrast to the austere simplicity of the rock garden, and the existence of these two different styles of gardens enhances Ryoan-ji Temple's appeal.

The Tsukubai Washbasin: A Lesson in Contentment
The tsukubai washbasin in front of Zorokuan Tea House is said to have been contributed by Mitsukuni Tokugawa, head of the Mito Domain. The center of the basin is square, and the kanji characters on the surrounding four sides read "ware tada taru wo shiru" (I know only satisfaction). This Zen teaching suggests that those who are content with what they have are rich in spirit, even if they are materially poor. In contrast, those who know no satisfaction remain poor no matter how wealthy they are. This reflects the essence of Buddhism and is integral to the tea ceremony mentality. The washbasin found behind the Hojo building is a replica, as the real tsukubai is not available for public viewing.

Tenryu-ji Temple was built in 1339 under the directions of Takauji Ashikaga in honor of Emperor Go-Daigo. It is the top-ranking temple among the major Zen temples of Kyoto known as the Gozan (Tenryu-ji, Nanzen-ji, Shokoku-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Manju-ji). The strolling pond garden, Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden), was designed by Muso Kokushi (also known as Muso Soseki), the temple's first head priest. This garden was the first in Japan to be designated as a Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views throughout the seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring, colorful leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter, all against the backdrop of Arashiyama. Since its construction, the temple has endured eight fires, and the structures seen today were rebuilt during the Meiji Period. Tenryu-ji Temple was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

The Cloud Dragon Painting: An Enigmatic Masterpiece in Hatto Dharma Hall
Hatto Dharma Hall was destroyed by fire in 1864 during the Kinmon Incident. The Ungo-an Zendo (Senbutsujo) meditation hall, built in the late Edo Period, was relocated during the Meiji Period. The temple's principal image, Shakyamuni Buddha, and his two chief bodhisattva disciples are enshrined within the Hatto, one of the buildings that make up the Shichido Garan (ideal layout of a Zen Buddhist temple compound). The Cloud Dragon Painting on the ceiling, initially created by Meiji artist Shonen Suzuki, was replaced in 1997 with a new painting by Matazo Kayama. This painting, in the happo nirami style, makes the dragon appear to be staring straight at viewers no matter where they stand. It was part of large-scale renovations conducted on the 650th death anniversary of Tenryu-ji's founder, Muso Kokushi.

A Painting of Bodhidharma: Symbol of Tenryu-ji in the Kuri
The Kuri, built in 1899, is one of the Shichido Garan structures and serves as a kitchen and temple office. In the entrance hall, there is a large screen with a painting of Bodhidharma, created by the previous chief abbot of Tenryu-ji Temple, Seiko Hirata. This painting has become a symbol of the temple.

Shojin Ryori at Shigetsu: A Bib Gourmand Experience
Within the temple precincts is a restaurant called "Shigetsu," where visitors can enjoy Shojin Ryori, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal that does not use any animal-derived ingredients. The dishes, prepared with seasonal vegetarian ingredients, offer a unique culinary experience. Enjoy the view of the garden while dining on Shojin Ryori, which was awarded Bib Gourmand status in the "MICHELIN GUIDE Kyoto Osaka + Tottori 2019." Reservations are required.

Kenninji Temple, belonging to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, was founded by Yousai, the man credited with bringing Zen and tea to Japan from Song China. As Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, it is said to be the birthplace of tea drinking in Japan. The lecture hall features a stunning painting titled “Twin Dragons,” created by Junsaku Koizumi. Although the famous artwork “The Wind and Thunder Gods” by Sotatsu Tawaraya has been entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum, a replica is available for viewing at the temple.

Honno-ji Temple is the head temple of the Honmon school of the Hokke sect of Buddhism. Since its establishment, the temple has been rebuilt seven times due to wars and fires. It is famously known for the mausoleum that serves as the resting place of Nobunaga Oda, who committed suicide during the Honnoji Incident. Many of the temple's treasures are on display at the Daihouden temple museum.

After Emperor Hanazono (the 95th Emperor of Japan) shaved his head and became a monk, he converted his villa, the Hanazono Rikyu, into a Zen temple and renamed it Myoshin-ji Temple in 1337. The temple spans 330,000 square meters, featuring the Shichidogaran (seven major structures in the temple compound) such as the San-mon gate, Butsuden (Buddha hall), and Hatto (lecture hall) aligned in a north-south direction, surrounded by 46 sub-temples creating a "temple town." The citizens of Kyoto affectionately call the temple "Nishi no Gosho" (West Imperial Palace). Myoshin-ji is the head temple of about 3,400 temples belonging to the Myoshin-ji Temple school among approximately 6,000 Rinzai sect temples throughout Japan.

Dragon Staring in All Directions from the Ceiling
If you look up at the ceiling in the Hatto, built to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the death of Kanzan Egen in 1656, you'll see a picture of a heavenly dragon in the clouds. This artwork, called "Happo Nirami no Ryu" (Dragon that stares in all directions), was completed by the painter Tanyu Kano after eight years of work. The dragon seems to be staring back at you no matter which direction you view it from.

Japan's Oldest Temple Bell, Which Enchanted Kenko Yoshida
The temple bell in the Hatto, known as the "Ojikicho Bell" (bell of the Ojiki mode, one of the six main modes of gagaku), has been designated a National Treasure. Previously housed in the Jo Kongo-in Temple, which was later abolished, the bell is Japan's oldest temple bell, as indicated by its inscription. It is mentioned in Kenko Yoshida's Tsurezure-gusa (a collection of essays written in the early 1330s): "The tone of the bell should be of the Ojiki mode. […] The tone of the bell in Jo Kongo-in Temple is of the Ojiki mode, too."

See a Masterpiece of Early Suiboku-ga "Hyonenzu" at a Sub-Temple with a Wonderful Garden
Taizo-in Temple, one of the sub-temples at Myoshin-ji, holds the Shihon Bokuga Tansai Hyonenzu by Josetsu, a masterpiece of early Suiboku-ga (india-ink paintings) designated as a National Treasure. Hyonenzu depicts a koan (Zen anecdote) about holding down a slippery catfish with a slick gourd. The original is deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, while a reproduction is displayed at the temple. This sub-temple is also famous for its beautiful garden and weeping cherry blossom trees.