“Japan’s Nine Must-See Temples in Kyoto” takes you on a journey through the ancient capital’s spiritual landscape, showcasing the architectural marvels, serene gardens, and profound cultural significance of each temple, offering a window into Japan’s rich heritage.
Japan’s Nine Must-See Temples in Kyoto
I’ve made a guide to Kyoto temples and shrines to assist you identify the best ones after making many trips to Japan over the years!
As the former capital and cultural hub of Japan, Kyoto is home to many of the country’s most well-known shrines in addition to a number of important temples.
It can be difficult to choose which of Kyoto’s more than 2,000 temples and shrines to visit. Go on for my comprehensive guide of Kyoto temples!
Best Traditional Shrines & Temples In Kyoto Japan
1. Kinkaku-ji Temple
Known by several names, including the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most recognizable and well-known locations.
With good cause, it’s the most popular temple in Kyoto! It’s nearly hard to take a bad picture here! Without a doubt, this is among Kyoto’s greatest temples.
If you visit in the morning before the wind picks up, you can see the pond’s reflections. Sadly, there were no reflections because of the strong wind when we went.
2. Ginkaku-ji Temple
You may find it interesting that the Silver Pavilion, also known as Ginkaku-ji, is the lesser-known sibling of the Golden Pavilion. This one is in Higashiyama, which is in eastern Kyoto, but getting there isn’t too difficult.
The temple, known as Higashiyama Jisho-ji, was initially built as a mountain retreat for the shoguns in the fifteenth century.
With a rising cone that resembles Mount Fuji and a dry sand landscape, it’s a stunning structure in its own right.
3. Tenryu-ji Temple
This temple is situated in Kyoto’s Arashiyama neighborhood and dates back to the fourteenth century.
If you visit around the middle of November, it boasts a lovely landscape garden with breathtaking fall foliage. The primary reason this temple entered my list of the best in Kyoto was the garden.
If you’re visiting the major tourist attractions in west Kyoto, Tenryu-ji is likely to be in the vicinity of you nonetheless, as it shares a boundary with the well-known Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
4. Fushimi Inari Shrine
This is a Kyoto shrine from the eighth century that is encircled by a forest and has over 1,000 orange torii gates. The labyrinth of gates is entertaining to explore, and there are some lovely mountain paths nearby. It’s recommended to visit this location early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid congestion.
5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Not only is this Japan’s most well-known temple, but it’s also a fantastic spot to view the fall foliage.
The orange pagoda next to the main structure was our favorite feature, even though most visitors only snap pictures of it. In any event, this shrine in Kyoto is surrounded by tons of great photo opportunities!
Located in eastern Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple that dates back to the eighth century.
6. Yasaka Pagoda
It is hard to enter Kyoto’s Higashiyama neighborhood without noticing this famous pagoda rising above the surrounding structures.
The five-story Yasaka Pagoda, constructed in the fifteenth century, is part of a temple built in the sixth century.
Naturally, the exterior offers the best photo opportunities, but for an additional charge, you can enter the pagoda and ascend to the second floor.
7. Kennin-ji Temple
We happened into this strange temple while meandering through Kyoto’s Higashiyama neighborhood.
It turns out that this is one of the most significant Zen temples in Kyoto, something we were unaware of at the time. It is also thought to be Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, having been established in 1202 AD.
The hues of black and white look good in photographs.
8. Byodo-in Temple (Uji)
Situated in Uji, a little city between Kyoto and Nara, this underappreciated temple is worth visiting. Getting there from Kyoto is quite simple.
The 11th-century Byodo-in Temple is still visible today and appears on the 10 yen currency from Japan.
What’s astonishing is that Byodo-in Temple has an identical-looking twin edifice with the same name located in Hawaii!
9. Todai-ji Temple (Nara)
One of Japan’s greatest and most impressive landmarks is Todai-ji Temple. It’s outside Kyoto, yet that doesn’t stop you from traveling there with ease.
There is a fascinating history associated with this enormous antique structure. For a millennium, it was the largest wooden structure on Earth, and within is the largest bronze statue of a Buddha.
We have been to Todai-ji a few times, and each time is an absolute must-see. There are numerous additional traditional Japanese temples and shrines scattered around Nara Park.
It’s really simple to take a day trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka, so make sure to include it on your list of things to do in Japan!
Kyoto Temple Map
This map of Kyoto temples can help you organize your travel to Japan. For additional information and directions to each point of interest, click the icons; however, note that some of the positions on this map may be approximate.
You can refer to my specific travel recommendations for each place for more specific directions on how to reach the Kyoto temples shown on this map.
Japanese Temple Etiquette
The majority of Kyoto’s traditional shrines and temples are accessible to visitors, although there are some guidelines and general information to be aware of:
- Always maintain composure and show respect; avoid making noise, especially inside.
- You might need to remove your shoes in order to enter temple buildings. This entails dropping them off at the door; occasionally, they’ll supply you plastic bags to transport them.
- The temple grounds are open for photography, but the temples themselves are typically off-limits. If taking pictures is prohibited, it will be clearly marked.
- While many shrines and Japan’s Nine Must-See Temples in Kyoto are not free, some are. Admission, if required, typically costs less than 500 Yen ($5) per person, with tickets valid for the entire day.
- You can wear a kimono to a Japanese temple; Kyoto has many stores where you can rent them. The locals, often seen wearing their traditional attire for photos, don’t mind visitors doing the same if you ask.
Best Time To Visit
The fall and cherry blossom seasons are when Kyoto’s temples and shrines are most beautiful, but they are also the busiest.
Each year, these seasons arrive at different times, but in general, the sakura season (cherry blossoms) begins around the final week of March, and the fall foliage peaks in the middle of November (in the Kyoto region).
The temples often experience heavy crowds by midday, particularly on holidays and during peak seasons, making early mornings and late afternoons the best times to visit.
You should arrive early in the morning to any temple with a pond (such as Kinkakuji) in order to photograph the reflections on the water before the wind picks up.
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