With over 1600 temples, Kyoto has long been the sacred destination for Buddhism pilgrimage. The city has about 2000 religious places, 1500 Buddhist temples and 500 Shinto shrines. It is supported by more than 100 keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) trees and not a single nail is used. Kiyomizu-dera The 10 Best Temples to Visit in Kyoto, Japan By Karen Jensen Updated on 06/26/19 Kyoto is a city of temples. Another member of the Kyoto Gozan and a World Heritage Site, Tenryuji is located at the foot of the resplendent Arashiyama Mountains. This temple is also a part of the world heritage sites. It is also famous as a place to see the fall colors. Kinkaku-ji literally means Temple of the Golden Pavillion. Regardless of the season, Eikando is worth a visit at any time of the year for its gorgeous mossy grounds and stone bridge crossing the Hojo pond. Byodo-in is a Buddhist Kyoto temple located in Uji. The temple grounds feature a garden and a pond in which turtles and koi swim. When strolling through the vast temple grounds visitors will be surprised to find a large brick aqueduct that feels a little out of place. The rest of Ginkaku-ji is a delight to the senses; take time to admire the extraordinary moss that carpets the bottom of the garden all the way up the adjacent hill. The main hall of the temple offers impressive views of the city. This is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Visitors can enter the pagoda only on special occasions, but the interior can be seen from the outside which is usually open. The head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, Nanzen-ji is one of the biggest temples in Tenryu-ji Temple (). Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Kinkakuji Temple, north west Kyoto, Japan Kinkakuji is perhaps the most well-known temple in Japan. The temple was originally built to serve as a place of rest and solitude for the Shogun or the military dictator. Serving as a place of worship for commoners over 1,300 years, Fushimi Inari Shrine is the 2. Few important landmarks include the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji, Katsura Imperial Villa and many more. There are actually more than 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto, so it can be tough to decide which ones to visit. Without using water, karesansui, or dry landscape, gardens represent water using stones and sand, and Ryan-jis Rock Garden is famous for this.The garden is listed as a World Heritage Site. The name for this temple is taken from the waterfall within the temple complex which runs off the nearby hill. The zone around the pond is said to be covered with more than 100 varieties of moss. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Travel and Still Life Photography/Getty Images. It was originally built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, as a retirement villa. In the center of the hall is a 6-foot-tall, 1,000 armed statue of Kannon, the female buddha of compassion. It is a famous Shinto shrine which, as a shrine dedicated to marriage, has also been visited by historical figures. Nanzenji presides over the Kyoto Gozan or Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto in the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. A solemn holy ground evoking a long history The World Heritage site of Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo-mioya Shrine) is located in the triangular zone bracketed by Kyotos Kamo and Takano Rivers. Ginkaku-ji, or the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, is not actually silver. 24 Best Temples and Shrines in Kyoto A couple of the others are Shoren-in (with its stunning temple gardens) and Kiyomizu-dera (with its excellent view over Kyoto city). The temple is closed from December 28, Things You Should Know Before Travelling to Russia. The main temple at Kiyomizu-dera, which is also referred to as the Kiyomizu-dera stage, was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633. This temples beautiful Sogen Chiteien stroll garden has gorgeous views of Arashiyama and a large pond. After Yoshimasa died, the villa became a temple named after Yoshimasas posthumous Buddhist name of Jish-ji. The 20 Most Beautiful Shrines and Temples in Kyoto 1. Most Beautiful Temples Kurama dera is a member of the Tendai sect. In spring, the temple shrine is full of spring, and the cherry blossom season does not have to be said; in summer, various fireworks are on the rise; autumn, red leaves are right; winter, a snow and a dream. Also, Tokufu-ji has the oldest zen meditation hall in the nation. Kinkakuji. At the base of the mountain lies Fushimi Inaris main shrine. These regulations are put into place to protect the fragile moss from the troop of tourists. Known for its bright red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyotos best-known shrines. You can find many relics, sculptures and paintings. A massive torii gate (one of the largest and tallest in Japan), marks the road leading to the shrine, which is home to a variety of constructions that replicate the original Imperial Palace from the Heian Period. Beat the crowds by visiting the temple during the morning on weekdays. Its verandah is one of the citys most recognizable structures, a gigantic wooden stage-deck that is a 1633 reproduction of the 798 original. my personal Top 10 Favorite Kyoto temples, Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto), Kyoto Walking Tour 1: Nanzen-ji Temple to Yoshida-jinja Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 2: Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 3: Classic Southern Higashiyama, A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures, Kyoto Itineraries for Families with Children, Kyoto One-Day Off-the-Beaten-Track Cherry Blossom Itinerary, The Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto. This temple is also a part of the world heritage sites. This Kyoto temple is an independent Buddhist temple in Kyoto. In this section, Ive put together several lists of my all-time favorite Kyoto temples. Its separated into 3 rear shrines: the main shrine devoted to the God of Water, an associated shrine devoted to the God of Marriage, and the site of the original main shrine. 10 of the Best and Most Beautiful Temples in Kyoto Kinkakuji. Kinkakuji. Kyoto, the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868, is famous for its historic Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Koke-dera, a World Heritage site Reportedly founded by the Buddhist priest Gyouki in the 700s, the temple was destroyed by war and floods after which it was rebuilt by Soseki Muso as a Rinzai sect temple in 1339. The temple was originally built in 1234 by Honens disciple. Tofukujis covered Tsutenkyo Bridge is especially scenic and is lined with stunning crimson maple trees. Beautiful Temples To truly step away from the hubbub of the city, you might want to take a trek into the lush Nanzen-ji Temple (). Check out some of the most important Kyoto temples, and shrines that are must-sees on your next visit. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyotos Higashiyama mountain range. Possibly the most famous sight in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji also known as the gold temple for the abundant use of metallic leaf on the exterior attracts swarms of tourists, drawn to the blingy beauty and perfect mirrored reflection in the adjoining lake. This temple was originally founded by warlord Otomo Sorin, who converted to Christianity but had to keep his adopted religion a secret from his Japanese countrymen. Chion-in is by far my favourite of the citys religious sites. Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Kinkakuji Temple, north west Kyoto, Japan Kinkakuji is perhaps the most well-known temple in Japan. The object of worship is puzzling and unique to the temple. The top two tiers of this Zen temple are completely gilded in dazzling gold leaf, a reflection of the opulent tastes at the time it was first constructed. Nanzen-ji was established in the year 1291. Even among them, Sanjusangen-do is a popular destination for tourists that was given three stars in the Michelin guide. WebOne of the grandest temples in Kyoto, Chion-in is in the Higashiyama district and is one of a number of temples here that are well worth a visit. Kyotos foremost location for cherry blossoms and autumn colors enjoy the Cultural Properties of Nanzenji Nanzenji was built as a temple of prayer for the prosperity of the country. This temples has a sound architecture. It features a statue of Amidha Buddha. The temple is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The dazzling appearance of the reliquary hall on the temple grounds, which is decorated with gold leaf, is what Kinkakuji is known for. Since long ago, fall foliage that strives to become the best in Kyoto can be seen here to the extent that people say Autumn means the maples in Eikan-do. Chion-in has spacious grounds and large buildings. Unlike its sister Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), the shogun that commissioned this villa never had the time to coat the temple in shimmery foil. The 22-meter high sanmon gate has been designated as a National Treasure and is known as the oldest sanmon gate in Japan. The 10 Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, 20 Countries Where You Can See the Japanese Cherry Blossoms, The 6 Best Restaurants In Hiroshima, Japan, A Guide To The Best Dining Areas In Japan, Kinr Kansha No Hi: All About Thanksgiving Day in Japan, A Guide To The Best Shopping in Singapore, 11 Spectacular Things To Do At Burj Khalifa, 16 Bucket-List Museums In Barcelona, Spain. The temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm on all days. This Kyoto temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple situated in Matsuo, Nishikyo Ward of Kyoto. This temples property also features wooded grounds. The temple is located at the south end of the Hanamikoji Street in Gion. was formally known as Tenryu Shiseizen-ji. It was founded in the year 796. Tourists will not miss noticing the temple when they come across its huge Sammon gate. Saiho-ji Temple () Kurama-dera Temple (). The temple is located in Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo ward of Kyoto. Following the style of the Heian era, the temple sits on the edge of a lake that reflects Kinkaku-jis glittering patina. Burned down by fire 8 times, the buildings were mostly re-built in around 1900. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The main religions followed are Buddhism and Shinto. Enjoy the National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Ninna-ji Temple There are many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties inside Ninna-ji. This Kyoto temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in the Minami-ku ward of Kyoto. Still, most Kyotoites believe that the exquisite gardens at Ginkaku-ji outshine Kinkaku-jis golden exterior. The entry fee to the temple is around 500 yen. Built in the Heian period, the temple represents the Pure Land Paradise and significantly influenced later temple constructions. This Kyoto temple is an independent Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Its most spectacular feature, the Phoenix Hall, is featured on the Japanese ten Yen coin. Most Beautiful Buddhist Sites In Kyoto A statue of the Virgin Mary also lies buried underneath one of the temples stone lanterns. This Kyoto temple is called the head temple in the city. 1. Tofuku-ji, Kyotos leading group of temple buildings There are 5 famous temples in Kyoto which have been ranked as the Kyoto Gozan or the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, of which one is Tofuku-ji Temple. Travelers come here hoping to taste some of Japans religious flavor, to meditate on the rock formations of a Zen garden, participate in a tea ceremony, or chant sutras alongside Buddhist monks. This temple is very popular and attracts tourists from all over the world annually. When you visit the temple, simply put your hands together when in front of the statue of Kannon. The 10 Best Temples to Visit in Kyoto, Japan By Karen Jensen Updated on 06/26/19 Kyoto is a city of temples. https://www.trip.com/blog/15-beautiful-kyoto-temples/, Here are the best places to visit in Kyoto, including: Kiyomizu-dera Temple,Kinkaku-ji,Fushimi Inari Taisha. Visiting Kyotos serene temples is a unique way to delve deep into the culture, traditions, and history of Japan which you wont find anywhere else. Ltd. All rights reserved, The main religions followed are Buddhism and Shinto. Ginkakuji is also known as the Silver Pavilion, in contrast to his grandfathers temple. Trust me, having a private guide is going to make your trip so much more convenient and memorable as you can have all your questions answered immediately about Kyoto and its cultural attractions. Kinkaku-ji is one of the grandest temples in Kyoto. 1001 statues of the 1000-armed and 1000-bodied Kannon Higashiyama-ku is one of Kyotos most popular tourist destinations. Unlike the temple buildings, Tenryujis garden survived the centuries in its original form and grew to become to temples main attraction. Immerse yourself in the history of the dazzling ancient capital Kyoto at Heian Shrine Heian Shrine was built in the Meiji period (1868 1912) based on a plan to reproduce faithfully the architectural styles and colors of the central government building Chodoin which was the symbol of the ancient capital Heiankyo (present day Kyoto). Contents hide 15 Beautiful Temples To Visit in Kyoto A Unesco World Heritage site, Ryoanji houses what is arguably the nations most famous rock garden. Kinkakuji was established in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The sitting statue of Senju Kannon, which is the principal object of worship in Sanjusangen-do, is enshrined in the Buddhist temple. With over 1200 years of history, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyotos most popular temples. This Kyoto temple is an independent Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Fujihashi Castle, Gifu Prefecture It implements the idea of borrowing a scenery or shakkei in Japanese. The entry to this temple is free of cost. Adding to its glory, the temples Phoenix Hall is featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin. WebKinkakuji Temple is one of the most visited attractions of Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji is a beautiful Zen temple located in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto. To truly step away from the hubbub of the city, you might want to take a trek into the lush Nanzen-ji Temple (). Tojis main structure is the Kondo Hall, which was destroyed by a fire and 1486 and reconstructed in the early Edo Period in a contemporary architectural style. Literally meaning Temple of the Golden Pavilion, this Zen Buddhist shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site. WebKoto-in (Daitokuji) 10 Mibu Temple. 30,000 square meter garden is an excursion type garden that is divided into four gardens. While most people travel to Tokyo for its urban appeal and delirious nightlife, Kyoto is where people go when they seek a slower pace. The temple grounds includes a spacious park area with pond. Not to be confused with shrines, which are Shinto and feature grand torii gates, temples are Buddhist in Japan. WebKinkakuji Temple is one of the most visited attractions of Kyoto. The temple was founded in 778 and its present buildings were constructed in 1633. Kiyomizudera is easily number one on any Kyoto temple guide. With over 1200 years of history, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyotos most alluring locations. Your email address will not be published. Ryogenin has many dry landscape gardens. The temple complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Shinto simply means way of kami. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is said that the Muromachi period, in which Ginkakuji was built, was an age that blended the aristocratic culture of samurai warriors, monks and court nobles. The temple also hosts an enormous flea market on its grounds on the 21, Temples are sacred places and should be delicately viewed with deep contemplation. Photos from Japan, Asia and Other Parts of the World/Getty Images. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Dont leave Nanzen-ji without visiting its large aqueduct, one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto. The entry fee to the temple is 500 yen. While contrastingly more modern than the other structures of the temple, the aqueduct, constructed in 1890 during the Meiji period, is a pleasant and unique addition to the temple scenery. Daigo-ji possesses 18 particularly designated national treasures. is officially called Jisho-ji which means temple of shining mercy. Kyoto is one of the best preserved cities in Japan. most beautiful Zen rock gardens in Kyoto From March to November the temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm and from December to February it is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Most Beautiful Places to Experience Nature in Kyoto The temple holds several dozen major cultural assets. The name Ginkakuji, or Silver Pavilion, can be a little misleading. These are continuously older wilder and further up the mountain. Also known as Gion Shrine due to its location in Kyotos Gion district, Yasaka comprises several buildings, including gates, a stage, and the main hall. It is open from 9 am to 4pm everyday. The temple is closed from December 28th to 31st every year. Most Beautiful : @aw. Toji Temple was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The temple was founded in the year 1236. The shrine is a 5/8 size reproduction of Heiankyos central government building Chodoin in the state it was at the time of its opening by Emperor Kanmu.