Temples & Shrines
2,000 temples and 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The soul of Japan.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
10,000 vermillion torii gates winding up Mount Inari. The full hike takes 2-3 hours. Visit at sunrise (6 AM) to avoid crowds. Magical at night when lanterns are lit.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflected in a mirror pond. Arrive before 9 AM for calm reflections and fewer tourists. One of Japan's most iconic images.
Kiyomizu-dera
Iconic wooden temple perched on a hillside. Built without nails. The massive wooden stage offers sweeping city views. UNESCO World Heritage site. Night illuminations in spring/autumn.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Not actually silver, but the Zen sand garden (Ginsadan) is mesmerizing. The moss garden is one of Kyoto's most beautiful. Start of the Philosopher's Path.
Ryoan-ji
Home of the most famous Zen rock garden in the world. 15 stones arranged so you can never see all of them at once. Enigmatic and meditative. Arrive early.
Nanzen-ji
Massive Zen temple complex with a stunning brick aqueduct (Suirokaku). The Sanmon gate offers panoramic views. Sub-temples have exquisite gardens.
To-ji
Japan's tallest wooden pagoda (55m). Shingon Buddhist temple with a spectacular five-story pagoda illuminated at night. Monthly flea market on the 21st.
Sanjusangen-do
Hall containing 1,001 life-sized gold statues of Kannon. The longest wooden building in Japan (120m). Absolutely breathtaking. Allow 45 min.
Tenryu-ji
Head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen. UNESCO site. The Sogenchi Pond Garden is one of the first designated Historic Sites of Japan. In the heart of Arashiyama.
Yasaka Shrine
Gion's iconic shrine. Beautiful at night when hundreds of lanterns are lit. The main venue for the Gion Matsuri festival. Free entry, always open.
Kitano Tenmangu
Shrine dedicated to the god of learning. Famous for 2,000 plum trees blooming in February. Tenjin-san flea market on the 25th of every month.
Shimogamo Shrine
One of Kyoto's oldest shrines, nestled in Tadasu no Mori primeval forest. UNESCO site. The forest is a rare urban old-growth canopy. Stunning in any season.
Kamigamo Shrine
One of Kyoto's most ancient and important Shinto shrines. UNESCO site. Beautiful cone-shaped sand mounds at the entrance. Much quieter than downtown shrines.
Byodo-in (Uji)
The temple on the 10-yen coin. Stunning Phoenix Hall appears to float on a pond. World Heritage site. Combines with a Uji matcha day trip.
Daitoku-ji
Massive Zen temple complex with 22 sub-temples. Koto-in sub-temple has one of Kyoto's most beautiful moss-lined approach paths. Less touristy.
Tofuku-ji
The #1 autumn foliage spot in Kyoto. The Tsutenkyo Bridge offers a sea of red and orange maples in November. Zen rock garden. Massive complex.
Honen-in
Hidden gem on the Philosopher's Path. Thatched gate, moss-covered grounds, free art exhibits. One of Kyoto's most serene and photogenic temples.
Gio-ji
Tiny moss temple in Arashiyama. The entire floor is a carpet of luminous green moss under maple trees. Especially stunning in autumn. Very peaceful.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
1,200 whimsical stone statues of Buddha's disciples, each with a unique expression. Tucked in the hills beyond Arashiyama. Quirky and unforgettable.
Kurama-dera
Mountain temple at the end of the scenic Eizan Railway. Cable car or 30-min hike up. Hike the trail over the mountain to the village of Kibune.
Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji)
Famous for autumn illuminations, one of the most spectacular night viewing events in Kyoto. The reflected foliage in the pond is iconic.
Kennin-ji
Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, right in the heart of Gion. The Twin Dragon ceiling painting is massive. Rock and moss gardens. Often overlooked by tourists.
Kyoto Moss Forest at Gio-ji
Tiny temple with a carpet of moss so perfect it looks fake, the thatched-roof hut in the moss garden is associated with a tragic love...
Kyoto Tofuku-ji Hojo Garden
Four gardens surrounding the abbot's quarters, the most famous uses moss-covered checkered stones that look like a modern art...
Kennin-ji Temple (Oldest Zen)
Kyoto's oldest Zen temple (1202), the twin dragon ceiling painting and the minimal rock garden are highlights. Less crowded than major...
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
Massive Jodo Shinshu headquarters, the karamon gate and Hiunkaku pavilion are national treasures. Free entry and almost tourist-free...
Kyoto International Manga Museum
300000 manga volumes in a converted elementary school, read any manga (many in English) on the lawn or in old classrooms. The portrait...
Ryoan-ji Rock Garden
The world's most famous zen rock garden, 15 stones arranged so you can never see all 15 from any single angle. Sit on the veranda and...
Nanzen-ji Temple
Massive Zen temple complex with a Roman-style aqueduct running through the grounds, the unexpected brick arches in a Zen temple are one...
Tenryu-ji Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with a stunning garden designed to borrow the scenery of the Arashiyama mountains. The garden exit...
Tofuku-ji Temple (Autumn)
Kyoto's best autumn foliage temple, the Tsutenkyo Bridge view over a valley of flaming maples is Japan's most spectacular fall scene....
Byodo-in Temple (Uji)
The temple on the 10-yen coin, Phoenix Hall reflected in the pond is one of Japan's most perfect compositions. Uji is also the matcha...
Sanjusangendo Temple
1001 golden Kannon statues in a 120m hall, the longest wooden building in Japan. Each statue has a unique face. The scale is...
Honen-in Temple
Secluded temple just off the Philosopher's Path, the thatched gate framing raked sand art changes with each season. Mossy grounds and...
Jojakko-ji Temple
Hillside temple with mossy grounds and panoramic city views from the pagoda. Far quieter than the main Arashiyama temples. The autumn...
Eikan-do Zenrin-ji (Autumn)
Kyoto's second-best autumn foliage temple, the night illumination of maples reflected in the pond is surreal. Less known than Tofuku-ji...
Ninna-ji Temple (Cherry Blossoms)
Late-blooming cherry trees (Omuro zakura) that flower 1-2 weeks after the rest of Kyoto, your backup plan if you miss peak sakura...
Daitoku-ji Temple Complex
Sprawling Zen complex with 20+ sub-temples, most closed to public but Zuiho-in, Daisen-in, and Koto-in (check if reopened) have...
Kokedera (Moss Temple)
120 varieties of moss carpet this garden in emerald velvet. Reservation-only, you copy a sutra before entering. The most exclusive and...
Katsura Imperial Villa
Japan's most perfect architectural achievement, the proportions, garden views, and shoji screens are studied by architects worldwide....
Kifune Shrine & Kawadoko Dining
Mountain shrine with red lanterns climbing stone steps through cedar forest. In summer, restaurants build platforms over the river...
Shisen-do Temple
Former hermitage with Japan's most famous shishi-odoshi (bamboo water clock). The rhythmic 'clack' echoing through the zen garden as you...
Unryu-in Temple (Framed Gardens)
Sub-temple famous for 'framed' garden views, each window and doorway is designed to frame the garden like a painting. The autumn view...
Daigo-ji Temple (Cherry Blossom)
Hideyoshi threw history's most extravagant cherry blossom party here in 1598. The 1300 cherry trees still make it one of Kyoto's most...
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
8000 stone statues representing those who died without families. The August Sentoukuyo festival illuminates the statues with 1000...
Gio-ji Moss Temple
Lush emerald moss gardens. Serene and secluded. North of Arashiyama. Beautiful any season.
Horin-ji (Daruma-dera)
Temple of Daruma Dolls. Quirky and colorful. Hundreds of daruma dolls displayed.
Yasaka Koshin-do Temple
Colorful kukurizaru cloth balls. Write wishes. Vibrant Instagram-worthy spot.
Rokkakudo Temple
Birthplace of Ikebana flower arrangement. Hexagonal temple. Peaceful retreat.
Eikando Temple
Rare Amida Buddha statue looking over shoulder. Stunning autumn foliage displays.
Kurama Temple
Mountain temple associated with tengu (long-nosed goblins). Spiritual hike. Onsen nearby.
