temples to visit japan

Temples & Shrines

J apan temples and shrines are historical and cultural places of worship with beautiful architecture and vast gardens. Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are visited by tourists year-round.

Temples are Buddhist places of worship and often function as monasteries. Shrines house gods of the Shinto religion.

When visiting temples and shrines, remember to act respectfully, the same as you would if you were visiting famous churches in Europe.

15 Most Notable Japan Temples and Shrines

Izumo Taisha Shrine

Photo by Shrk / CC BY

1. Izumo Taisha Shrine

Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture is possibly the oldest and tallest shrine in Japan. Visitors go to the shrine to pray for good relationships and marriage.

Byodoin Temple

2. Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture was built in 998. The Phoenix Hall features 1,000 year-old Buddhist statues and other national treasures. The image of the Phoenix Hall can be seen on the Japanese 10 yen coin.

Yamadera Temple

3. Yama-dera Temple

Yama-dera is a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture built in 860. Visitors must hike up nearly 1,000 stone steps in order to reach the temple grounds. The trek takes approximately 30 minutes and can be quite strenuous. Once at the top, the temple offers fantastic views of the valley.

Todaiji Temple

4. Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji in Nara was built in 752 and is the largest wooden structure in the world. Inside is the largest Buddha statue in Japan, measuring 15 meters tall and consisting of 437 tons of bronze and 130 kg of gold.

Kinkakuji Temple

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 1397 and is covered in gold foil. The golden pavilion shines brilliantly in the sun and casts a beautiful reflection on the pond.

Kiyomizu Temple

6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 780 and sits at the top of a steep hill. The walk up to the temple takes around 10-15 minutes, but you can stop along the way at the many souvenir shops on both sides of the street. At the top, the temple offers stunning views of the city.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

7. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha  in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 711 and is one of the oldest and most popular shrines in Kyoto . It is the main Inari Shrine in Japan and famous for its thousands of torii gates.

Itsukushima Shrine

8. Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture dates back to the 6th century and is famous for its large torii gate standing in the water. During high tide, the shrine and the gate look as if they are floating on the water.

Sensoji Temple

9. Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji, or Asakusa Kannon Temple, is the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo . It was built in 645. The long street leading from Kaminarimon Gate to the temple offers a wide variety of souvenir shopping and Japanese sweets.

Ise Jingu Shrine

10. Ise Jingu Shrine

The two Ise Shrines in Mie Prefecture are some of the oldest and most respected Shinto shrines in Japan.

The Inner Shrine, or Naiku , was founded over 2,000 years ago and features the Sun Goddess. The entrance to the shrine has a beautiful wooden bridge with large torii gates on both sides.

The Outer Shrine, or Geku , was founded over 1,500 years ago and features the guardian of food, housing, and clothing.

Ninnaji Temple

11. Ninna-ji Temple

Ninna-ji in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 888. The main feature is the Goten where there is a beautiful pond, rock garden, and buildings connected by covered corridors.

Okunoin Temple

12. Okuno-in Temple

Okuno-in at Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture is a popular pilgrimage area. The temple features the largest cemetery in Japan with over 200,000 tombstones. Inside the main hall are 10,000 lanterns.

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

13. Kumano Nachi Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture is said to be 1,700 years old and is a main destination on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The area features Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi no Taki, at 133 meters.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

14. Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture was built in 1617. It features 55 buildings, including a beautiful five-story pagoda, in vibrant colors and gold leaf.

Horyuji Temple

15. Horyu-ji Temple

Horyu-ji in Nara Prefecture was founded in 607 and includes the oldest wooden structures in the world, including a five-story pagoda.

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Becki and Shawn Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

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17 Stunning Temples in Japan That Will Have You Buying a Plane Ticket, Stat

When visiting Japan, there are a few things that absolutely need to be on your list: enjoying some (or a lot) of sake with the locals , ample time to explore all of Tokyo's nooks and crannies , and—if you're a lady who's into anime or manga—a quick visit to the girls-only otaku cafe in Osaka. Oh, and then there are the breathtaking temples and shrines you'll find around every corner in Kyoto. Each and every temple is special in its own rite—a space for housing sacred objects and worshipping. It's the places like this where locals and tourists alike gather to partake in a peaceful moment that really catch our eye. In fact, you don't even need to be in the presence of these stunning pieces of architecture to feel the effects—take a few moments to rest your eyes from the daily grind to take in some of Japan's wondrous (and most cherished) sites. Disclaimer: We're not responsible for any impulse airfare purchases as a result of this slideshow. Erika Owen is the Audience Engagement Editor at Travel + Leisure. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @erikaraeowen .

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This Buddhist temple in Eastern Kyoto is part of a series of monuments in the ancient city that have been dubbed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For worshippers, Kiyomizu-dera—which translates to "Pure Water Temple"—is the home of the Goddess of Mercy—a symbol that's been around for more than 1,200 years.

The Great Buddha Statue at Kotoku-In Temple

Located in Kamakura in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, Kotoku-In Temple is widely known for "Great Buddha", a bronze statue that greets people who visit the sacred space. No one knows exactly how old the statue is, but the guess is that it dates to at least 1252. The Great Buddha was preceded by a wooden monument of the same granduer that took 10 years of constant labor to complete. Today's landmark took its place after being damaged in a storm back in 1248.

The Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji Temple

Ginkaku-ji—which is located in Kyoto's eastern mountain region—was actually a retirement villa before becoming a temple in 1490. The Silver Pavilion was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1482, who constructed the home to mimic his great-grandfather's villa (now known as the Golden Pavilion).

Sanjusangendo Temple

This temple in Eastern Kyoto is mostly known for its collection of 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was originally founded in 1164, but rebuilt in 1264 after a fire destroyed the original structure.

Yakushiji Temple

Like Kiyomizu-dera, this temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara." Today, the temple is the Hosso School of Japanese Buddhism headlquarters—not a stretch considering it was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto.

Todai-ji Temple

This temple—which has been around since 728—has seen its fair share of trauma since opening as a training center for Buddhist monks. In 855, the head from the temple's Great Buddha statue tumbled to the ground during an earthquake (and shortly repaired afterward). Later on, a number of fires and lightning hits damaged the Lecture Hall. And in 1180, more than half of the compound was damaged in a fire during an attack on the Ancient Nara temples by Taira no Shigehira.

Rock Garden, Ryoanji Temple

Located in northwest Kyoto, this temple is part of the Myōshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. Ryoanji Temple, which translates to "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace," is considered to have one of the most impressive instances of kare-sansui, or dry landscape—a type of Japanese zen garden design.

Ninnaji Temple

A good amount of the buildings in this temple complex date back to the 17th century—the most scenic being a five-story pagoda surrounded by dwarf cherry trees.

Byodo-In Temple

This temple may not actually be located in Japan—you can find it in O'ahu, Hawaii—but it's a great example of the way the country's culture has reached new and different parts of the world. This shrine was built in 1968 and is a replica of a 950-year-old temple in Japan. This structure commemoriates the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in Hawaii.

Buddhist Temple in Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi is a town in the southern area of the Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan and is well known for its historic ruins and sacred buildings—many of the temples have been named World Heritage Sites. Visit any of the buildings and you'll be greeted with a serene space and bright, bold architecture.

Toji Temple

The five-story pagoda of this temple pavilion is the tallest wooden tower in Japan, measuring in at 54.8 meters high.

Horyu-ji Temple

Translating to "Temple of the Flourishing Law," Horyu-ji is both a seminary and a monastery. The temple's pagoda is regarded as one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world.

Bamboo Path, Tenryu-ji Temple

This temple, located at the western outskirts of Kyoto, has lived through eight separate fires before most recently being rebuilt in 1864. What is now located at the site is only one-tenth the original space after being confiscated by the government in 1877.

Sensō-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to 645 CE, located in Asakusa. Legend has it that two fishermen found a statue of Kannon in the nearby Sumida River in 628. After showing it to the chief of their village, he remodeled his own home into a small temple to enshrine the statue for city-wide worshipping.

The Kinkaku-Ji

It would be hard to find a more stunning temple than The Kinkaku-Ji. With its gold-leaf facade and reflecting pool location, this temple has found its way on to many a traveler's Instagram accounts. Fun fact: the temple's grounds were built to illustrate the "harmony between heaven and Earth" through various landscaping placements and other design details.

Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji is made up of three different structures: Sambo-in, Shimo-Daigo (Lower Daigo), and Kami-Daigo (Upper Daigo). The third section is location at the top of the area's mountain, only accessible by strenuous hike—you'll find far less tourists here than the other two sections.

Nanzen-ji Temples

After being built in 1291, the Nanzenji Temple was destroyed by fires three separate times before most recently being rebuilt in 1597. The site is actually a complex housing between nine and 12 temples throughout its lifespan.

Visiting the 15 Most Beautiful Temples and Shrines in Japan + Etiquette and FAQs!

There’s always that one thing in your next destination that you’re holding out the most hope for—in Japan, it was the temples and shrines for me. I was expecting impressive sites where one step inside and I’d be blown away by the beauty and humbled by the tradition sending shivers right down to my bones… And boy was I disappointed! But there’s a simple fix: Expect nothing from the shrine and temple interiors, and everything from the exteriors. There, expectations fixed.  

Japanese temples are spectacular on the outside . But, have no fear, there were fantastic exceptions too, where the inside was where the action was— you just need to know where to look , and it also helps to come educated to really grasp the meaning of these places.

So, in this article, I’ll give you my honest opinions and firsthand experiences at 15 of Japan’s most famous temples and shrines so you know what I know and you can go into your trip with adequate expectations. I’ll also add some FAQs so you know how to act at Japan’s sacred sites and can identify what the heck you’re looking at (and why you are ringing that bell).

What’s the difference between a temple and shrine?

To give you a better idea of the gates  

The most important difference between a Japanese shrine and temple is the religion they serve: temples are Buddhist and shrines are Shinto (Japan's indigenous religion). And whether or not they have that cool gate at the entrance.

A shrine’s entrance is marked by that famous Japanese gate you see all over Instagram— the torii . It’s meant to mark the border between the secular world and the sacred world. And sacred it is—in Shinto, there’s a divine spirit, called a kami , in everything—nature, people, even the weather! There’s supposed to be like 8 million of them, which, in Japan, amounts to infinity. Shrine grounds are usually simpler than temple grounds with less other structures.

A temple’s gate is much more massive than a shrine’s torii, looking like a building without walls, and is called a sanmon . There are also usually more buildings on the grounds than at a shrine, like the monks’ quarters and a pagoda or five. Temple procedures are less strict and elaborate than a shrine’s.

Shrine and temple etiquette and rules

Japan is full of etiquette rules—be respectful and follow them  

Japan’s big on following rules and societal expectations , and even though they won’t show any negative emotions or cause any sort of scene in order to “protect the harmony”, despite how much of a tourist dimwit you’re being, one can only guess they’re judging your bad temple etiquette on the inside and probably feeling mortified for you.

While I assume you’d always behave somewhat well at a sacred place, here are a few specific shrine and temple etiquette tips for you so you go prepared and don’t offend an entire country and both of its main religions:

• Dress conservatively . There’s no official dress code, so this one’s on you and your consideration. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Japanese knee or shoulder at temples or shrines, so I’ll just leave you with that. But you’ll notice from our photos that we brought quite a few Czech knees into Japanese temples and didn’t feel one bit out of place.
• Take off your shoes. Not all temples and shrines require this, but it’ll be pretty obvious by the shoe rack at the front. When in doubt, look around and do what the locals do. Wear good socks (or have ‘temple socks’ in your bag to avoid lifelong shame)!
• Be calm and quiet . If you’ve been in Japan for a while, you’ll automatically start to speak quieter. Being loud and rowdy is a big no-no in Japan, so it just happens naturally.
• Look out for ‘no photography’ signs inside many shrines and temples. You’re fine taking pics outside. When in doubt, ask—don’t just stick your iPhone in a monk’s face. Not that that’s ever ok.
• It’s frowned upon to enter sacred sites when you’re sick or injured . The deities want nothing to do with your impurities.

Rules for entering a shrine in Japan

Now that you’ve put on your best pair of socks and turned down the volume, here’s how to enter a Japanese shrine:

• Walk to the side of a torii at a shrine . Unless you’re a god, you’re not supposed to walk through the middle of it, but rather a bit to the side (you can still go through the gate). You’re supposed to bow once before going through.
• Next stop: the purification pavilion . Use the ladle to get 1 scoop of water. Poor it over your left hand, right hand, and then scoop some (using your hand, not the ladle!) into your mouth and spit on the ground. Make sure none of the water that you’ve scooped up goes back into the fountain. Nobody needs to be washing their sins away with your cooties.
• At the outside alter, throw a coin into the offering box . Bonus points if it’s a 5-yen coin, because the Japanese pronunciation of “5 yen” is 'goen' which also means “good luck” or “good relationship”. Wishful thinking of sorts.
• You can ring the bell to announce yourself to the kami. See, it’s rude to visit unannounced even in sacred lands.
• If you’re really looking to get extra brownie points with the kami , do the traditional “two bows, two claps, one bow” and then head inside.

How to enter a temple in Japan

There seem to be less hoops to jump through if you’re visiting the Buddhist temples in Japan. Basically, if you aren’t half naked and act in a reserved manner, Buddha will be happy with you.

• Go through the sanmon gate . No special rule there.
• If there’s a purification station , stop by and wash your hands and mouth just like you would at a shrine. If not, go in dirty.
• Take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance. We saw people that were wearing sandals put on socks from their bag, but I don’t think going in barefoot would be terrible either.
• Throw some coins into the offering box. No preference for 5 yen coins here.
• Buy and burn incense (voluntary). It’s important to put out the flame on the incense by fanning it with your hand and not blowing it out with your mouth. If there’s a part of your body that’s causing you trouble, you can direct the incense smoke to it and hope that helps. If you smoke your head, you’ll be thinking clearly in no time!

My top 15 list of the most beautiful temples and shrines in Japan

We've been to a lot of temples in Japan, and we're happy to tell you which ones are the best. Here at Zenkō-ji  

Alright, now that you know how to enter, let’s talk about where to enter. Here are the most famous Buddhist temples and Shinto holy sites in Japan that I think are worth a visit, in order from my most favorite to least favorite (but still worth going). With a total of over 80,000 shrines and as many temples in the country, the 15 most beautiful ones on my list are obviously going to be worthy of your time—they beat out a lot of competition!

You’ll notice that Kyoto is temple central . With 2000 temples and shrines, choosing which ones to visit is quite the task… or was. Before you found my article.

Note on tickets: At many of these temples, you only pay the entrance fee when entering the main building or a specific area. So, don’t be alarmed if you’re going through the gates and can’t find the ticket desk. You’ll know when it’s time to pay.

1. Togakushi Shrines (Nagano) 

Me on my pilgrimage to the Togakushi shrines  

Let’s start with a shrine combo located a 30-minute drive northeast of Nagano. It’s a total of 5 shrines (with 3 main ones) on the Togakushi mountain, and you can visit them all by hiking a beautiful 5 km (3 mi) trail (with lots of stairs). My heart jumped with joy! I’d go as far as call it one of the most beautiful places in Japan . It’s not just shrines, but the hike, a lake, a ninja museum, and the wonderful nature that makes Togakushi a must-visit.

Further reading: Nagano itinerary | Nagano best places to see (I loved Nagano!)

To add to my glee, there’s an abundance of interesting restaurants in the area. Hey, a traveler’s gotta eat, especially if they’re a foodie like me (get the juicy details in my Japanese Food Guide)!

This place will keep anybody happy for a full day .

The shrines at Togakushi are on 3 levels of the mountain trail, and have to do with a story in Japanese mythology.

Mythology explanation: The Sun Goddess Amaterasu was ashamed of her brother’s behavior and hid in a cave (sheesh, even the gods can’t escape Japanese shame culture !). Darkness ensued, so other deities lured her out again with a dance performance. Once she was out, one of the deities grabbed the cave door and threw it away so the Sun Goddess couldn’t shut herself in the cave again.

Each shrine is dedicated to a deity from the Sun Goddess story, and Togakushi Mountain is the stone door from the Goddess’ cave. Togakushi literally means ‘hiding door’.

Hiking the Togakushi 5 shrine trail

On our way to Ninja Museum through beautiful Togakushi trail  

It’s about 5 km (3 mi) of paths and many staircases between each of the 3 levels where the shrines are : Hokosha and Hinomikosha (lower shrines), Chusha (middle shrine), Kuzuryusha and Okusha (upper shrines). Hinomikosha and Kuzuryusha are smaller shrines, the others are the main ones.

We used the parking areas on the approach to the upper shrine, Okusha. Straight out of the car you’re walking about 40 minutes through a gorgeous forest of giant cedar trees until you get to Zuishinmon gate. Not to mention the great weather

We headed into the Ninja Museum and Folk Museum , which was quite interesting despite the limited English signage. You learn about rural life, there’s a cool silk exhibit, and one part looked like an uncomfortable shoe collection. The most fun that my girlfriend couldn’t stop talking about was getting through all the tricks and traps in the Ninja Fun House. She kept reliving our quest to get through the roughly 30-minute-long endeavor for the entire rest of our Japan trip! Once you manage to get out, the views to the surrounding mountains are gorgeous! There’s also an area where you can throw shurikens aka ninja stars.

I’ve had fun in the Ninja Museum!  

A side trail from the upper shrine (that then re-connects to roughly the middle of the main trail) leads you to Kagamiike Lake . The scenery at the lake very roughly reminded me of views in Thailand and Vietnam. You can easily spend 2 hours just on this hike, though we spent even longer—the internet in hyperconnected Japan hasn’t quite reached these further stretches of nature, and we got lost a few times. No stress though, the forest is very nice! It doesn’t help that all the signs are solely in Japanese—this is your friendly reminder to download Google Translate before heading out.

Kagamiike Lake and the trail to it was wonderful, though we didn’t quite get clear skies and the “mirror lake” effect  

• You’ll want to allow around 3 hours for the 5 shrines hike. Add 1.5 hours more for the Ninja and Folk Museums and 2 hours for the lake.
• Museum tickets : JPY 650. There’s no entrance fee for the trail .

2. Tōdai-ji (Nara)

Great Eastern Temple  

Nara’s Tōdai-ji, or “Great Eastern Temple”, is one of the most historically important temples in all of Japan. It was originally built in 752 when Nara was the imperial capital, and every Japanese citizen paid for it by being taxed (sometimes to the extreme).

Further reading: Nara itinerary—The perfect day trip from Kyoto

The most famous building on Tōdai-ji’s very large grounds is the very large, wooden temple called Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall). Until the end of the 20 th century, Daibutsuden was the largest wooden building in the world , so you can imagine that it’s no dainty shack. It had to be rebuilt, saved, and reconstructed several times due to wars. Nowadays, it’s little more than half the size of the original , and that’s mainly because the ginormous amount of cedar wood needed to build it. Despite clearing entire forests, traveling hundreds of kilometers and building over 100 river dams, there just wasn’t enough wood they could get for this huge building . Can you imagine that?!

Honestly, it blew me away by just how massive it is . It feels way more colossal than Europe’s cathedrals. Daibutsuden is roughly 50 m (180 ft) long, wide, and tall.

There’s also the spectacular entrance gate to Tōdai-ji  where you’ll meet many very cute deer wandering around from Nara Park. The guardian statues at the temple are anything but cute , they’re seriously monsters and you wouldn’t want to anger them.

You can get a free English guide on the spot (human, not paper). The Big Buddha Hall houses a huge sitting Buddha—the palm of his hand is the size of a human. And his nostrils are apparently the way to nirvana . You can try to make the journey yourself by attempting to squeeze yourself (or maybe your very small child) through the hole on the pilar close to the Buddha which is the same size as his nostril. Good luck and don’t get stuck.

I was surprised by the lack of monkeys at Tōdai-ji… maybe the deer ate them all?

• Allow at least 1 hour for your visit
• Temple tickets : JPY 600

3. Kinkakuji (Kyoto) 

Everything about this picture is beautiful...the temple, lake scenery, tickets, and my girlfriend  

And rounding off the top 3 temples in Japan is Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)—a former shogun’s retirement villa who’s top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf , making it quite a striking beauty on a lake. They have the details down at this place—I even kept our tickets for the first time ever! They are very nice.

I’d rank the Kinkakuji as one of the top 3 buildings in Japan, though it’s quite small, but the gold and the lake scenery makes it truly beautiful .

Hotel tip: KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle (I can’t get behind the classic Asian breakfasts, but this hotel has such epic rooms that it totally won me over.)

Kinkakuji has 3 floors , each in a different architectural style: the 1 st floor is built in the Shinden style of palaces during the Heian period, the 2 nd floor is gives samurai home vibes in Bukke style, and the 3 rd floor is that of Chinese Zen style, with gold inside and out and has a golden Pheonix on top. You’ll need to be content with getting a good view of the pavilion from across the lake, because entrance is forbidden.

Being such a small place means you only need an hour or so to see it at a leisurely pace . There was a ton of people there when we visited, to the point where every single tourist from Europe and the US annoyed the heck out of me. Can you not give me 3 seconds to take a photo without butting into the frame?? The Japanese locals were respectful as always and had no trouble at all letting everyone get their pics in peace, but sheesh, those westerners got an earful from me! The good thing is that at least everyone has to keep moving in one direction .

You then go on through the gardens and a teahouse where you can rest a bit under the red maple trees.

Also! It’s the first place I visited in Japan where garbage cans are readily available! It felt… luxurious!

Kinkakuji is located on the outskirts of Kyoto, about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Not far away are two other temples (for you temple-obsessed travelers, but not for me) and Arashiyama Bamboo Groove. Further reading: The best unique things to see only in Kyoto

• Allow 1 hour for your visit
• Tickets : JPY 500

4. Zenkō-ji (Nagano)

Zenkō-ji temple  

Zenko-ji is the reason Nagano even exists. Some Japanese cities were built around harbors, some around castles, and other around temples. Nagano evolved around Zenko-ji. It was founded in 642 and houses one important, top-secret item: what may be the first Buddhist statue ever to be brought into Japan . The statue is so special that nobody’s ever seen it… I’m not even kidding. The thing has been hidden away since they found it and built a temple for it due to the temple’s secrecy commandment. Somehow though, there is a replica of it that gets shown every 6 years to crowds of pilgrims and tourists alike. Your next chance is in 2028 .

As with most temples, there are many buildings on the grounds, including the Zenko-ji History Museum. The Main Hall at Zenko-ji has one peculiar addition to the many, many Buddha statues inside it—an underground passage where people walk in complete darkness trying to touch the “key to paradise” that hangs on one of the walls. If any of my readers manage to touch it, let me know if the promise of salvation works out for you so I know if I need to go back.

There are two gates: Nioman Gate in the south at the beginning of the approach to Zenko-ji, and Sanmon Gate right near the Main Hall. You can climb Sanmon and get nice views of the temple grounds and the long path towards it.

• Allow 1–2 hours for your visit (depending if you go into the museum or not)
• Tickets : JPY 500 + JPY 600 for Main Hall

5. Kyomizu-dera (Kyoto)

Kyomizu-dera—the place dedicated to the magic of love!  

If you need help in any stage of love, Kyomizu-dera is the temple for you. But more on that later. It is dedicated to Buddhist and Shinto deities , so if there’s any place where the magic of love could work out, it’s here! It’s also one of the places that I have almost no recollection of the interiors; the exteriors, scenery, and all the fun love stuff are the main attractions for sure. In hindsight, this was one of my favorite temples in Japan , but since I visited it in the beginning of our trip, I didn’t appreciate it quite enough.

This place was PACKED in the summer (think B.O. and sweaty body parts very close to you), so come here prepared to share the (admittedly large) space.

Kyomizu-dera is probably most known for the large wooden terrace of the main hall that gives you views over the nice, forested area and Kytoto down in the not-so-far distance. You’re literally just a 10-minute walk from the city’s busy lanes lined with souvenir shops (there’ parking there, too). Though, Sannenzaka Path is pretty scenic and so quintessentially Japanese.   

Further reading: The best thing to see only in Kyoto

Otowa Waterfall is the reason the temple is built here—hence the name "Pure Water Temple"—, and you, too, can catch some of the water from the falls and drink to one of three wishes that you hope will come true: a long life, success in education, or finding love . Just line up (we waited only about 10 minutes) and do what the locals do if you want to participate. You’ll notice everyone drinking with from the same ladles, but they go in a little UV sanitizing cubby after each use, so just try to take the one that has been sitting there the longest. Also, you’re not supposed to wish for all 3, because being that greedy is frowned upon. The waterfall is right by the main hall.

I really liked the two gates at Kyomizu-dera, as they’re both bright red and stand very tall. The main gate, Niomon , is the first spot where you’ll be above the surrounding buildings, so it’s bound to be the spot for photos, meaning there’s always a human traffic jam there. The west gate, Saimon , leads to paradise, so don’t walk through it before you’ve seen the rest of the temple grounds! Just kidding.

Kyomizu-dera from different angles  

When you’re standing on the main hall’s terrace, don’t forget to look around and realize that the whole building is built without nails . That’s some impressive architecture right there.

Behind the main hall is a smaller shrine dedicated to love and matchmaking, and in front of it, two “love stones” . If you can walk between them with your eyes closed, you’ll be meeting your love very soon. Not sure what happens if you’re already there with a love, but hey, the more the merrier!

Closeby is Zuigudo temple where you can wander around in complete darkness reminiscing about the time you spent in your mother’s womb. Strange, I don’t remember bumping into so many people in there…

If you’re in further stages of your love story and you’ve crossed off the womb experience from your list and are ok with it, wander a bit further to the red Koyasunoto Pagoda —it’s dedicated to childbirth (you’ll also get the some different views from these parts).

• Tickets : JPY 400 for the main hall

6. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto) 

Me, exploring the Fushimi Inari Shrine  

An absolute must-see Shinto holy site and possibly the most photographed shrine in Japan is the Fushimi Inari Taisha— the one with a thousand red torii gates (not that anyone’s ever seen a photo of the actual shrine). To answer the top question: It worth going? Yes. You have to, you simply can’t come to Kyoto and not visit Fushimi Inari. Is it all that you’ve dreamed it to be? Probably not, if you weigh the experience against the massive hype it gets.

Why are there so many torii gates at Fushimi Inari? The shrine is dedicated to rice and commerce, and each of the red torii has been donated by a Japanese business. This way, they’re expressing gratitude to the business gods (and probably hoping to stay on the guy’s good side in the future, too). Any why rice? Duh, this is Japan… and Fushimi Inari is the most important shrine in Japan dedicated to Inari, the rice goddess.

This shrine, or, who are we kidding, the torii gates, attracts thousands of people every day, which is part of the reason that it just isn’t that magical as you think it will be. But I get it, I added to the body count too, after all. The good thing is that it’s open 24/7 , so if you are serious about beating the crowds, you can find an hour of the day where you won’t be there with busloads of other tourists. Just remember to look out for boars and monkeys if you’re visiting in the lonelier hours.

Walks In Fushimi Inari Shrine during hot weather—thank goodness for a bit of shade under the torii gates  

Another thing to realize is that the further up on the trail you go, the less people there will be, because, well, it’s about 4 km (2.4 mi) or 2 hours or walking under torii gates at the base of a mountain. Not everyone is up for that, especially when you realize that the main shrine grounds are before all of the torii madness . There are side trails along the whole thing, with smaller shrines in the forrest, too. Lots of people just give up or get bored after the first 30 minutes when they reach the Yotsutsuji shrine area where there is a viewpoint and some cafes. After that, it’s just you, me, and the other real tough guys walking the rest of the trail! Bliss.

One thing I liked is that many people walk the torii path dressed in kimonos , it adds some extra Japanese flare. Another nice bonus about passing under a thousand gates is the shade they provide, though they are spaced out more the further up you go. On a hot day, a little shade goes a long way!

These lovely ladies wearing kimonos  

I think Fushimi Inari Shrine is unmissable, but don’t expect to get a pic with just you and the gates if you get there after 8 am.

• Around 2–3 hours for the full hike, less if you just stick your head in and go
• Tickets : free entry

7. Sanjusangendo aka Rengeo-in (Kyoto)

The 1001 statues representing Kannon  

There’s a lot going on at Sanjusangendo. First, you’ll notice that the main hall is extra-long—the longest wooden building in Japan at 120 m (394 ft). Even the name commemorates this: Sanjusangendo means “temple of 33 bays” and references the 33 intervals between the building’s support columns. I find it funny that it’s not named something like “the temple of the impressive statues” or “the temple of the really important goddess”, but instead it’s “look at the cool long building we built”.

And then, once inside, impressed by the statues you’ll be! I was. There’s 1001 of them and they’re as tall as a real human and each one is slightly different, so they look like they could start walking around at any given moment, taking over the world. It’s all one “person”, the goddess Kannon. I was taken aback by how grand this statue display felt. It was like I’m intruding on this lady’s personal space (she obviously needs a lot of it).

Who is Thousand Armed Kannon, the main deity of Sanjusangendo? Kannon is the goddess of compassion and mercy. With her 11 heads, she can see the suffering of mankind, and her 1000 hands allow her to multitask and help everyone out. Anyone with a keen eye will quickly figure out that there’s no way she has 1000 arms . It’s not all a lie. She has 42 arms, out of which the regular 2 don’t count (those are her personal arms for things like brushing her teeth and holding her coffee cup), and in Buddhism, there are 25 planes of existence. A little bit of simple math and you’ve got 1000!

Besides Kannon’s 1001 instances you’ll also see her 28 protector statues , and the whole thing is just incredible. The statues are made of cypress and completely covered in gold leaf. Sanjusangendo is one of the few Japanese temples where the interior blew me away .

This is how majestic the loooong Sanjusangendo temple looks from the outside  

There’s also a nice garden and 112 m (367 ft) of Shintoist wishes where my superstitious girlfriend picked up a very VERY large amount of wishes. For me, the collection of bows and other weapons was way more interesting that some scribbles on papers.

Fun samurai fact : Sanjusangendo was built by a samurai for a Japanese emperor (on the emperor’s own land), which seems like a nice thing to do until you learn that for doing so, the samurai got the title of “Chancellor of the Realm”. He was the first samurai to get such a lofty title , and I’m pretty sure he wasn’t surprised by this and actually built the thing for this sole reason (he was a politician). To me, the title sounds like “Guardian of the Galaxy”, so I’m kind of impressed. The emperor’s mausoleum is on the grounds of the temple .

• You need 30 minutes for the visit
• Tickets : JPY 600

8. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura, south of Tokyo)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine  

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is dedicated to the samurai god, Hachiman , and you can tell it’s the most important shrine in Kamakura just based on the long, wide approach that slices through the city like a samurai’s sword. It’s fun seeing the torii gates where you’re passing through to sacred land, but at the same time you’re surrounded by very much everything unsacred: gas stations, restaurants, busy intersections, beauty salons. Then, once you reach the grounds, it’s like BAM! Tranquility.

The shrine complex is very busy but very large, so it’s crowded but still manages to feel peaceful .  That’s just the norm in Japan, since the Japanese are so calm and quiet, even a thousand of them are easier to handle than a single stag party from the UK . If it does get a little too much, there are men holding a rope under the staircase, raising it when crowds need to be stopped and lowering it to let more people in, sort of like those traffic lights at tunnels in big cities.

You need to go up a wide stairway to reach the main hall, so it’s the perfect place to look back and get some views of the city. Too bad the little bridge at the grounds’ entrance seems to be permanently closed, but at least you can take a picture of it without a thousand tourists on it. The main hall houses a small museum with swords and masks and other interesting things that a guy like me appreciates.

What I liked the most at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, maybe besides those swords, were the perfectly upkept grounds with ponds and islands and bridges and fat kois that you can feed . In the spring and winter there’s even a peony garden, and in April and September, you can see horeseback archery on the main approach. Pretty cool stuff, and nice for a wander.

As a bonus, because everyone loves torii s, there are several spots with short torii tunnels . Like a miniature version of Fushimi Inari. Take a wander around the gardens and take a peek at the other smaller shrines and buildings. There’s not a whole lot to do, but a nice place nonetheless.

• You need a maximum of 1 hour for the visit
• Tickets : JPY 200 for the museum, otherwise free

9. Sanbutsuji and Nageiredo shrine (far from everything)

Nageiredo at the top left, Monjudo top right, parts of the path on the bottom  

Sanbatsuji is one place I haven’t been because you really have to go out of your way to see it, and it just wasn’t in the cards this time around. But it needs to be on any “top temples in Japan” list, because, well, look at it! Itis old, hard to reach, unbelievably built onto the mountain, and you can’t see it alone... plus, you’ll leave spiritually cleansed! It may not be the most beautiful shrine, but it definitely has the most adventurous approach ! Here’s what I know about it:

The main highlight is the tiny shrine that’s built onto the side of a mountain —called Nageiredo—,  which you can only see if you go through with the harrowing hike. How harrowing? Well, the monks take it because it promises spiritual cleaning , so you can imagine it’s not easy. Think steep, slippery non-paths, holding on to huge tree roots for dear life, chains and ropes that are actually necessary to clear the slopes, and so on. Then again, they do it in funny-looking sandals that are sold on the spot for those who come in inappropriate footwear, so don’t be deterred if you’re reasonably fit.

Do be deterred if you’re traveling alone, because single travelers aren’t let onto the trail . This is for safety reasons, and they are very strict about this rule. You apparently also aren’t able to buddy-up with a stranger, or at least don’t let on that you are strangers when you do. Remember you are at a shrine, so you’ll also need to be wearing appropriate clothing, plus they’re known to turn people back if they aren’t wearing hiking shoes or willing to buy their funny sandals. The not so monk-y thing is that they ask you to pay the entrance fee and only then do you reach the checkpoint where are the rules are enforced.

Besides Nageiredo, there’s also Monjudo, another “floating” shrine about 30 minutes into the hike. This one is larger and most importantly, has a patio around it that you can go on, taking in the amazing views into the mountains. Keeping with the “adventure” theme, there are no railings , so try not to fall into the beautiful nothingness.

• Allow 2 hours for the hike up and down, more for taking it all in
• Tickets : JPY 1200 is for the hike up to Nageiredo, JPY 400 for the main hall

10. Seiganto-ji (Wakayama Prefecture, south of Nara)

Seiganto-Ji and Nachi Waterfall  

Seigantoji, a charming temple in the Wakayama Prefecture, is part of the sacred Kumano Sanzan complex , and if old walls could talk, these would have tales for days. It's a Buddhist temple, but what's cool is its BFF status with the neighboring Shinto shrine, Kumano Nachi Taisha . Talk about religious harmony!

The temple's claim to fame? Its stunning pagoda perfectly framed by the Nachi Waterfall— Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall . The view seriously is a real-life painting.

If you're up for a mix of history and leg workout, Seigantoji Temple is your go-to! Just remember that getting that waterfall into the frame is basically mandatory. The temple complex is srawling with several buildings, but the most famous is the iconic three-storied red pagoda . You could start at Kumano Nachi-taisha, continue to Seiganto-ji, visit the pagoda, and wrap up at Nachi waterfall for a full experience.

Parking tip : Parking's a breeze at most souvenir shops near the base, but then you’ll need to get your legs ready for a little stair-master rendition. For those not keen on 15 minutes of steep steps, you can pay the steep JPY 800 fee to drive to the neighboring Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and park there (watch out for the local deer!). On a scorching summer day, the convenience and heatstroke you save could be worth it.

• Visiting time : Give it 1–2 hours, but it really depends on how many of the 33 shrines and temples in the whole area you’ll be visiting
• Tickets : Free, but up to JPY 800 for parking

11. Senso-ji (Tokyo)

Unfortunately, I only have photos from the day, because at night I was too stunned to take pictures  

Ah, Sensō-ji! This famous temple in Tokyo is like stepping into a carefully landscaped oasis. Sure, there's a fee to get all up close and personal inside the temple, but the real magic happens outside, especially at night . Strolling through Nakamise-dori Street when the sun goes down is an experience in itself.

Hotel tip: Nohga Hotel Akihabara (A little overpriced, but ultimately a great choice based on location and the great restaurant... but no heated toilet seats? What’s that about?)

The temple vibes at night are something else—it's tranquil and feels more, you know, temple-y. Morning's cool too, but brace yourself for tour group stampedes , even if you hit it up at 9 am. It's always buzzing with people, day or night. It’s also open 24/7, so you can choose the hour of your visit based on how many people you want to meet.

You'll see folks in kimonos , taking slow, elegant strolls. Not my jam, but hey, if that's your thing, just remember it'll double your exploration time. I can’t see a reason to walk around slowly pretending to be Japanese, but then again there are a lot of things people do on their trips that I don’t get.

Tip: If you happen to be in Japan in May, you may be able to witness the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine, which is right next to the main hall.

• Tickets : free with a small fee for the main hall

12. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine (Mt. Fuji)

Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine on the north of Mount Fuji  

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine (now also called Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine) is tucked away at the northern base of Mount Fuji , and it's the kind of spot that's perfect for folks like me who love a bit of tranquility mixed with a heavy dose of history. The shrine has been the go-to start point for pilgrims heading up Mount Fuji for ages. It's not just about the shrine itself; the surrounding forest gives it this mystical, almost other-worldly vibe.

My take? If you're in Hakone and looking for a peaceful spot to reflect, away from the typical tourist buzz, you've got to check this place out. It's not every day you find a spot that's both historically significant and a perfect escape from the hustle. Plus, the ancient cypresses and cedars and moss-covered stone lanterns scattered around just add to the whole experience.

The highlight is the massive red torii gate, standing at 17 m and noted as one of the tallest wooden torii in Japan . Rebuilt every 60 years to maintain its splendor, and made ever so slightly taller each time, the most recent reconstruction was in 2014.

The sacred 1000-year-old cypress on the left and the tallest wooden torii of Japan on the right  

The main shrine building is a majestic sight (once again cooler from the outside than from the inside) and nearby stands the sacred Fuji Tarô Sugi, a 1000-year-old cypress , identifiable by the braided rope around its trunk. It’s one of the original trees that is said to protect the shrine.

The traditional starting point for Mount Fuji hike is right behind Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine's main hall. Old-school hikers often begin their journey with a prayer at the shrine and then proceed through the wooden torii gate at the shrine's rear. Nowadays, most people opt to start from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, located halfway up the mountain, cutting the journey by over five hours.

• Tickets : free

Further reading: Fuji Hakone itinerary (there’s a lot more to do than just see Fuji!)

13. Futarasan shrine (Nikko, north of Tokyo)

Futarasan shrine—historical and natural gem  

If you're looking for a place that's equal parts ancient Japanese spirituality and Mother Nature's art gallery, then here you go, because Futarasan shrine is a double whammy of both. It’s pretty and mystical and grounding and I didn’t know I had it in me to feel such things.

Nestled in Nikko, a place so scenic it makes your average desktop wallpaper look bland , Futarasan Shrine is where you get to experience the Japanese knack for blending nature with history.

Hotel tip: Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko (if you forgive them the horrible coffee, this hotel was one of my absolute favorites)

The first thing I noticed, besides the stunning natural scenery , which we all know I love, is the sheer number of old shrine buildings. The second thing was the little cartoonish-looking statues all over the place. Very cutesy; apparently, they’re deities, and you can throw a few coins into the offering boxes located next to each one.

About 1 km (0.6 mi) south of Futarasan Shrine is a pretty, red bridge called Shinkyo Bridge . It’s still part of the complex—I told you it’s large! Trust me, it's the kind of bridge that makes you want to ponder life's mysteries... or just take more photos.

The Shinkyo Bridge  

You can also further boost your experience by investing a whopping JPY 200 (USD 1.40) to enter the small garden area to the left of the offering hall. It‘s unbelievable, given your surroundings are already oozing zen, but just step inside and you’ll see you can still take it up a notch. It's a small, forested garden with more shrine halls, a spring, and old sacred trees that make you feel like you're in a Miyazaki movie. You can also get a better view of the main hall from there.

In short, Futarasan Shrine is not just a shrine; it’s an experience. You’ll forget all about any interiors you manage to spot, but everything that’s going on outside will more than make up for it. Just remember to bring some change for the deities, watch out for the mystical trees that are supposed to bring you love, and walk out to Shinkyo Bridge. Or don’t, I’m not your mom.

• Allow 2 hours for your visit
• Tickets : free except for the garden that costs JPY 200

14. Chureito Pagoda (Mt. Fuji)

What you hope to see at Chureito Pagoda...

...and what we got... hey, it counts!  

We visited Chureito Pagoda smack in the middle of summer, so we got none of the cherry blossoms of spring or the colors of fall , instead trying not to melt in the sweltering heat, push past the crowds, all the while trying to snap a good selfie AND hold our smiles long enough to get at least the very tip of Fuji into the frame when the clouds slowing floated along. Phew!

You need to go up about 400 stairs to get to Chureito Pagoda, so you’re basically guaranteed a nice sweaty shine on your forehead. It’s also too bad you don’t get the pagoda and Mt. Fuji over one of the 5 lakes—the city just isn’t as cool in the background. On the other hand, I somehow expected Fuji to be smaller than it is, but in reality, it’s a monster !

Why is this place at the end of my list of top temples in Japan? Well, Mt. Fuji is what makes this viewpoint a must-visit . Not the pagoda. I’d come here even if there was no pagoda, but would I come here if there was no Mt. Fuji? Probably not.

It’s a quick stop once you huff and puff up the stairs. Take your photos and head back down again. The parking lot is right under the stairs.

• Allow 30 minutes for your visit

15. Horyu-ji (Nara)

Horyu-ji—birthplace of Buddhism  

Finally, a place where you can contemplate just how much you loved all of Japan’s most beautiful temples and shrines, because—unless you run into way too many school groups—Horyu-ji is a little bit harder to reach from the center of Nara and therefore is blissfully tourist-less.

Horyu-ji's not just another temple on your Japan checklist; it's a journey back to the origins of Japanese culture and the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan . Plus, it houses the world's oldest wooden structure (it’s 2000 years old), so yeah, it's kind of a big deal.

First off, the peace and quiet here is surreal, especially compared to the more crowded spots in Nara and Kyoto. For me, that’s a huge plus, because I’m not exactly known as a people-love. It's like the crowds haven't caught on yet, which is fine by me.

You're literally walking in the footsteps of Prince Shotoku, the guy who not only brought Buddhism from China but also whipped up Japan's first constitution. Talk about multitasking! I’m impressed!

Pro tip : Give the temple a call and ask for a free guide . These folks are volunteers who are super passionate about Japan's history and culture, and I’ve heard they’re really good. We decided to wing it and explore on our own, so I don’t have firsthand experience, but it’s something that could be a good opportunityfor those who are interested. I was just so happy to get away from everyone to ruin the peace by asking a stranger to never leave my side and talk my ear off.

Horyu-ji temple is so underrated!  

The museum collection at Horyu-ji is mind-blowing—we're talking about artifacts and statues dating back to the 6 th century. It's like a crash course in Japanese art history, and I like me some history! But, fair warning, the place seems to be a magnet for school groups. It was a bit much, and I think they should probably figure out a way to regulate the school trip tsunami .

In all, Horyu-ji might not be on every Nara itinerary, but it should be. It's an underrated gem that gives you a real sense of Japan's ancient history without the elbow-to-elbow crowds. Just remember, you're standing in a place where Japan's cultural and spiritual journey took a giant leap forward . No biggie, right?  

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This article is meant for first-time visitors because I promise you nobody visits a second time! In this article, I’ll give you a step-by-step Tokyo itinerary for 3 days. Then, I’ll answer FAQs about visiting Tokyo. 

Is Tokyo overrated? In my opinion - yes! But we all know you’re still going anyway out of fear of dying of FOMO. If Tokyo calls your name, choose from my list of Tokyo sights based on your personal taste. 

Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest and scenic train route, but is there anything else to do there to warrant a full day visit? Of course! Here’s the itinerary I put together based on my experience in Arashiyama!

Thoughts? Give us a shout!

Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

I was first inspired to start this blog by my own experience of researching for upcoming trips—I often struggle with a lack of good information, accuracy, and authenticity of resources. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” don’t even visit the destinations they write about! 

My goal with this blog is to provide you with complex and practical information so that you can plan your own vacation, complete with insights you’d only get if you visited the place. I also put together itineraries that are fully planned out trip guides.

Another aspect that drives this platform is my curiosity about the history, geography, politics, and economy of each country I visit, so I try to include this information in my articles, too. It’s always great to get the bigger picture, right? 

And just to be clear, I am not trying to compete with backpacking blogs or provide hacks for an economical and affordable experience. My vacations follow the standard pattern of traveling by plane, staying in good hotels, and renting a car on the spot to get around. I’m also always up for a fantastic meal, though I don’t shy away from local delicacies and street food, either.  

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The Tokyo Cheapo Guide to Visiting Temples and Shrines

With Japan having so many temples and shrines ( Kyoto alone is said to have over 2,000), most Japan sightseeing itineraries will have at least one on the agenda. It can be said that these places offer a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture (although some are trying their best to keep up with the times). Some even have historical value—as much as several centuries’ worth in some cases! They may have valuable relics, a distinct form of architecture that was the norm back in the day. So, even if you’re not religious, or you’re a believer of a different religion, visiting Japan temples and shrines can be appealing in terms of cultural and historical experience.

Regardless of your faith (or lack thereof), it wouldn’t hurt to conduct yourself appropriately when visiting a temple or a shrine. Perhaps you might even want to try going through the rituals. Here’s our guide to help demystify Japanese temples and shrines for you.

Know the difference: shrines vs. temples

First things first: the terms “temple” and “shrine” are not interchangeable! Basically, temples are associated with Buddhism, while shrines are associated with Shintoism , an animistic religion native to Japan.

While most Japanese are not particularly religious, they still visit temples and shrines as a way of observing tradition. Shinto shrines are where people usually go for celebrations of life, such as a birth or a wedding, while Buddhist temples are usually associated with death-related rituals, like funerals and visiting deceased loved ones. (Of course, for devout followers of both religions, there are many more ceremonies and rituals in between.)

Generally, it’s safe to say that many Japanese are not religious, but they still can be superstitious and/or have a sense of the spiritual. Some believe that certain shrines or temples are “power spots”— places with high concentrations of spiritual energy.

The Japanese term for “shrine” is “jinja” (神社). Thus, shrine names end with suffixes that have at least one of the kanji characters making up the term “jinja”:

• “jingu” (神宮; e.g. Meiji Jingu for Meiji Shrine)
• “-jin” (神, e.g. Kanda Myojin, Yushima Tenjin)
• “taisha” (大社; e.g. Fushimi Inari Taisha)
• “-gu” (宮; e.g. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)

Shrines have a gate called a torii at the entrance; this symbolizes a barrier between the sacred and the profane. They also have a purification basin filled with water for visitors to cleanse themselves before entering, and a pair of guardian dog statues called komainu is also a common fixture.

Temples are known as “tera” (寺) in Japanese. Joined with other characters, this becomes “-dera”, or the pronunciation changes entirely to become “-ji”—as in Kiyomizu-dera or Senso-ji (these can also be spelled without the hyphen). “-In” (院) is another suffix associated with temples (although this character is also used to refer to many other institutions!).

The main focus of worship at temples is Buddha himself. You can also find incense burners at a temple, and large complexes will usually have a pagoda as well.

Temples with shrines? Shrines with temples?

Yes, they exist, and that’s when things can get confusing! At some points in history, some temples were built on shrines, and vice-versa, which is why it’s not surprising that the lines between Buddhism and Shintoism can be blurry. The sprawling Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto , for one, has a shrine on its premises.

Etiquette and practices

Want to go through all the proper motions when visiting a shrine or a temple? Here’s how.

Bow before passing through the torii, and enter from the left or right side, as the central path is believed to be for gods.

Cleanse yourself at the purification basin by gathering water with one of the provided ladles—just one scoop of water will be good for the entire cleansing procedure. Next, pour water on your hands (starting with the left), pour some water into your left hand, and rinse your mouth with it. (Don’t drink the water or pour water from the ladle directly onto your mouth!) Lastly, keep the ladle clean by pouring the remaining water down the handle.

Toss a coin into the offering box. A 5-yen coin is best, as the Japanese term for 5 yen—”go-en”—is a homophone for “good luck,” and the hole in the middle is said to represent a clear view of the future. If the shrine has a bell, ring it, then bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, say a silent prayer, and bow once more. Some shrines’ rites may require different numbers of bows and claps—for instance, two more claps after the prayer are common, too—but there will be signs to indicate any variations, so don’t worry.

Face the shrine and bow again before leaving the shrine.

If the temple has a gate, the same etiquette as mentioned above applies: bow first. Some temples also have purification basins, so follow the purification ritual above whenever applicable.

As for praying, the same rules as above apply— except that you don’t clap at temples. If the temple has an incense burner, it’s also recommended to burn incense as an offering.

On photography

Unless specified, photography is usually allowed around temple/shrine premises, except in front of the main shrine or altar (i.e. where visitors pray).

Omamori, omikuji, oh my! Sacred/lucky objects and more

If just praying or paying your respects is not enough, you might want to take home a bit of good luck with you.

Omikuji: fortune-telling strips

You’ll only want to take these home if you get a good fortune! Usually costing 100-200 yen, these strips of paper usually dispense fortunes and advice for various aspects of your life—a general reading, love, career, health, and so on. The best possible outcome is “dai-kichi” (大吉 – great luck), while the worst is “dai-kyo” (大凶 – great curse). In case of a bad fortune, you’re supposed to tie it somewhere in the temple (usually, there are designated wires for that) so that the bad juju doesn’t follow you home. (You’re more than welcome to spend more money until you get a good fortune, of course.)

Some temples and shrines have omikuji in English. The more famous with tourists the temple or shrine is, the more likely it is to have English-language omikuji.

Some also have unique, specific omikuji—Iidabashi’s Tokyo Daijingu has paper-doll omikuji and a blood type-based one. Yotsuya’s Suga Shrine, home to the iconic staircases featured in the hit anime movie Your Name , has a fan-shaped omikuji. Lastly, Meiji Shrine has omikuji featuring classical poetry written by the Meiji Emperor and his wife. Also, in an attempt to get with the times, you may even find some omikuji-dispensing vending machines.

Ema: prayer tablets

These wooden plaques are for you to write your prayers, wishes, and messages on. You’re supposed to hang them at the temple or shrine, but it’s also perfectly fine to take them home. Akihabara’s Kanda Myojin, for one, has ema featuring characters from the popular Love Live! franchise; it’s common for fans to buy them as souvenirs.

Omamori: amulets/charms

You can buy omamori for yourself or as souvenirs—even if you’re not superstitious or religious, these can convey well-wishes to family and friends.

Omamori usually come in the form of cute little pouches with prayers or sutras inside (you’re not supposed to rip them open, though), but some shrines and temples sell them in different shapes, too. (Tokyo Daijingu’s key-shaped omamori, said to “unlock” the heart of your Mr./Ms./Mx. Right, is one example.)

There’s an omamori for pretty much everything—good luck in general, love, career/employment, studies, health, child-bearing, safe transportation, your heart’s desire, money, passing exams, happiness, traffic safety, warding off evil, success, and more. You might also find some pretty specific and unique omamori at some temples. Kanda Myojin, being located near the hub of electronics and geekery that is Akihabara, has an omamori to protect your gadgets.

You’re supposed to keep your omamori as close to you as possible, so attach it to, say, your bag or phone. It would also make sense to keep a money omamori close to (or in) your wallet; some omamori for wealth come small for this purpose.

It’s said that it’s best to not keep omamori for more than a year, because they supposedly lose their effect after a while. At the same time, it’s considered rude to the gods to throw an omamori away, so the right way to say goodbye to an omamori is to take it to a temple or a shrine. Of course, if you’re not a believer and/or you don’t have the time or means to visit Japan to dispose of an omamori, there’s no harm in holding on to an omamori for years. And if you lose your omamori, don’t worry too much. According to belief, it’s because the omamori is doing its job — protecting you from evil, about to grant your wish, or whatever. (Losing it on purpose, however, is a different story!)

Other lucky objects

Here are just some other lucky objects you might spot:

• Hamaya – A “demon-breaking” arrow (regardless of size, it’s purely decorative) that wards off bad luck and brings in good fortune.
• Kumade – A decorative bamboo rake; it “rakes in” luck.
• Hagoita – A decorative paddle that makes bad luck go away by “hitting” it.
• Maneki neko – A cat that beckons good fortune (or, more specifically, prosperity or wealth).
• Daruma – A roly-poly doll with blank eyes; you’re supposed to paint one eye while making a wish, and paint in the other eye once your wish is granted. It’s also a symbol of perseverance because it “falls seven times but gets up eight,” as a saying goes. It also appeals to the non-superstitious, as it can serve as a reminder of goals to accomplish.

Note that some of these can only be found during certain occasions. Also, not every shrine or temple will carry all of these items. For instance, don’t expect the popular maneki neko it to be a fixture at every temple or shrine. (Head to Gotokuji at Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward if that’s what you’re looking for.)

(Go)shuin: seals/stamps

Perhaps less known to non-Japanese is the practice of collecting shuin (go-shuin, if we’re to refer to it in honorifics), a seal or stamp unique to a particular temple or a shrine. If you’ve visited a temple or a shrine and seen people lining up with what looks like notebooks, they’re lining up for shuin. This practice is said to have originated in ancient times, when people received this stamp in exchange for donating a sutra.

Requesting a shuin will cost you 300 yen on average. (The fee, which goes to the upkeep, could be higher or lower, depending on the temple or shrine’s popularity or status.) This will get you the stamp in red ink, as well as calligraphy of the temple’s or shrine’s name and the date of your visit. If you’re into visiting as many temples and shrines as possible, this can be a way of keeping track of the ones you’ve visited.

You can’t just use any notebook or piece of paper for your shuin; instead, you’re supposed to use a shuincho, a blank book for the specific purpose of collecting these stamps. Most temples and shrines will have their own shuincho, so if you don’t have your own, you can start with that. If you have your own, you don’t have to buy a new one for every temple or shrine you visit, of course. You can also buy shuincho at stationery shops .

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20 Famous Temples In Japan to Visit

• by Jonny Duncan
• September 18, 2023 September 25, 2023

These temples in Japan, a land where ancient traditions and modern innovations harmoniously coexist, are not mere structures but portals into the soul of Japan itself.

These sacred edifices, whether Buddhist or Shinto, serve as timeless repositories of spiritual wisdom, architectural splendour, and historical significance.

Temples In Japan

From the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kyoto to the tranquil mountain retreats of Nikko, Japan’s temples beckon travellers to explore their hallowed grounds, offering a glimpse into a world steeped in tradition, spirituality, and profound beauty.

Many of these temples in Japan are located in Kyoto and Nara, in particular Kyoto, as these are two of the oldest and most historic cities in the country and they also survived the bombing in WWII.

These are just 20 of the main famous temples in Japan that you should visit if you had to choose some of the best, but there are many, many others to see. Also, note that these are temples in Japan and not some of the famous shrines in the country.

Sensō-ji (Tokyo)

Sensō-ji, located in the bustling heart of Tokyo’s Asakusa district, is one of the temples in Japan that is iconic and revered. It holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Sensō-ji is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Tokyo’s rich history and enduring spiritual heritage. The temple’s history is said to date back to the 7th century, making it one of Tokyo’s oldest and most historically significant temples.

According to legend, Sensō-ji was founded when two fishermen discovered a golden statuette of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, in the nearby Sumida River. This discovery led to the construction of the temple to enshrine the sacred relic.

As visitors approach Sensō-ji, they first pass through the Kaminarimon Gate, adorned with a massive red lantern and statues of the fierce guardian deities, Raijin (the god of thunder) and Fujin (the god of wind).

Beyond the gate, a bustling shopping street known as Nakamise-dori awaits, offering a wide array of traditional Japanese snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.

At the end of Nakamise-dori stands the Hōzōmon Gate, a striking and historic structure that houses many valuable temple treasures.

You can explore the temple grounds, including the main hall, where they can make offerings, light incense, and offer prayers.

Have a read of this book for temples in Tokyo: Tokyo Temples: A guide to forty of the best temples of Central Tokyo .

Kiyomizu-Dera (Kyoto)

Kiyomizu-Dera , located in the ancient city of Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most celebrated and iconic temples. Its name, which means “Pure Water Temple,” is derived from the Otawa Waterfall that runs through the temple grounds.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its breathtaking wooden stage, which seems to defy gravity as it extends out from the temple’s main hall, offering panoramic views of Kyoto and its lush surroundings.

Kiyomizu-dera’s history dates back to the 8th century when it was founded during the early Heian period. The temple is closely associated with the Hosso sect of Buddhism and has been a site of spiritual pilgrimage and devotion for centuries.

The most distinctive feature of Kiyomizu-Dera is its large wooden stage, known as the “Kiyomizu Stage” or “Kiyomizu-no-Butai.” This stage is supported by massive wooden pillars and is constructed entirely without the use of nails.

It provides visitors with an unparalleled view of Kyoto, particularly during the spring cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage season when the city is enveloped in vibrant colours.

The temple’s main hall, the Hondo, is an architectural marvel. It houses a statue of the eleven-faced Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, to whom the temple is dedicated. The temple complex also includes other halls, pagodas, and beautiful gardens that change with the seasons, making Kiyomizu-dera a year-round attraction.

One of the temple’s famous customs is the Otawa Waterfall, where visitors use long-handled cups to drink water believed to have therapeutic and purifying properties. There are three streams of water, each said to grant a different blessing: longevity, success in school, and a fortunate love life.

If you’re in Kyoto then this is one of the temples in Japan that you cannot miss.

Side note: With so many temples in Kyoto you may want to get a separate guide for them if you have a keen interest in temples there. This is the best book for that: Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto .

Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto)

Kinkaku-ji , also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking temples in Kyoto. This Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning, gold leaf-covered exterior, which shimmers brilliantly in the sunlight and reflects on the serene pond surrounding it.

Kinkaku-ji is not only a cultural treasure but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its unique beauty and historical significance.

Kinkaku-ji’s history dates back to the late 14th century when it was originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Following his death, the villa was converted into a Zen temple, following Yoshimitsu’s wishes.

The temple has undergone reconstruction and restoration several times over the centuries due to various incidents, including fires and wars.

The temple’s architecture combines elements of Shinden, Samurai, and Zen styles. The three-story building is covered in gold leaf, with each floor representing a different architectural style.

The first floor is built in the Shinden style, the second in the Samurai style, and the third in the Zen style. The Golden Pavilion itself sits atop a reflecting pond, creating a stunning visual effect.

Kinkaku-ji is set within meticulously landscaped gardens that change with the seasons. The surrounding greenery, including various trees and moss gardens, adds to the temple’s aesthetic appeal.

Kinkaku-ji is an active Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Rinzai School of Zen. The top two floors of the temple house relics of the Buddha, and it continues to serve as a place for meditation and religious practice.

Tōdai-ji (Nara)

Tōdai-ji , located in Nara, Japan, is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in Japan. It is renowned for housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world.

Tōdai-ji was originally founded in the 8th century during the Nara period. It was constructed by Emperor Shōmu as a way to promote Buddhism and to ensure the protection of the nation. The temple complex has been reconstructed and renovated over the centuries.

The Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji, also known as Daibutsu, is a colossal bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha. It stands at approximately 15 meters (49 feet) in height and is considered one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. The statue represents the ideals of Buddhism and is a symbol of peace and enlightenment.

The Daibutsuden is the main hall of Tōdai-ji and houses the Great Buddha. It is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. The hall is an impressive architectural achievement with massive wooden pillars and a grand design.

Visitors to Tōdai-ji first pass through the Nandaimon Gate, a massive and ornate gate guarded by statues of fierce-looking Nio guardians. The gate serves as an impressive entrance to the temple complex.

Tōdai-ji is situated in Nara Park, where hundreds of tame Sika deer roam freely. These deer are considered sacred and are a symbol of Nara.

Tōdai-ji is not only one of the best temples in Japan to visit but also one of the most famous temples in Asia .

Daihonzan Eiheiji (Fukui)

Daihonzan Eiheiji is one of the most important and revered Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. It is located in the Fukui Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region.

Eiheiji is renowned as one of the two main temples of the Soto Zen school, the other being Sojiji, and it is considered the primary training monastery for Soto Zen monks.

Eiheiji was founded by Dogen Zenji (also known as Dogen Kigen or Dogen Zen Master) in 1244. Dogen was a prominent Zen Buddhist teacher and philosopher who brought the Soto Zen tradition from China to Japan.

The main purpose of Eiheiji is to provide a place for monks to receive rigorous Zen training and practice zazen (seated meditation) under the guidance of experienced teachers. It is known for its strict and disciplined training regimen.

The temple complex consists of numerous buildings, including meditation halls, dormitories, a library, and a dining hall. The architecture is designed to facilitate the practice of Zen and the daily routines of the monks.

Eiheiji is situated in a serene and picturesque natural setting, surrounded by mountains and forests. This tranquil environment is conducive to meditation and contemplation.

Tenryu-ji (Kyoto)

Tenryu-ji , officially known as Tenryu Shiseizen-ji, is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. This temple holds historical, cultural, and natural significance, making it a popular destination for both spiritual seekers and tourists.

Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate. It was established to honour the memory of Emperor Go-Daigo and to serve as the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen School of Buddhism.

Tenryu-ji is closely associated with the Rinzai Zen tradition, and it played a pivotal role in the spread and development of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It continues to be an active centre for Zen practice and meditation.

The temple is renowned for its beautiful gardens, particularly the Sogenchi Garden. Designed by the famous landscape architect Muso Soseki, this garden features a large pond with scenic views of the surrounding Arashiyama mountains.

Adjacent to Tenryu-ji is the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which is often associated with the temple. A stroll through this enchanting bamboo forest is a serene and visually striking experience.

The Hatto Hall is the temple’s Dharma Hall, where Zen monks gather for lectures and ceremonies. It is a beautiful wooden structure with traditional architectural features.

Ryōan-ji (Kyoto)

Ryōan-ji , located in Kyoto, is a Zen Buddhist temple renowned for its iconic rock garden, making it one of the most celebrated and contemplative spaces in the world and one of the best temples in Japan.

This temple, officially known as Ryōan-ji Ryōan-ji Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds significant cultural and historical value.

The most famous feature of Ryōan-ji is its karesansui, or “dry landscape” rock garden. This meticulously designed Zen garden consists of 15 carefully placed rocks of varying sizes, set amidst a sea of raked white gravel. The garden’s minimalistic beauty and abstract nature encourage contemplation and meditation.

Ryōan-ji was originally a nobleman’s villa during the Heian period and was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple in 1450. The temple has strong connections to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The Hōjō building, adjacent to the rock garden, is a stunning example of traditional Zen temple architecture. It features elegant sliding doors with exquisite paintings and tatami-matted rooms that offer serene views of the garden.

The temple’s grounds also include a large pond called Kyoyochi, surrounded by lush greenery and cherry trees. This area provides a contrasting but equally peaceful environment to the rock garden.

Ryōan-ji offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Zen Buddhism and its emphasis on simplicity, meditation, and the appreciation of the present moment.

Yakushiji Temple (Nara)

Yakushiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Nara. It is one of the most famous and important temples in Nara, which was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 AD.

Yakushiji Temple was founded in the early 8th century during the Nara period. It was established by Emperor Temmu and Empress Jito to pray for the recovery of the emperor’s health. The temple was originally constructed at Fujiwara-kyo, the then-capital of Japan, and later moved to its current location in Nara.

The temple is a prime example of the Asuka architectural style, which is characterized by a central hall flanked by twin pagodas. This style reflects the influence of Chinese architecture on early Japanese Buddhist temple design.

Yakushiji is known for its twin pagodas, the East Pagoda (To) and West Pagoda (Tou). Unfortunately, the East Pagoda was destroyed by a typhoon in 1528 and was never rebuilt.

The temple is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine. The main hall houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, and the temple was historically a place for people to pray for good health and recovery from illness.

Higashiyama Jisho-ji (Kyoto)

Higashiyama Jisho-ji , also known as Ginkaku-ji, is a historic and culturally significant Zen Buddhist temple located in the eastern part of Kyoto. It is renowned for its beautiful garden, distinctive architecture, and cultural importance.

Ginkaku-ji was originally constructed in the late 15th century during the Muromachi period. It was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate. The temple was initially intended as a retirement villa for Yoshimasa but was later converted into a Zen temple.

The Kannon-den, or Main Hall, is the central structure of Ginkaku-ji. It is a two-story building with a thatched roof and is known for its elegant simplicity. The interior houses a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

While often referred to as the “Silver Pavilion,” Ginkaku-ji’s main building is made of wood and has a silver-like appearance due to its exterior design. Unlike the golden exterior of Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji’s subdued aesthetic reflects the wabi-sabi philosophy, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection and simplicity.

Ginkaku-ji is famous for its meticulously designed gardens, which include a sand garden, a moss garden, and various walking paths. The garden’s aesthetic is characterized by careful attention to detail, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Ginkaku-ji is located at the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walking route along the canal that connects several temples and shrines in Kyoto.

Tō-ji (Kyoto)

Tō-ji, officially known as Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji Temple , is a significant Buddhist temple located in Kyoto.

The temple was originally founded in the early 8th century, during the Heian period. It was established by Emperor Shōmu and his consort, Komyo Kōgō, as a symbol of their devotion to Buddhism and as a place of prayer for the nation’s protection.

The temple has a rich history and has played various roles over the centuries, including being a centre of Buddhist scholarship and practice.

The most famous feature of Tō-ji is its five-story pagoda, which is the tallest wooden tower in Japan and an iconic symbol of Kyoto. This pagoda, standing at 54.8 meters (180 feet) tall, is a masterpiece of Japanese wooden architecture.

Each story of the pagoda has a distinct architectural style and significance, and it’s a striking sight against the backdrop of Kyoto’s skyline.

The Miei-dō Hall is the main worship hall of Tō-ji and houses important Buddhist statues, including those of the temple’s principal deities.

Kōbō Daishi: Tō-ji is closely associated with the revered Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi, also known as Kūkai, who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The temple is an important centre for Shingon Buddhism, and Kōbō Daishi’s mausoleum, known as the Miei-dō, is located on the temple grounds.

Saiho-ji (Kyoto)

Saiho-ji , also known as Kokedera or the Moss Temple, is a unique and renowned Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. What sets Saiho-ji apart from other temples is its exquisite moss garden, which covers the temple grounds and creates a lush, tranquil, and visually stunning environment.

The moss garden at Saiho-ji is its most distinctive feature and is considered one of the most beautiful moss gardens in the world. The garden is adorned with various species of moss, creating a rich tapestry of textures and shades of green. Moss is meticulously cultivated and maintained, covering the ground, rocks, and even forming patterns.

Saiho-ji’s history dates back to the late 8th century, during the Heian period. It was founded by the monk Gyoki but later expanded and developed by the priest Muso Soseki. The temple is associated with the Rinzai Zen sect of Buddhism and is known for its emphasis on meditation and mindfulness.

To enter the moss garden, visitors must first cross the Ryumon-kyo, a stone bridge that resembles a dragon. It’s an essential part of the garden’s aesthetic and sets the tone for the contemplative experience that follows.

Saiho-ji is not just a place to admire the beauty of nature; it’s also a place for Zen meditation and mindfulness practice. Visitors are typically required to participate in a brief meditation session and engage in copying Buddhist scriptures (known as sutra transcription) as a way to contribute to the temple’s preservation.

This is one of the best temples in Japan for Zen meditation practice for visitors.

Kōtoku-in (Kamakura)

Kōtoku-in is a famous Buddhist temple located in Kamakura. It is renowned for its iconic outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha, known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu).

The Great Buddha is one of Japan’s most recognizable and historically significant statues and is a popular tourist attraction.

Kōtoku-in Temple was originally established in the 13th century, during the Kamakura period, a time when Buddhism flourished in Japan. The Great Buddha statue was originally housed in a wooden temple building, which was destroyed multiple times by typhoons and tsunamis.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha. It stands at approximately 13.35 meters (44 feet) in height and is one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in Japan. The statue represents the ideals of Buddhism and has become an iconic symbol of Kamakura.

Unlike many Buddha statues in Japan that are housed within temple buildings, the Great Buddha of Kamakura is displayed in the open air. You can walk around the statue and even enter its interior to get a sense of its size and construction.

Myōshin-ji (Kyoto)

Myoshin-ji , located in Kyoto, is a prominent and historic Zen Buddhist temple complex that serves as the headquarters of the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is one of the largest Zen temple complexes in Japan and holds cultural, spiritual, and architectural significance.

Myoshin-ji was founded in the 14th century by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate. It was established as a centre for Zen practice and played a crucial role in the development and spread of Rinzai Zen Buddhism in Japan.

Myoshin-ji is a vast temple complex that includes numerous sub-temples, halls, and beautiful gardens. Each of these sub-temples may have its own unique history and offerings.

Myoshin-ji is known for its dedication to Zen practice, including zazen (meditation), sesshin (intensive meditation retreats), and the study of Zen teachings. You can participate in meditation sessions or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

This is also one of the best temples in Japan for Zen practice with visitors.

The temple complex features traditional Zen temple architecture, including meditation halls, temple gates, and various buildings used for religious ceremonies and activities. It’s one of the best Zen temples in Japan.

Nishi Hongan-ji (Kyoto)

Nishi Hongan-ji, or the Western Temple of the Original Vow, is a significant and historic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. It is one of the two head temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Pure Land Buddhism, with the other being Higashi Hongan-ji (Eastern Temple of the Original Vow).

Nishi Hongan-ji’s history dates back to the late 16th century when it was established by the Jodo Shinshu school’s founder, Shinran Shonin. The temple complex has been rebuilt and renovated over the centuries due to fires and other factors.

The Goei-do is the temple’s main hall and serves as the central place of worship. It is an impressive wooden structure with intricate architectural details, including beautifully carved wooden pillars and ornate decorations.

The Amida Hall houses a statue of Amida Buddha, a central figure in Pure Land Buddhism. The hall is a place for Buddhist rituals and ceremonies.

The temple’s Karamon Gate is a designated National Treasure of Japan. It is a splendid example of traditional Japanese gate architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a unique design.

The Kyozo is a repository for Buddhist scriptures and texts. It is a historically significant building and contains valuable religious manuscripts.

Byodo-in (Uji)

Byodo-in is an iconic Buddhist temple located in Uji, a city situated to the south of Kyoto. This temple is renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Byodo-in’s history dates back to the late Heian period (11th century). It was originally established as a villa by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, a powerful member of the Fujiwara clan. Later, it was converted into a temple.

The Phoenix Hall is the centrepiece of Byodo-in and is one of the most iconic architectural structures in Japan. It is named after its resemblance to a mythical phoenix bird with outstretched wings.

The hall is surrounded by a large reflecting pond, creating a stunning and picturesque scene. The Phoenix Hall is known for its intricate architectural details, including its wooden statues and decorative elements.

Inside the Phoenix Hall is an exquisite statue of Amida Buddha, a central figure in Pure Land Buddhism. The statue is a designated National Treasure of Japan and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art.

Byodo-in is associated with Pure Land Buddhism, a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the belief in the Pure Land, a paradise-like realm where enlightenment is more accessible.

Byodo-in features beautiful gardens that enhance the temple’s serene atmosphere. The gardens are meticulously designed and include vibrant seasonal flora.

The temple complex includes a tea house where visitors can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, adding to the cultural richness of the visit.

Chion-in (Kyoto)

Chion-in, located in Kyoto, is one of the most prominent and historically significant temples in Japan. It is the headquarters of the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism and is renowned for its massive temple gate, serene gardens, and cultural importance.

Chion-in’s history dates back to the 13th century when it was founded by the Buddhist monk Honen, the founder of the Jodo school of Buddhism. The temple complex has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, with the current buildings dating mostly from the early 17th century.

Chion-in’s Sanmon Gate is one of the largest wooden gates in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure. It stands at the entrance to the temple and serves as a grand and impressive welcome for visitors.

The Amida Hall, also known as the Mieido, enshrines a statue of Amida Buddha, the central figure in Pure Land Buddhism. The hall is lavishly decorated and is a focal point for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Chion-in features beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, including the Hojo Garden, which is known for its seasonal beauty. Cherry blossoms in spring and colourful foliage in autumn make the temple grounds particularly enchanting.

Chion-in’s bell tower houses one of the largest temple bells in Japan, known as the “Great Bell of Chion-in.” The bell has a rich history and is rung to mark the time and for special occasions.

Kōfuku-ji (Nara)

Kōfuku-ji , located in Nara, is one of the oldest and most historically significant Buddhist temples in Japan. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” and holds a special place in Japan’s cultural and religious heritage.

Kōfuku-ji was originally established in 669 CE in Yamashina (present-day Kyoto) and was later moved to Nara in 710 CE when Nara became the capital of Japan. The temple was closely associated with the powerful Fujiwara clan and played a significant role in the development and spread of Buddhism in Japan.

One of the most iconic features of Kōfuku-ji is its five-storied pagoda, known as the Goju-no-to. This pagoda stands 50 meters (164 feet) tall, making it one of Japan’s tallest wooden pagodas. It is considered a National Treasure of Japan and is a symbol of the temple.

The Chukon-do is the main hall of Kōfuku-ji and houses important Buddhist statues and relics. The current structure is a reconstruction dating from the Edo period and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Another significant hall within Kōfuku-ji is the Nan’endo or Southern Octagonal Hall. It is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Japan and is home to important Buddhist images.

Kōfuku-ji also features the To-kondo, or Eastern Golden Hall, which houses a stunning statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. The hall is known for its artistic and religious value.

Sanjūsangen-dō (Kyoto)

Sanjūsangen-dō , also known as Rengeo-in, is a unique and culturally significant Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. The temple’s name, which means “Hall of Thirty-Three Bays,” refers to its exceptionally long main hall.

Sanjūsangen-dō was founded in the 12th century and later reconstructed in the 13th century. The temple is affiliated with the Tendai school of Buddhism and has served as a place of worship, meditation, and cultural preservation for centuries.

The main hall of Sanjūsangen-dō is a remarkable wooden structure that spans 33 bays, making it one of Japan’s longest wooden buildings. The hall is an architectural marvel and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.

The main attraction of Sanjūsangen-dō is the presence of 1,001 life-sized statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. These statues are made of cypress wood and are arranged in 10 rows, with the central statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon flanked by 500 statues on each side. Each statue has multiple arms, symbolizing the bodhisattva’s ability to aid and comfort countless beings.

Sanjūsangen-dō is known for hosting the annual Tōshiya archery contest, where archers demonstrate their skill and accuracy. This tradition dates back to the Edo period and attracts participants and spectators from all over Japan.

Hōryū-ji (Ikaruga)

Hōryū-ji , located in Ikaruga, is one of the most ancient and culturally significant temples in Japan. It holds the distinction of being one of Japan’s oldest wooden structures and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hōryū-ji, which means “Temple of the Flourishing Law,” was founded in 607 CE by Prince Shotoku, an influential figure in Japanese history who played a key role in the introduction and spread of Buddhism in Japan. The temple complex has a rich history, having been reconstructed and renovated over the centuries.

The five-story pagoda at Hōryū-ji is one of its most iconic structures and is considered one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. This pagoda is a masterpiece of early Japanese architecture, featuring a symmetrical design with intricate wooden carvings.

The Kondo, or main hall, enshrines statues of the Shakyamuni Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. It is an elegant and historically significant structure that exemplifies the architecture of its time.

Hōryū-ji consists of two main precincts: Sai-in and Tō-in. The Tō-in precinct is home to the pagoda and the main hall, making it the most famous part of the temple complex.

The Sai-in precinct, while less frequently visited by tourists, includes additional halls and buildings of historical and religious importance.

Hōryū-ji houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist art and artefacts, including sculptures, paintings, and scriptures. Some of these treasures are designated as National Treasures of Japan.

Gango-ji (Nara)

Gango-ji , located in Nara, is one of the historic and culturally significant temples in the city. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a special place in Japan’s religious and architectural history.

Gango-ji is one of the oldest temples in Japan, with its origins dating back to the Asuka period in the 6th century. It was originally established by Soga no Umako, a powerful figure in ancient Japan, and later moved to its current location in Nara during the Nara period (8th century).

The temple features a mix of architectural styles reflecting different historical periods. The main hall, known as the Daishido, is a National Treasure of Japan and is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the country.

Gango-ji has a three-story pagoda that adds to the temple’s historical charm. The pagoda is an important architectural feature and has a distinct appearance compared to other pagodas in Japan.

The temple grounds include serene gardens with well-maintained greenery and ponds. The gardens offer a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy and reflect.

Kencho-ji (Kamakura)

Kencho-ji is a historic and culturally significant Zen Buddhist temple located in Kamakura. It is one of the five great Zen temples of Kamakura and holds a special place in the history of Zen Buddhism in Japan, and is one of the more famous temples in Japan for Zen.

Kencho-ji was founded in 1253 by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori during the Kamakura period. It played a crucial role in the propagation of Zen Buddhism in Japan and is associated with the Rinzai School of Zen.

The Hojin-no-ma is the main hall of Kencho-ji and serves as the temple’s central place of worship and meditation. It is an elegant and historically significant structure that exemplifies Zen temple architecture.

The Dharma Hall is an important building where monks gather for religious ceremonies and teachings. It is known for its simplicity and functionality, reflecting Zen principles.

Kencho-ji features beautifully landscaped gardens that enhance the temple’s tranquil atmosphere. The gardens include scenic ponds, stone pathways, and lush greenery, providing a peaceful environment for meditation and contemplation.

The temple has a long history of Zen training and meditation, making it an important centre for Zen practice in Japan. Monks and practitioners from around the world come to Kencho-ji to deepen their understanding of Zen.

In the Land of the Rising Sun, the temples in Japan stand as living testaments to the country’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions, architectural brilliance, and profound cultural heritage.

These sacred spaces in the temples in Japan, whether nestled in serene forests, perched atop misty mountains or amidst bustling urban landscapes, invite travellers to explore the layers of Japanese history, philosophy, and artistic expression.

The temples in Japan offer a journey of discovery, reflection, and awe. They beckon you to appreciate the profound beauty of nature, the wisdom of ancient teachings, and the enduring harmony that defines this captivating nation.

For more reading on temples in Japan take a look at: Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto .

And for Tokyo: Tokyo Temples: A guide to forty of the best temples of Central Tokyo .

If you want to get an in-depth guide to the temples on Shikoku: The 88 Temples of Shikoku: A Guide for the Walking Pilgrim .

For more on Japan take a look at my extensive in-depth guides to Japan .

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Buddhist Temples

Temples (��, tera) are the places of worship in Japanese Buddhism . Virtually every Japanese municipality has at least one temple, while large cultural centers like Kyoto have hundreds.

Temples store and display sacred Buddhist objects. Some temples used to be monasteries, and some still function as such. Structures typically found at Japanese temples are:

Lecture hall

The best cities to visit temples are Kyoto , Nara and Kamakura . One of the best places to overnight at temples is Mount Koya .

Best Temples in Japan

Osorezan •••

Kiyomizudera •••

Todaiji Temple •••

Kinkakuji •••

Ginkakuji •••

Okunoin Temple ••

Yamadera ••

Hasedera Temple ••

Horyuji Temple ••

Great Buddha ••

Kokedera ••

Byodoin Temple ••

Nanzenji Temple ••

Ninnaji Temple ••

Muroji Temple •

Questions? Ask in our forum .

15 shrines and temples to visit in Japan

Stepped in heritage, thousands of shrines and temples dotted around Japan and here are 15 of the best shrines and temples to visit

Shintoism and Buddhism are the two main religions in Japan and accordingly, shrines and temples are an integral part of Japan’s cultural tapestry. You’ll find these places of worship hidden in forests, sandwiched between office towers on busy streets or clinging to mountaintops. Visiting them can be a spiritual experience, a chance to gain insight into Japanese traditions and history, or simply enjoy a serene escape from the frenetic pace of city life.

Wash your hands and rinse your mouth before visiting a shrine or a temple Shutterstock

Similar etiquette applies to Buddhist temples, which usually have the word ‘ji’ or ‘dera’ added to the name. Buddhist monks live and train in temples, and many of them also teach Zazen (seated meditation) to the public.

With thousands of temples and shrines dotted around Japan and most extend a warm welcome to visitors, here is where to begin exploring.

1. Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

Tucked away in a dense forest between Shinjuku and Shibuya, two of Tokyo’s busiest districts, Meiji Jingu commemorates the virtue of Emperor Meiji who modernised Japan during his reign (1867-1912) while preserving the unique cultural and historical roots.

Nikkusai, a Shinto ritual of peace and good fortune, is held every day at 8am and 2pm. The well-tended Iris Garden within the compound also offers a delightful experience; the best blooms are from late May to mid-June. If you’re visiting in late autumn, the Gingko Avenue (Icho Namiki) is a prime leaf-viewing territory.

2. Sensō-ji, Tokyo

Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple was founded in 645 to honour Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Legend has it that two brothers found a statue of the goddess floating in the Sumida River. Every time they put the statue back into the river it returned to them, inspiring the pair to build Senso-ji nearby.

Sensō-ji, Tokyo Shutterstock

3. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

Get ready to light up your Instagram with images of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of the most photographed sites in Japan. Perched on the wooded banks of a pond in northern Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji was once the retirement villa of 13th-century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu but is now a Buddhist temple.

Its top two storeys are completely covered in gold leaf and each floor takes inspiration from a different style of Japanese architecture. Admire the Shinden style traditionally used for palace building on the first floor, soak up the atmosphere of a samurai residence on the second floor and see a Chinese Zen Hall on the third floor capped with a golden phoenix.

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto Shutterstock

4. Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto

8km (5 miles) east of Kinkaku-ji lies Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), built by the grandson of Yoshimitsu, the shogun who commissioned Kinkaku-ji. Despite its name, the temple was never covered in silver leaf. Some believe the misnomer was due to the Onin War fought between families of samurais between 1467-1477 and as a result of the war, the grandson didn’t have enough money to cover the building in silver leaf.

Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto Shutterstock

5. Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

Inari is the Shinto god of rice and with rice being the staple food, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Japan has about 30,000 Inari shrines. The most famous one is the head shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto Shutterstock

6. Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Built on the site of the Otowa waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera translates literally as ‘pure water temple’. Legend has it that the water here has mystical properties and that drinking from one of the waterfall’s three cascades can confer success at school, a fortunate love life and longevity – but you shouldn’t drink from all three streams as it is considered greedy to do so.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto Shutterstock

7. Shitenno-ji, Osaka

For a thrilling trip into Japanese history, pay a visit to this ancient Buddhist temple with its five-storey pagoda and art-packed treasure house. Shitenno-ji is one of the country’s oldest temples. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shōtoku who championed Buddhism in Japan.

The existing buildings are exact reconstructions of the original 6th-century design. Highlights include ascending the inner precinct’s towering pagoda, exploring the Main Hall in which Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon and discovering the paintings and scriptures on display in the treasure house.

Shitenno-ji, Osaka Shutterstock

8. Todai-ji, Nara

The main hall at Todai-ji was once the largest wooden building in the world. This impressive and historically significant temple also houses one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues – a 15m (49ft) high colossus cast from over 400 tonnes of bronze.

There’s plenty to see and explore in the temple grounds, including models of how the site looked when it was founded in the Nara Period, several museums, some fine Buddhist carvings and serene gardens.

A large Buddha statue at Todai-ji, Nara Shutterstock

9. Horyu-ji, Nara

Most of Japan’s ancient temples have burned down and been rebuilt at least once in their history, but Horyu-ji is a notable exception. Founded by Prince Shotoku, an early proponent of Buddhism in Japan, it shelters the world’s oldest-surviving multi-storey wooden structures and became Japan’s very first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. The central gate (Chumon), the main hall and the five-storey pagoda all date back to the Asuka Period (552 to 645), while the main hall houses some of the oldest statues of Buddha in Japan.

There are other cultural treats to unearth here as well, including an impressive art collection in the Gallery of Temple Treasures.

Horyu-ji, Nara Shutterstock

10. Seiganto-ji, Nachisan

Up until the 19th century, Buddhism and Shintoism were often practised simultaneously in Japan. Efforts to establish a Shinto-orientated state during the Meiji restoration led to the enforced separation of the religions, and nowadays only a few temples exist side-by-side with shrines. Seiganto-ji is one of those rare exceptions. Perched photogenically in front of the Nachi Falls, the site is both culturally important and a spectacular place to visit. It’s a key destination on the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO-listed network of pilgrimage trails that runs through the southern Kansai region.

Seiganto-ji, Nachisan Shutterstock

11. Sanbutsu-ji, Misasa

If you’re planning to visit this temple that clings to a cliff face, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots. Sanbutsu-ji’s main hall is set at the base of Mount Mitoku – but follow the trail that heads steeply up the mountain and you’ll discover a series of stunning subsidiary halls.

Sanbutsu-ji, Misasa Shutterstock

12. Dewa Sanzan Shrines, Tsuruoka

Dewa Sanzan refers to the three sacred mountains that symbolise reincarnation – Haguro-san (the past or birth), Gas-san (the present) and Yudono-san (the future or rebirth) – each with a small shrine on or near its summit.

These mountains are the primary hub for seekers of enlightenment who come here to partake in Yamabushido or mountain worship. The concept of Yamabushido blends activities like walking in the forests, having simple meals, meditating beneath one of the waterfalls into a self-discovery journey.

The five-storey pagoda on the way to the shrine atop Haguro-san Shutterstock

13. Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

Located off the coast of Hiroshima, Miyajima, meaning Shrine Island, is firmly on the radar of many highbrow tourists. The most famous sight on Miyajima is Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic ‘floating’ Torii gate. Actually the gate is firmly constructed in a small inlet but during high tide, rising water level covers the land surrounding the gate and makes it look like it is floating in the sea.

The 'floating' Torri gate, Miyajima, Japan Shutterstock

14. Daishō-in, Miyajima

A five-minute walk south of Itsukushima Shrine lies Daishō-in, an ancient temple nestled on the slopes of Mount Misen. Daishō-in is a holy site of Shingon Buddhism and the temple houses a statue of the sect’s founder Kobo Daishi, who was said to practise Buddhism on the island.

Adorable statues in Daishō-in, Miyajima Shutterstock

15. Arakura Sengen Shrine, Fujiyoshida

Quite frankly, most people skip the shrine and head straight to the five-storey Chureito Pagoda to bag a shot with the pagoda in the foreground and Mount Fuji in the distance. Variations of this classic shot have graced countless magazine covers and travel brochures. The site continues to attract avid photographers, particularly during the cherry blossom season.

Chureito Pagoda with Mt Fuji in the distance Shutterstock

Before you go, check out the Japan travel guide .

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• Things to Do

15 Best Temples in Japan

Divine Sanctuaries: 15 Must-Visit Temples in Japan

Buddhism, alongside Shintoism, is a major aspect that shapes the beautiful culture of Japan that many people around the world have fallen in love with. What better way to get in touch with this part of Japanese culture than to go visit some of these incalculably valuable places that are situated across the country?

Japanese Buddhist temples are quite different from those in India, China, and even South Korea, providing a unique experience even if you’ve visited temples from these other countries.

Join us as we introduce to you our list of the 15 best temples in Japan and explore these hallowed grounds, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Japan’s ancient traditions and sacred wonders. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil countryside of Kyoto and beyond, each temple unveils a unique blend of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and spiritual significance.

Buddhism in Japan

Buddhism in Japan is a profound and influential religious tradition that has deeply shaped the country’s history and cultural identity. Introduced in the 6th century, Buddhism arrived from China and Korea, gradually integrating with indigenous beliefs.

It encompasses a diverse range of Buddhist schools, including Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren. Buddhism in Japan combines teachings on enlightenment, compassion, and the cycle of rebirth. It has played a crucial role in shaping Japanese arts, philosophy, and societal values, promoting harmony, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace.

Today, Buddhism continues to be a significant spiritual force, with temples and rituals serving as cherished cultural and historical landmarks.

Features of Buddhist Temples

Buddhist temples in Japan possess distinct features that make them intriguing to foreign travelers.

Architecturally, they showcase unique designs with intricate wooden structures, ornate roofs, and exquisite craftsmanship. Unlike some temples in other countries, Japanese temples often blend seamlessly with nature, offering serene gardens and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can witness stunning Buddha statues, ancient relics, and engaging ritual practices.

Japanese temples also stand out for their cultural significance, reflecting Japan’s rich spiritual heritage. People should visit Japanese temples to experience the peaceful and meditative atmosphere, immerse themselves in Japanese culture, and gain insights into the profound philosophy of Buddhism while enjoying the beauty of the temple surroundings.

1. Hiraizumi Chusonji Temple (Iwate)

The main hall, Konjikido, is a remarkable golden structure adorned with intricate details. It houses valuable Buddhist relics and treasures, providing a glimpse into Japan’s ancient past. Chusonji Temple’s popularity stems from its preservation of Japan’s medieval history and its ability to transport visitors to a bygone era.

Information

2. Yamadera Temple (Yamagata)

Risshakuji Temple (宝珠山立石寺), more commonly known as Yamadera Temple (山寺) , is a captivating destination that lures international travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and natural beauty. Located in Yamagata prefecture, this centuries-old Buddhist temple is perched atop a mountainside, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests.

Visitors ascend a steep stone staircase, passing through lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, to reach the temple’s main hall. The tranquil atmosphere, awe-inspiring scenery, and the temple’s deep historical roots make it a popular choice among international visitors.

For more information about this temple, check out the following article.

Tokyo and Kanto

3. sensoji temple (tokyo).

Upon entering through the majestic Kaminarimon Gate, visitors are greeted by Nakamise , a bustling shopping street brimming with traditional souvenirs and delectable snacks. The temple’s main hall, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, is a sight to behold with its intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance. Sensoji Temple’s popularity among international visitors lies in its ability to provide an authentic Japanese cultural experience, combining spirituality, traditional craftsmanship, and the charm of old-world Tokyo.

For more information about this temple, check out the following articles.

4. Zojoji Temple (Tokyo)

The temple’s striking entrance gate, Sangedatsumon, and the impressive main hall, Daiden, leave visitors in awe of their grandeur and architectural beauty. Zojoji Temple is also famous for its stunning view of the Tokyo Tower, creating a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos.

5. Gotokuji Temple (Tokyo)

This historic Buddhist temple is renowned for its association with Maneki-neko, the beckoning cat figurine believed to bring luck and prosperity. The temple grounds are adorned with countless ceramic cat statues, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and pay their respects at the main hall, which houses sacred relics.

6. Hasedera Temple (Kanagawa)

Its main attraction is the towering wooden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, which stands at an impressive height of 9.18 meters. The temple’s lush gardens, adorned with vibrant flowers and serene ponds, provide a peaceful retreat for contemplation and reflection.

7. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Chiba)

The highlight is the Main Hall, housing a magnificent statue of Fudo Myoo, a revered Buddhist deity. Since it is located in Narita, this can be potentially the first (or last) temple you visit in Japan. Either way, it is located in a very accessible place.

Central Japan

8. zenkoji temple (nagano).

The temple’s main hall, although hidden from view, offers a profound spiritual experience to visitors who partake in the symbolic journey of touching the “Key to Paradise.” The roof of the main hall was just repaired in 2022, so you will be seeing the new version of this majestic historical building.

9. Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple (Fukui)

Eiheiji Temple’s austere yet picturesque surroundings, with its tranquil gardens and traditional architecture, provide an authentic experience of Zen practice. It offers a truly transformative and enriching experience for spiritual seekers.

Kyoto and Western Japan

10. kiyomizudera temple (kyoto).

Perched on a hillside, the temple offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding city and cherry blossom-filled gardens. Its main hall, supported by wooden pillars, stands without the use of nails, a marvel of traditional architecture. Kiyomizudera Temple is renowned for its Otawa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three streams believed to grant health, longevity, and success in studies. International visitors flock to this temple for its picturesque setting, cultural heritage, and the enchanting experience of walking the famous wooden terrace, offering a sense of spiritual serenity and connection to Japan’s rich history.

11. Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto)

The top two floors of the temple are adorned with gold leaf, shimmering beautifully against the backdrop of a tranquil pond and meticulously manicured gardens. Kinkakuji Temple’s popularity among international visitors lies in its striking beauty, symbolizing harmony between nature and human creation.

12. Tenryuji Temple (Kyoto)

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it boasts a stunning garden that perfectly embodies the concept of “borrowed scenery,” seamlessly integrating with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The temple’s main hall, a designated national treasure, offers a glimpse into Japan’s architectural elegance.

13. Todaiji Temple (Nara)

Stepping inside, visitors are immersed in a sense of wonder as they encounter the towering figure. Todaiji Temple’s popularity among international visitors lies in its historical importance, magnificent craftsmanship, and the opportunity to witness the spiritual and artistic achievements of ancient Japan. The temple’s serene park setting, which is also home to friendly roaming deer, adds to its appeal, creating an unforgettable experience of Japan’s cultural heritage.

14. Nachisan Seigantoji Temple (Wakayama)

The temple’s elegant pagoda (Sanjuto Pagoda) adds to the picturesque landscape. It provides a serene retreat where travelers can experience the harmony between Buddhism and nature, immersing themselves in the tranquility and magnificence of Japan’s spiritual traditions.

For more information about the Nachi Falls right next to the temple, check out the following article.

15. Nanzoin Temple (Fukuoka)

Nanzoin Temple’s popularity among visitors lies in its unique cultural and spiritual significance. It offers a peaceful sanctuary where visitors can admire the majestic statue, explore the temple grounds, and experience a sense of tranquility and reverence.

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Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.

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• Impressive Shrines and Temples to Visit in Japan

Masterfully built and intricately detailed, there are many impressive shrines and temples in Japan. This, combined with the country’s rich heritage and culture, makes it the perfect getaway for travelers in love with history and the arts. If you are one of them, here are some of the shrines and temples you should not miss when you visit Japan. 

1. Kashima Shrine (Ibaraki)

Kashima Shrine is a Shinto shrine founded in 660 B.C. and is located in Ibaraki Prefecture. It houses two main shrines called the “Honden” and “Okumiya,” both of which have been rebuilt in the early 1600s. The shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, the deity of martial arts.

Should you plan to visit, it would be a good time to come by on September 1 and 2. It is during this period that the Kashima Shrine JINKOSAI Festival is held, wherein locals pray for good fortune, crops, and peace. The lively festival brings parades and various food stalls to the area, giving visitors an opportunity to try out the city’s local delicacies.

2. Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Tochigi) 

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the resting place of famous samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu who is referred to as the deity Tosho Daigongen or the “Great Deity of the East Shining Light.” His mausoleum complex, with its intricate carvings and lavish structures, comprises part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

Inside the shrine is the famous carving of the three monkeys that signify the popular adage, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

An annual festival called the “Shuki Taisai Grand Festival” is held during the fall and spring seasons to commemorate the arrival of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s remains at the shrine. During which, a parade of dressed samurais fills the streets and visitors get to see different shows.

3. Byodoin Temple (Kyoto) 

Located in the city of Uji in Kyoto, Byodoin Temple was originally an aristocrat's villa. In 1052, it was turned into a temple and is now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Built in 1053, the Amida-do Hall (Phoenix Hall) has maintained its original structure to this day. It has become the temple’s main highlight, so much so that the hall can be found on the obverse of the Japanese 10 yen coin.

The Phoenix Hall also houses national treasures like statues and paintings. Similarly, more artifacts can be found in Hoshokan Museum, still within the complex of Byodoin Temple.

For those looking for local specialties and souvenir items, there is a lineup of stores in the vicinity, including the cafe “Sabo TOKA.” As Uji is known for its top-quality green tea, this local teahouse offers a variety of green tea options.

4. Motonosumi Shrine (Yamaguchi) 

It is easy to spot Motonosumi Shrine from a distance because of its 123 vermilion torii gates leading towards the sea.

Located in Yamaguchi Prefecture by the coast of the Japan sea, Motonosumi Shrine became a popular spot because of its aesthetically striking view, attracting many photographers and tourists to visit the place.

The shrine also has statues and pictures of foxes, which is significant to the place’s history. According to locals, in 1955, a white fox appeared in a resident fisherman’s dream and asked for a shrine to be built in the area. In Japanese folklore, foxes are believed to be the messenger of Inari, the deity of rice cultivation.

With the shrine’s interesting story, many people come to pray and make a wish. An offertory box is placed on top of the very first torii gate where visitors try to shoot coins in. Should your coin enter the box, it is said that your wish will come true.

5. Naminoue Shrine (Okinawa) 

Naminoue Shrine, which means “above the waves,” is situated on top of a cliff by the shore in Naha, Okinawa.

Naminoue Shrine has a rich history and was established during the time when Okinawa Prefecture was still the Ryukyu Kingdom. The place has become a sacred place where many travelers come to pray for a safe voyage, while locals pray for a bountiful catch and harvest. To this day, many people still visit the shrine to pray for good health and fortune.

The shrine celebrates the Nanmin Festival every May 17 and 18. These are good dates to visit if you would like to see local festivities such as watching an Okinawan sumo contest, a traditional Okinawan dance, and even a tug of war by the beach.

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10 Must Visit Temples in Japan

10 Must Visit Temples in Japan – Even if you’re completely uninterested in Japanese Buddhism, you must visit at least one temple when in Japan. If not several.

Much more than just institutions of worship, the most beloved and famous Japanese temples are often architectural gems. If not, they house priceless cultural artefacts or have played prominent roles in Japanese history .

In other words, any visit to a Japanese temple promises more than religious sightseeing. The experience will be a brief but unforgettable immersion in culture and history.

Table of Contents

Difference Between a Japanese Shrine and Temple

In general, Japanese temples are Buddhist institutions of worship and cultivation while shrines typically venerate Shinto gods. Do take note, though, that some shrines also venerate Buddhist saviors.

The dress code for Japanese Buddhist temples is also the same as for any place of worship. That being, modest clothing without excessive exposure of skin. More details about the difference between a Shrine and Temple.

Senso-ji, Tokyo ( 浅草寺 )

Tokyo’s world-famous Senso-ji deserves the first mention. The oldest temple of the capital, visiting this beloved Asakusa landmark can be described as a one-in-all experience.

Tokyo’s most famous and oldest temple is a must-see even when closed at night.

There is striking vermillion architecture to photograph. The main Kannon shrine is utterly atmospheric too. Best of all, the nakamise alley leading to the temple is flanked by shops selling traditional goods. There is simply no better place in Tokyo for you to experience Shitamachi i.e. traditional downtown vibrancy.

Come sunset, the gorgeous structures of the temple are also wonderfully illuminated, transforming the grounds into a night photography paradise. Finally, Senso-ji is situated between the Tokyo Skytree and massive Ueno Park, the latter with its many museums. You can easily spend a full day exploring all three attractions.

2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Kotoku-in, Kamakura ( 高徳院 )

The world-famous Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in requires little introduction.

Many travelers wouldn’t be familiar with the name Kotoku-in. On the other hand, you’d find it hard to find someone who hasn’t at least seen a picture of the temple’s key attraction. This being the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Known as the Kamakura Daibutsu in Japanese, this massive outdoor statue of a seated Amita Buddha has existed since AD 1243. Mysteriously, the structures housing the Daibutsu were also always destroyed by natural disasters. And so since AD 1498, the solemn statue has stood under the skies.

Contemplative and serene, yet with traces of melancholy, the visage of the Daibutsu will furthermore evoke complex reactions from you; it could be a totally different experience depending on your hour of visit.

Lastly, nearby Hase-dera Temple, with its massive wooden Kannon statue, is a must-visit as well. If you have more time on your hands, you could also ride the Enoden Tram to the nearby island resort of Enoshima . Wonderful coastal scenery and yummy street snacks await you there.

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto ( 清水寺 )

The “clear water” temple is Kyoto’s equivalent of Senso-ji. World-famous for its massive wooden veranda, this is the Kyoto attraction not to be missed no matter the month of your visit. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the surrounding hillside transforms into truly incredible paintings of colors.

The autumn evening view of Kiyomizu-dera can be considered one of the most spectacular nightviews of Japan.

The temple itself is home to several unusual attractions too, including a pitch-black tunnel where you have to rely on touch to move forward, and the opportunity to drink from the waterfall the temple takes its name from. Like Senso-ji, the pathway leading to Kiyomizu-dera is also flanked by numerous handicraft and souvenir stalls. This itself is one of Kyoto’s main travel attractions.

Travel tip: If visiting in late March, Mid August, or November, try to time your visit with the illumination events of Kiyomizu-dera . Let’s just say, to gaze at nighttime Kyoto from the illuminated temple will be one of your best travel memories ever.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

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Tenryu-ji, Kyoto ( 天龍寺 )

Tenryu-ji is more famous for its Pure Land style garden than its actual temple complex. But it is still a must-visit for temple lovers.

One of the most beloved autumn foliage viewing spots of Japan, lush Tenryu-ji is for many travelers, the high point of a visit to the Arashiyama District in Western Kyoto. While often crowded, the immaculately landscaped garden is still spacious enough to be enjoyable for anyone. Move away from the main temple complex and into the hillside, and you will surely find your own private spot too.

More importantly, the northern exit of Tenryu-ji directly connects to the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Apart from being the perfect finish to a visit, the shady route through the forest leads to other noteworthy temples of the district. For example, the beautiful hillside Jojakko-ji, another autumn foliage golden spot.

68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 616-8385 Japan

Enryaku-ji, Kyoto ( 延暦寺 )

If you’re looking for a picturesque full-day side trip when in Kyoto, head to Enryakuji in the mountains northeast of the city.

Other than its historical importance, many founders of other schools of Japanese Buddhism had studied at Enryaku-ji. (Source: Facebook )

The headquarters of the Tendai school and one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history, Enryaku-ji is situated atop Mount Hiel and accessible by the cablecar and ropeway. Apart from various eye-catching structures and rustic complexes, several pleasant walks crisscross the expansive grounds. This is the temple complex to head to if you’re looking for light exercise and sightseeing.

Historically, Enryaku-ji was also the site of Warlord Nobunaga Oda’s worst atrocity. In 1571, the brutal general razed the monastery as part of his efforts to eliminate rivals. He did so as Enryaku-ji, back then, maintained a powerful warrior monk army and was a significant political player.

The current structures thus date from the 17 th Century onwards. While this makes Enryaku-ji architecturally “newer” than other temples on this list, be assured that any visit would still be a memorable one.

4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116, Japan

Koyasan ( 高野山 )

There are many prominent, enlightened monks in Japanese history. However, it is fair to say none are as widely venerated as Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

Koyasan has a delightful mix of architectural styles for travel photography enthusiasts. (Source: Tripadvisor )

Lovingly referred to as Kobo Daishi, the 8 th Century abbot is credited with many things, including the development of the modern Japanese language and the construction of major public projects such as To-ji (see below). In AD 816, Kukai successfully petitioned Emperor Saga to establish a mountain retreat at Mount Koya too. Though the project was only completed after Kukai’s passing, the retreat survived subsequent centuries to become Japan’s most famous temple settlement. In 2004, Koyasan was even designated a UNESCO heritage site.

As for what to look out for when visiting, well, it’s an entire settlement that needs a full day to explore. One full of historical wooden structures and gardens. There is also a gorgeous vermillion pagoda (Danjo Garan) and lodging facilities for visitors who wish to spend the night.

Add to which is Okunoin ( 奥の院 ), the largest graveyard in Japan. As unappealing as visiting a graveyard will sound, the graves of several famous Japanese warlords are here. These include those of Nobunaga Oda, and his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  

Todai-ji, Nara ( 東大寺 )

“Large” is a word inseparable from magnificent Todai-ji, the one must-visit temple of Nara .

Spectacular Todai-ji during Cherry Blossom Season.

Until 1998, the wooden hall forming the main complex was the largest in the world, with the immense statues housed within all artistic masterpieces. These, including the world’s largest bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha.

The surrounding grounds are also home to several other historical buildings, some of which also exhibiting priceless religious artifacts. Oh, those grounds are home to what is probably Japan’s most unusual natural attraction too. Every day, over a thousand adorable deer freely roam here. (Be careful when feeding them!)

Touristy as Todai-ji might sometimes feel during peak seasons, this is one “big” attraction not to miss when in Nara.  

After visiting, stroll to nearby Kofuku-ji too. Equally as old and important as Todai-ji during the Nara Era, this is another historical gem that will awe you.

406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan

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Senkoji, Onomichi ( 千光寺 )

The seaside town of Onomichi, 30 minutes by local train from Hiroshima, is home to tens of small, charming temples you could spend a whole day exploring. Among these, the lofty Senkoji shines as the most spectacularly located. Simply put, the sprawling view of the Seto Inland Sea from its veranda is one that will take your breath away.

Lofty coastal views surround Onomichi’s Senkoji.

Accessible via a route connecting the summit of Mount Senkoji and Onomichi, Senkoji is also over a thousand years old and part of a “Path of Literature” honoring Japanese authors related to the town. To be honest, the actual temple itself is little more than a shrine, but who would mind given the splendid views surrounding it?

Recommended route if visiting: Take the Senkoji Ropeway to the summit, enjoy the modern park there, then make your way downhill to the temple. After Senkoji, continue downhill to return to Onomichi Station. Along the way, don’t forget to keep a lookout for Onomichi’s famous cat population.

Visited on a clear day, you will find yourself utterly rejuvenated, spiritually and physically.

15-1 Higashitsuchidocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0033, Japan

Zenko-ji, Nagano City ( 善光寺 )

The pagoda-like main hall of Zenko-ji. (Source: Wikipedia )

Many prominent cities in Japan began as temple towns. In the case of Nagano City, the primary host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, the city started as a small town surrounding Zenko-ji, a 7th-century Buddhist temple supposedly relocated from India. Historically, Zenko-ji is also famous for being a base of warlord Uesugi Kenshin during Japan’s Warring States Era.

Today, the lively temple remains the primary Buddhist temple of Nagano City, located just over a mile from the Shinkansen Station and with a bustling traditional shopping street leading to it. Other than historical wooden structures, attractions here include a mini-museum with intricate Buddhist statues and a dark tunnel in which you use your hands to locate a hidden key. For the latter, finding the key is said to be equivalent to salvation, or enlightenment.

Of note, Zenko-ji is unique because it’s co-managed. Nearly all other Buddhist temples in Japan belong to a specific denomination. Zenko-ji, however, belongs to both the Tendai and Jodoshu schools. The temple is thus co-managed by teams of representatives from both schools.

The Hidden Image

Zenko-ji is especially famous for its hidden Buddhist icon, said to be the first-ever Buddha Statue brought to Japan. The statue is never shown to the public but every six years, a copy is exhibited. The latest exhibition in 2021 was deferred to 2022 because of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

491 Naganomotoyoshicho, Nagano, 380-0851, Japan

Yama-dera, Yamagata City ( 山寺 )

Here’s another great mountain temple to visit, if you’re looking for panoramic views.

It takes quite a walk to get to the most panoramic spots of Yamadera. But you wouldn’t regret making the effort. (Source: Tripadvisor )

With its common name literary meaning “mountain temple,” Risshaku-ji ( 立石寺 ) at the outskirts of Yamagata City is today, one of the most popular attractions of the Tohoku Region. Other than centuries-old structures clinging to the rocky hillside, the higher complexes such as the Godaido Hall afford soaring views of the surrounding valley. Such views are especially unforgettable during the autumn foliage season.

With about a thousand steps to the summit, the ascension route is admittedly not for everyone, but not to worry, the lower complexes are still worthy of your time. The Konponchudo Hall, for example, houses a flame that has supposedly been burning since the founding of the temple over a thousand years ago.

Last but not least, Yamagata City itself is easily accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo. After visiting Yama-dera, you can hop back onto the same service and head to the nearby Kaminoyama Onsen to re-energize.

4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301, Japan

Other Beautiful Japanese Temples Worth a Visit

Rokuon-ji, Kyoto: Like Kotoku-in, Rokuon-ji is more commonly referred to by the name of its key attraction, i.e., the stunning Golden Pavilion. Like the Kamakura Daibutsu, the Golden Pavilion is also an icon of Japan.

Tsukiji Honganji, Tokyo: Looking for a different visiting experience? Located beside Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Honganji will make you think you’re in India rather than Japan. The main hall also welcomes all visitors.

To-ji, Kyoto: A famous public project of Kobo Daishi, To-ji, or the eastern temple, marks the previous southern entrance to Kyoto. It is home to the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan and numerous treasures. It is also the site of a popular flea market that takes place on the 21 st of every month.  

Tochoji, Fukuoka City: While small, Tochoji has a striking vermillion pagoda and a huge 10.8 m seated Buddha. It is also but one metro station away from Hakata Station and walking distance from Kushida Shrine.

Hasedera, Sakurai: Other than ancient wooden staircase tunnels, Hasedera in Sakurai is one of the best flower viewing spots in the Kansai Region. There are also numerous important cultural relics on-site.

Chusonji, Hiraizumi: The headquarters of the Tendai School in Tohoku, Chusonji’s chief attraction is the stunning Konjiki-do. Except for the roof, this historical hall is covered with golden leaves everywhere.

Wooden stairs tunnel at Hasedera, Sakurai.

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A devoted solo traveler from Singapore who has loved Japan since young. His first visits to the country were all because of video game and Manga homages. Today, he still visits for the same reasons, in addition to enjoying Japan’s culture, history, and hot springs.

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Stately Meiji Shrine is surrounded by Yoyogi Park : a sprawling expanse of green in central west Tokyo. Meiji Jingu Shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), Japan's first modern, constitutional monarch, and his wife,  Empress Shoken  (1849-1914). A museum houses historical memorabilia of the couple and their court. Meiji Shrine is a very popular place for traditional Japanese-style weddings, much of which are visible to shrine visitors. The ultra-fashionable areas of Aoyama , Omotesando , and Harajuku are a short walk away, and Shibuya and Shinjuku are just a couple of stops on the Yamanote Line . A wood of over 100,000 trees surrounds Meiji Shrine, with walkways through it to explore the multifarious and near-pristine sylvan beauty. Read more about Meiji Shrine .

2. Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's proletarian east-end area of Asakusa is one of Tokyo's oldest temples, founded in 628. Sensoji is not only one of Tokyo's grandest-looking temples, with its big, bold red gate, imposing temple buildings, and five-story pagoda - but it is also one of the most buzzing temples in the metropolis. More than just a temple, Sensoji is a neighborhood in its own right, preserving the feel of old Tokyo. A unique feature is its approximately 250 meter-long Nakamise-dori entrance route lined with hundreds of stalls selling snacks and trinkets to the thousands of visitors that throng the temple. Read more about Sensoji Temple

3. Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine , a short way from Tokyo's famous Ueno Park , has its roots in almost 2,000 years of Japanese history, and is closely associated with Japan's Imperial family. Nezu Shrine is famous first and foremost for its azalea garden that is a riot of vivid spring pinks, whites and purples in April. But even when the azaleas are not in bloom, Nezu Shrine is a must-see for its elegant old buildings, kept in pristine condition with crisp, colorful traditional designs, and its simply but beautifully landscaped grounds, extra special for being on two levels. One architectural feature of note is the hundreds of torii archways that make tunnel-like paths around part of the grounds. Read more about Nezu Shrine

4. Tennoji Temple

Tennoji Temple would top the list if it were all about location. Set amidst a huge wood-like cemetery, led up to by Sakura-dori, a long vista of cherry trees, Tennoji is the epitome of nature-blessed Buddhist tranquility. The old age of the temple (the oldest in the surrounding historical Yanaka district at over 800 years) gives it a patina of quietude, enhanced by the beautifully landscaped precincts that include lawn (uncommon in Japan), and a gate done in concrete with a modernist feel. A big bronze praying Buddha dominates the main lawn. Tennoji has an unexpected historical twist in that it used to run Tokyo's biggest public lottery, meaning that what now feels like a hermitage used to be rank and file pandemonium! Read more about Tennoji Temple

5. Yushima Seido

Yushima Seido Temple , in its imposing propriety, speaks to the role of Chinese Confucianism in Japan. This temple was established in Ueno by tutor to the first four Shoguns, the neo-Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan (1583-1657). In the late 18th century, it became the official training institution for bureaucrats of the Shogunate upon its move to its current location in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward. Yushima Seido has an unshakable place in the development of Japan's education system, having been the site of several education-related institutions. Although reconstructed as recently as 1935, the current buildings convey the respectable grandeur of the temple's history, and have the world's biggest Confucius statue. Yushima Seido is a popular place of supplication for students. 10 minutes' walk north of Yushima Seido is Yushima Tenjin . Read more about Yushima Seido

6. Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-Do (Fukagawa Fudoson)

Popularly known as Fukagawa Fudoson, Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-Do is a temple in the richly historical east Tokyo Fukagawa district. The temple's draw card is its looks: featuring the extremes of age and modernity, as well as the depth of tradition that has built up around the temple over the centuries since its inception. The old temple worship hall was relocated to here in the 1860s, and the original relocated building remains to this day - making it a very old structure for Tokyo; and the striking cubist new main hall was built in the 2010s. Fukagawa Fudoson's rituals include cedar-stick burning and drumming rituals, creating the mystical atmosphere typical of Shingon Buddhism. The luxuriously decorated interior of the Old Hall is testimony to the temple's roots in the rising wealthy class of Tokyo back at the start of the 1700s. Part of Fukagawa Fudoson's attraction is its proximity to scores of other interesting temples in the Fukagawa neighborhood, easily making for a day of fulfilling historical Tokyo sightseeing. Read more about Fukagawa Fudoson

7. Yushima Tenmangu (Yushima Tenjin)

Yushima Tenjin is a picturesque shrine perched on high ground in Bunkyo ward, Tokyo. Yushima Tenjin dates from the fifth century, when it venerated a mythical Shinto god, then in the 14th century it became associated with the classical Confucian scholar, Sugawara no Michizane (845-903). The building, made of cedar, glows rich golden-brown, and inherits the design of a late-15th-century rebuilding. The details of the architecture are pleasing, with vivid carvings of scenes from legend. The shrine's divinity being a scholar, it is visited by students seeking an otherworldly hand for exam success: apparent in the votive plaques on racks in front of the shrine. A beautiful bronze nadeushi "stroking cow" outside is believed to confer healing. 10 minutes' walk south of Yushima Tenjin is Yushima Seido . Read more about Yushima Tenjin

8. Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine is dedicated to Japan's war dead, and as such is disproportionately political - as opposed to religious - in its significance. Its location at the top of Kudanzaka slope, on a site very close to the Imperial Palace, makes Yasukuni a commanding presence that helps define Tokyo's cityscape. Yasukuni Shrine's internal layout is also grandiose, from the towering torii gates on in through the vista up to the main shrine building. The the grounds have numerous statues and memorials here and there connected with war. Yasukuni Jinja even has its own war museum, albeit with a very nationalistic take on things. On weekends Yasukuni's grounds are a regular venue for second-hand markets. In mid-July, the shrine's summer Mitama Matsuri festival is hugely popular, drawing thousands of yukata-clad youth. Read more about Yasukuni Shrine

9. Zojoji Temple

Zojoji Temple , in Tokyo's Minato ward, is replete with Tokyo history. Now neighbors with Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, Zojoji used to cover the whole area, and is only a remnant of the massive complex it used to be. However, Zojoji is very much worth a visit for its long and intimate association with the Tokugawa family which seized national power at the beginning of the 17th century and wielded it from its castle (now the Imperial Palace) through to the end of the 19th century. Six of the fifteen Tokugawa Shoguns are therefore buried in Zojoji. Zojoji is also renowned for its Sangedatsu Gate, a building dating from 1622, which survived bombing during the Pacific War, making it supposedly the oldest wooden structure in Tokyo. The giant Daibonsho bell cast in 1673 is still tolled six times a day. And the tree planted there by 18th U.S. president, Ulysses S. Grant, is still growing strong. Read more about Zojoji Temple

10. Sengakuji Temple

Sengakuji Temple makes it into Tokyo's top ten purely for reasons of history and legend. This small, otherwise unremarkable temple in Minato ward, with little to commend it in terms of architecture or beauty of layout, is the resting place of the 47 Samurai (or 47 Ronin) . The story of the 47 Ronin is a staple of inspirational legend in Japan, institutionalized in the form of the Chushingura narrative, and was catapulted to fame in the West with the 2013 movie, 47 Ronin. Sengakuji Temple has a modern museum, the Akogishi Kinenkan, displaying fascinating realia connected with the early 18th-century incident of loyalty and revenge, as well as an older annex showcasing the actual clothing and armor worn by the brave forty-seven on their deadly mission. Their graveyard at the far end of the temple, up the steps, is inspiring in its stony simplicity. Read more about Sengakuji Temple

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Top 10 Temples in Japan

Deciding on the top temples, shrines and monasteries worth a visit in Japan, a country with many thousands to choose from, is no small task. Discover our top 10 picks, from the most popular Shinto shrines to the best Japanese monasteries and Buddhist temples.

Deciding which are the top 10 temples in Japan, a country which has many thousand temples and shrines covering its landscape, is no small task. Yet, to  visit a temple or shrine in Japan  can be a profound experience. Walking through the immaculate gardens of a Japanese temple, or passing through its threshold where pilgrims and worshipers gather, or leaving offerings just like the Japanese do, can give you an insight into the culture, traditions, and  history of Japan  which you won’t find anywhere else. No  Japan vacation  is complete without a visit to one of these top 10 temples in Japan.

Religion has always been a major influence on the  culture of Japan . Elements of the two most popular religions in the country,  Shintoism , the indigenous religion of the country, and  Buddhism , have had an impact on everything from art in Japan (you’ll notice countless pieces of religious artwork on your travels around the many shrines and temples of Japan) to Japanese politics. Indeed, during the heyday of the Japanese Empire, people believed that the emperor at the time was divine, himself a living god. This is an idea that is deeply connected to Shintoism.

To experience such a religious site on a Japan tour is to experience the real cultural center of classic Japan. If you plan to visit one or more Japanese temples, monasteries or shrines, you’re in luck, for below is a list of the top 10 temples in Japan.

To experience a religious site is to experience the real cultural center of Japan.

Before we begin: Difference between Shrines, Temples, and Monasteries

Learning more about the purpose and significance of each place you visit can make your journey all the more rewarding.

• Shrines in Japan , are almost exclusively Shinto, and are dedicated to the worship of a single spirit or deity. Shintoism is a religion built on ceremonies and rituals, which take place within the shrines.
• Temples in Japanese  are Buddhist places of worship. Buddhism may not have originated from Japan (like Shintoism does), but about 40% of the population of Japan are Buddhist with beliefs and practices of this religion deeply ingrained in everyday life.
• Monasteries in Japan , like temples, are usually also Buddhist. Some forms of Buddhism are monastic, largely practiced by monks or nuns in monasteries. In places such as these, monks study, live, and worship. Many of these are open to the public and you can choose to stay in a Japanese monastery too!

Discover our list of top 10 temples in Japan – bold, beautiful and historic, these may just take your breath away!

10 Hida-Sannogu Shrine in Takayama

The Hida-Sannogu is shaded by tall trees that seem to dwarf it. Aside from its natural beauty, the shrine is most known for its role in the Shinto Sanno Matsuri festival, one of the three most important festivals in Japan. Performed for centuries, the festival includes a long parade that snakes through  Tokyo , culminating in a ceremony at the historic Hie-Jina shrine in Tokyo. The shrine also houses famous marionettes used in the festivities. While it’s much more modest than some on this list, a visit can make for a nice change of pace if you’re in the area.

Takayama is a famous destination for sampling  onsens in Japan , with many options to choose from. You can also visit the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go preserved village from Takayama.

9 Hasedera Temple in Kamakura

At the bottom of the hill is an old, classic Japanese garden for you to explore and unwind in.

Hasedera Temple belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is famous for housing a tall eleven headed wooden sculpture of the goddess. As the story goes, many hundreds of years ago, a monk carved twin sculptures from a camphor tree. While one was enshrined in Nara city, the other was set adrift to find its own place in the world. This second statue washed up near Kamakura and a temple was built for it. Thus, to look at the statue is to witness a real Japanese legend firsthand!

At the small museum within the temple complex you can see treasures of Japanese Buddhism and learn about the history of the temple. Then enjoy a meal or a drink in the restaurant, before soaking in the wonderful view of Kamakura from your vantage point. At the bottom of the hill is an old, classic Japanese garden for you to explore and unwind in.

8 Enryaku-ji in Kyoto

Enryaku-Ji is a grand Buddhist Monastery located in the mountains of eastern  Kyoto . It belongs to the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism and is one of the top Buddhist sites in Japan. A number of the most important and influential Buddhist monks and scholars lived, studied, and worshiped here. So, if you are interested in Japanese cultural history or Buddhist history, it’s an absolute must-visit!

7 Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

The Meiji Jingu in Tokyo is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken. This shrine was originally constructed in 1925, six years following the death of the empress (Emperor Meiji had died earlier). It stands in a forested area of Yoyogi park, which provides a wonderful place to retreat to and relax after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. As you approach the shrine, you’ll notice a large Torii gate, which is often found in Shinto shrines. The forest around it is composed of thousands of trees donated to the shrine from worshipers all over the country.

Visit on the first day of the new year and you can experience  Hatsumode , the first prayers at a shrine in the year. If you don’t like crowds, be warned; at Hatsumode, a million people visit the shrine. But this is a key date in the Shinto Calendar, and if you are looking to experience religious life and  culture in Japan , it is not to be missed.

6 Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto

Though this temple is located well within eastern Kyoto, it peeks out through lush green woodland, and pink cherry blossom. Drink from the small, clean waterfall at the bottom of the temple – its waters are believed to possess many spiritual benefits such as longevity, success, and love (drinking too much is seen as greedy!). The temple is actually named after the waterfall; its name “Kiyomizu” means “pure water”. Just off the main hall is a large wooden stage which gives you a picturesque view of Kyoto and the beautiful scenery around you. It is truly a peaceful place to visit during your Japan holiday.

5 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is also located in Kyoto. This shrine, in particular, is famous for its tunnel of red Torii gates, which lead to the main complex. The shrine is located at the foot of Mount Inari – a part of the shrine’s grounds.

The main walk to the top of the mountain is a pilgrimage route, and walking up it, you’ll likely see dozens of small statues and smaller shrines. Much of the route is under the cover of a long row of Torii gates. Hiking up and back may take some time and effort but combining this with a visit to the shrine can make for a great day out. What’s more, at the top of the mountain, you’re rewarded with a grand view of Kyoto.

4 Classic Japan at the Itsukushima Shrine

It’s famous Torii gate appears to almost float on the water during high tide like a mystical island.

The Itsukushima shrine in  Hiroshima  is visually rather striking. It constructed on a small inlet, a few meters from the coast. This unique location ensures that the shrine’s red color contrasts brilliantly with the blue seawater, and the green woodland nearby. When you look at it from the mainland shrine complex, it’s famous Torii gate appears to almost float on the water during high tide like a mystical island. Interestingly, the way the shrine appears to almost float, isn’t just a piece of design excellence, but was a conscious attempt by the original architect and builders to avoid disturbing the spirits who are said to inhabit the island – this shrine itself is dedicated to these spirits!

Since 1996, the shrine has been a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its history, its beautiful and harmonious architecture and its impact on Japanese culture. Today you can explore the shrine from the network of wooden walkways connecting all of the buildings in the complex.

Travel tip:  You can also explore the site from the comfort of a cruise which passes by the famous shrine.

3 Nezu Shrine in Tokyo

The Nezu shrine of Tokyo is located in the center of a gorgeous Japanese garden. It’s one of the oldest shrines in the city, dating back to 1705, and is almost certainly the most beautiful. You can approach it through an avenue of Torii gates which lead, through the trees, to the shrine proper. The building is in true Japanese style, with a pleasing juxtaposition of red, gold, and green, and a still water pond of Japanese carp at the foot of the shrine. Even to those not interested in Japanese religion or culture, visiting the shrine is a must due to its sheer beauty.

Travel Tip:  Every April, people from across Tokyo and beyond flock to the shrine for the  Bunkyo Azalea Festival  to see blooms in vibrant shades of pink all around.

2 Senso-ji Temple at Asakusa in Tokyo

Over a thousand years old, the Senso-Ji temple in Tokyo is the oldest in the city and certainly the most famous. For many centuries, pilgrims from all over Japan have flocked to this site. Most of the modern structure was rebuilt after World War II. Despite this, it remains a place of outstanding historic and cultural significance – its reconstruction was seen as a metaphor for the country’s rebirth following the war. Much of this functioning Buddhist temple complex in Tokyo is open to the public and is a joy to explore. Most of the buildings are bright crimson in color and each is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.

Travel Tip : Thanks to its central location, the Senso-Ji can be very easily accessed from anywhere in Tokyo.

1 Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto

You’ll notice that each floor has an entirely different architectural style. It seems the more you look at it, the more you see.

The shining Kinkakuji Temple in northern Kyoto rests on the bank of a large pond and is flanked by lush trees and bushes, giving it a sense of tranquility. When you approach, your eyes will be drawn to the way the second and third floors are literally covered in gold which shines and glistens in the sun. Looking closer you’ll notice that each floor has an entirely different architectural style. It seems the more you look at it, the more you see. Although some parts of the temple are closed to the public, even simply walking around it and discovering the lush greenery around you is more than worth the effort.

Visit the most beautiful and historic monasteries, shrines and top 10 temples in Japan at your own pace. With a luxury tour of Japan tailored to you, immerse yourself in the culture and history of these great sites.

Plan a private, tailor-made tour of the best sites in Japan.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » The 7 best temples in Japan

The 7 best temples in Japan

May 7, 2019

Thousands of Buddhist temples dot the Japanese countryside and inhabit its cities. According to one resource, “virtually every Japanese municipality has at least one temple, while large cultural centers like Kyoto have several hundred.” Many are hundreds of years old, others well over one thousand.

Temples typically consist of a number of halls and structures. Gates mark the edges of the temple grounds. The main hall of each temple is used to display sacred objects, such as statues of Buddha, gods, or goddesses; pagodas are used in a similar manner. Lecture halls are used as places of meeting and teaching. Some temples are still used as monasteries, home to Buddhist monks.

While there are far too many temples in Japan to list in a single article, please enjoy these top seven picks, representing some of the most visited temple sites. Don’t forget that your JR Pass will provide fast and affordable travel between these and other locations.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto)

Located on a hillside overlooking a valley and the city itself, Kiyomizu-dera temple is the most visited temple in Kyoto . It was built in honor of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Special events are often held here, including occasional pink nighttime illumination of the temple for breast cancer awareness, traditional ceremonies, and various stage productions.

• Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nighttime admission is available for special events.
• Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki, Japan
• How to Get There: From Kyoto Station, take bus number 206 or 100 to either the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stops. From the stops, the temple is a ten-minute uphill walk.  

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Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto)

Kinkakuji was originally built in 1397 as the home of a shogun, or military chief. The building was covered entirely in gold leaf, giving it the title of the Golden Pavilion. Its gardens are meant to represent an earthly paradise.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki, Japan
• How to Get There: From Kyoto Station, take city bus 205 or 101 to Kinkakuji. The bus ride will last around 40 minutes.  

Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)

Legend has it that two brothers repeatedly tried to return a statue of the goddess Kannon to the Sumida River. Each time, the statue had returned by the next day. Senso-ji Temple was built in that location in honor of the goddess. The temple is at its most beautiful in the evening when nighttime illumination highlights its intricate architecture.

• Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo , Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto, Japan
• How to Get There: The temple is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station.  

Hokokuji Temple (Kamakura)

Also called the Takedera Temple, the temple grounds house bamboo forests, delicate moss covered carvings, and ponds of brightly colored koi. Authentic Japanese matcha served with sweets is available until 3:30 p.m.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Address: 2-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura , Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanto, Japan
• How to Get There: From Kamakura Station, take bus number 36, 24, or 23 to the Jomyoji bus stop. From the bus stop, the temple is a short walk away.  

Todai-ji Temple (Nara)

The Todai-ji Temple in Nara is the largest wooden building in the world. It also houses an immense statue of Buddha. Attempting to portray the scale of this image, one visitor recalled, “a medium-sized human could fit through one nostril!” Many visitors also enjoy the friendly herds of deer that roam the site.

• Hours: Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while summer hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Kinki, Japan
• How to Get There: Todai-ji is a 45-minute walk from the JR Nara Station. Alternatively, you may take a bus from the station to Todaiji Daibutsuden. The main temple building is a five to 10-minute walk from this stop.  

Sanjusangendo Temple (Kyoto)

Formerly called Rengeoin Temple, this temple is unique for the sheer number of religious statues it contains. The Great Hall houses 1,001 “life-sized” images of the goddess Kannon.

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Address: 657 Sanjusangendo Mawaricho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki, Japan
• How to Get There: This temple is a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Alternatively, you may take bus number 208, 206, or 100 from the station to the Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop.  

Shitennoji Temple (Osaka)

One of Japan’s oldest temples, Shitennoji was built more than 1,400 years ago. The temple is famous for its symmetrical architectural style. Subsequent temples built in this style are said to have the “Shitennoji style temple layout.”

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka , Osaka Prefecture, Kinki, Japan
• How to Get There: This temple is a 10 minute walk from the north exit of the JR Tennoji Station.

Wherever your travels in Japan take you, you are certain to observe the intriguing architecture of its many temples and the beauty of their gardens.

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Done the Camino? Try tackling Japan’s 88-temple Shikoku Trail

This challenging pilgrimage route takes in Buddhist temples, mist-shrouded mountains, steamy baths, and ages-old cultural traditions.

Bow respectfully at the temple gate. Cleanse hands and mouth at the fountain. Sound the bell. Leave a name slip with your wish in the main hall, light a candle and three sticks of incense, toss coins in the offering box, and chant sutras. Get your pilgrimage book stamped. Exit the gate, and bow again. Follow the red markers to the next temple.

Repeat 87 times.

Or not. On the Shikoku Henro , one of the longest pilgrim routes in Japan , there are many ancient customs but few hard-and-fast rules. You don’t even have to walk it: Many Japanese now take cars or bus tours; others ride trains or bikes. You can tackle the trail counterclockwise instead of clockwise. Or break the circuit into segments. You can wear the traditional white vest or look like an ad for REI—as most of us did on the small-group tour I joined last September to hopscotch a section of seven temples.

“Buddhism is more a way of life than a religion that tells you what you can or can’t do,” said David Moreton, a Shikoku-based researcher specializing in the Henro. “However, showing respect is important.”

Travelers’ interest in long-distance walks is at an all-time high. The famed Camino de Santiago in Spain saw a record 446,000 pilgrims last year. The Henro sees a fraction of that. Nevertheless, the numbers of walkers and foreign visitors seem to be rising.

The circular route crosses all four prefectures of Shikoku, Japan’s fourth largest island. As befits its evolution over a millennium, the Henro is a bit of a patchwork. The road to enlightenment runs through small family farms, busy highways, and suburban streets punctuated by vending machines. But the route also reveals expansive coastal views and Edo-period landscapes straight out of a Hiroshige woodblock print.

Visiting Shikoku’s 88-temple trail

The most obvious place to start was Temple 1, in Tokushima Prefecture in the island’s northeast. Next to its carp-filled pond, Jun Hashiba, a guide for Kyoto -based tour company Oku Japan , attempted to answer questions about how a Japanese monk born in the eighth century inspired the development of an over 700-mile circuit of 88 temples still in use more than a thousand years later. “Everyone knows Kukai; we study him in school,” said Hashiba.

Born on this island, Kukai founded one of the country’s more popular sects of Buddhism, called Shingon. He’s revered, but not only for his esoteric teachings, which are aptly named. “We mostly admire him for his abilities as a poet, scholar, and artist; he was a great calligrapher,” said Hashiba. The peripatetic and polymathic Kukai’s real-life feats morphed into the stuff of legend and eventually led to the popularization of the current route. Hashiba suggested the real answers would come once we started walking.

The four-mile section from Temple 20 to Temple 21 was lined with cathedral-high cypress, cedar, and bamboo. Rope-garlanded boulders, the embodiment of deities, kept us company, as did vermilion-bibbed stone statuettes, called jizo, which are guardians of children and travelers. Kukai, also called Kobo Daishi, was here too, personified in the pilgrim’s walking staff inscribed with words that translate to “traveling together.”

(These Japanese prayer plaques became symbols of hope.)

“When I walk, I sometimes think too much, but I keep walking, and then I think of nothing—in a good way,” said Tomoko Imaizumi, a guide who has made the pilgrimage four times.

At the Temple of the Great Dragon (21), a part of which dates from the 12th century, it was easy to see why so many religions built their altars atop mountains. In his writings, Kukai claimed to have climbed to the hilltop aerie and chanted mantras a million times. Despite Shingon Buddhism’s opacity, at its core is this: that everything is part of a cosmic whole and that enlightenment can be achieved by ordinary people. “I have received so many blessings from the Henro,” said Kizumi, a woman I met at Temple 6 (Temple of Everlasting Joy). She didn’t give me her last name, but she did press into my hand a pale green friendship bracelet made of string.

The trail’s culture of kindness

Indeed, pilgrims along the trail invariably spoke of the kindnesses of the locals. This is the culture of osettai, a unique feature of the Shikoku pilgrimage. “I experience this almost every day as a pilgrim,” said Imaizumi. “Usually it’s a mandarin or some sweets; one time a woman stopped her car and jumped out to give me 300 yen.”

Close to the Vulture Peak Temple (1), our group met Ranshu Yano, master of the dwindling art of ai-zome. The Tokushima region produces natural indigo for dyeing. Indigo textiles were once used in samurai clothing.

Yano invited us into his workshop to watch a portion of the painstaking process. He slid the lid off a large vat. The blue stew needed to be inspected, stirred, and allowed to ferment.

“It’s a living thing,” he said, holding up permanently blue hands. “I have to feel it.” The finished textiles are fashioned into exquisite kimonos.

(The mystery of Japan’s traditional washi paper.)

On the Henro, gifts come in all forms, not least of which is the chance to connect with people still tied to the land, still bound to artistry and traditions long abandoned in other places. “People have been doing what I do for a thousand years,” Yano said. “I stand in the middle, between the past and the future.”

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How to Visit a Temple

What is a Temple?

Temples are religious sites connected to Buddhism, which arrived in Japan around the middle of the 6th century. There are many different sects of Buddhism within Japan; some of the more notable branches include Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism and–perhaps the most well known–Zen Buddhism. Temples often house an important Buddhist relic or statue related to the founder or deities of that particular sect.

Purification Rituals at a Temple

It’s important not to step directly on the threshold of the main gate when entering the grounds of a temple. While very few people remember the practice, women should enter with their right foot first, and men should begin with their left.

Just as when visiting a shrine, those entering the grounds of a temple are encouraged to purify themselves. Often, a temizuya or chozuya water basin is placed near the entrance for visitors to use to rinse their hands and mouth. Additionally, a temple often includes a jokoro, or incense burner. Visitors are encouraged to waft the smoke from the incense burner over certain parts of their bodies that might be feeling unwell, in hopes that the smoke will bring healing. Wafting it toward the head is said to bring wisdom and clarity of mind.

How to Pray

Those wishing to pray in the main hall of a temple should throw a few coins in the offering box, though there is no suggested amount or specific lucky coin to consider. Unlike at a shrine, there is also no need to clap before you pray. Simply bow at a slight angle (some suggest 45 degrees is ideal), put your hands together, and offer up your prayers. Bow once more before leaving the main hall, and also as you exit the temple precincts.

Some temples allow visitors to light incense sticks to leave as offerings. It is common to choose only one stick and light it from a nearby candle or enclosed flame. Use your hand to extinguish any actual flames (it’s apparently bad form to blow it out) and then carefully stand the stick upright in the sand.

Services Held at Temples

Some temples hold daily prayer services that are open to the public. These services are often held to pray for the souls of the departed. For a fee, worshippers may also request a prayer service for a specific purpose (i.e. to honor a particular deceased relative).

Staying Overnight at a Temple

Spending the night at a shukubo, or temple lodging, has become a popular pastime in recent years, particularly at the mountaintop temple complex of Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture. Shukubo were originally intended for those making Buddhist pilgrimages and provide overnight visitors will simple accommodations and vegetarian shojin ryori meals. In many shukubo, guests are invited to take part in the morning prayer ceremonies.

Notable Temples in Japan

Japan has no shortage of temples, and visitors will find these religious buildings on remote mountaintops as well as in the middle of major cities. Some of the most famous temples in Japan include Senso-ji in the Asakusa district of Tokyo; the hillside temple of Kiyomizudera on the eastern edge of Kyoto, and the 88 temples of the famed pilgrimage trail on the island of Shikoku.

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11 Famous Temples to Visit in Japan

By Suzie Dundas

Last updated: September 21st, 2022

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As one of the world’s oldest countries, Japan has a wealth of historical treasures to discover, including hundreds of temples and shrines. While there is plenty to do and see in this fascinating destination, strolling around the grounds of at least one of these famous temples in Japan is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Many of the most famous temples in Japan are well over 1,000 years old and feature large complexes made up of main halls, pagodas, stunning wooden gates, statues, tea houses, gardens, and more. Several have been deemed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while others are federally protected, as they house artifacts of religious and historical importance.

Thankfully, you’ll find it easy to see Japan’s best temples as they are scattered throughout the islands. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Hiroshima, or Kyoto, here are some of the best.

Kotokuin Temple, Kamakura

The giant, 43-foot-tall bronze Buddha statue outside Kotokuin Temple in Japan may be one of the most resilient in the world. Dating back to the 13th century, it has managed to withstand multiple earthquakes, tsunamis, and wars without so much of a chip or scratch. Located in the town of Kamakura just outside of Tokyo , Kotokuin is one of Japan’s designated “national treasures.”

Even though it weighs well over 460,000 pounds, Kotokuin’s Buddha is hollow, which allows visitors to step inside while at the temple. It’s unique because the Buddha is located in an open-air facility, rather than under a roof or other structure that would protect it from the elements.

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

As you step through the oversized gate that leads you into the complex of Senso-ji Temple, you’ll immediately realize that this complex dates back to an earlier period in Japan’s history. Built in 645 C.E., Senso-ji is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the God of Mercy and is Tokyo’s oldest standing temple.

As with most temples, there’s a large shopping area with kiosks and vendors offering some of the best things to buy in Japan on either side leading up to the site. Though this may seem like a modern addition for tourists, many of the most famous temples in Japan have been centers of commerce for centuries.

At the end of the shopping lane, you’ll find Senso-ji temple, as well as an 80-foot-tall, five-story pagoda. While walking through the temple’s main entrance, known as the “Thunder Gate,” take time to notice the intricate carving and details, as well as the two guardian protectors perched on either side of the temple’s smaller inner gate.

Read: Three Days in Tokyo: The Ultimate Itinerary  

Hasedera Temple, Kamakura

Also in Kamakura, the Hasedera Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan because of what it holds inside: a 30-foot-tall wooden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of Mercy.

Legend has it that there were two of these intricate sculptures carved in the eighth century. Devotees housed one in a temple of the same name in Nara, while this one was thrown into the sea to bring blessings wherever it washed up. Eventually, the wooden statue came ashore in Kamakura, and Hasedera Temple was built to house it.

The temple grounds are quite lush and shady, with several buildings housing prayer areas, museums, and ancient relics and texts. There’s a shrine for making wishes, a cave open to the public filled with Buddha sculptures, wooden walkways and garden paths, and a cafe selling tea, coffee, ice cream, and snacks.

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

Both one of the most famous temples in Japan and one of the most photographed places in the country, Kinkaku-Ji is a must-see stop on any visit to Kyoto . This Buddhist temple was first built in the late 1300s and though it burned down in the mid-20th century, it was rebuilt soon after in the 1950s.

The main draw of this famous Japanese landmark is the Golden Pavilion, a three-story structure covered in gilded gold leaf and perched on the edge of a small pond called Kyōko-chi , or mirror pond. When the sun hits midday, the pavilion appears to glow and reflects a vivid image onto the surface of the water. (The pavilion is best photographed from the opposite side of Kyōko-chi.)

Once you’ve taken your photos, spend some time walking around the rest of the area, which features several beautiful Japanese zen gardens and small outdoor shrines.

Read: Two Days in Kyoto  

Shitennō-ji, Osaka

Shitennō-Ji is technically a government building, but it doesn’t look anything like what you’d expect. It was one of the first official buildings commissioned by the state, under the direction of the country’s leaders during the Yamato Period in the 6th century C.E.

Even though Shitennō-Ji was rebuilt on a few occasions, it’s one of the most famous temples in Japan since builders never changed the design or layout—it remains exactly how it looked in the 500s.

Visitors can climb the temple’s five-story pagoda and stroll the grounds. It’s also worth paying the small fee to access the Gokurakujodo Gardens and temple treasure house, which display artifacts and sculptures of historical and religious importance.

Ryoan-ji Temple, Kyoto

If you’ve ever seen a small sand garden or rock garden on someone’s desk in an office, you’ll have an idea of what to expect at Ryoan-ji Temple, since this Zen site is built around one of the largest rock gardens in Japan.

The large, sandy space has groups of rocks and boulders that are planted throughout the garden. During the day, monks tend to the garden, using rakes and tools to draw patterns and swirls. Visitors can stand on the nearby deck and watch the monks at work.

Though Ryoan-ji’s garden is one of the most impressive sites in Kyoto on its own, there is far more to see at this temple. Plan to spend at least an hour visiting its sprawling gardens, temple buildings, and homes that date back to the late 8th century. The entire complex was originally a home for an important area ruler and was converted into a temple in the 1100s.

Daishō-in, Hiroshima

If you’re fortunate enough to have free time near Hiroshima , make the hour-long trip to Miyajima Island. It’s there you’ll find the Daisho-in, a forested temple hard to see from afar as it effortlessly blends into the landscape.

The temple was built at the end of the first century and has a beautiful approach with stone stairs flagged by colorful banners that reach the main temple area. As you climb the stairs, look carefully for stone buddha statues tucked under the trees. There are more than 500 sculptures within the complex.

Itsukushima Shrine

Aside from its bounty of statues, another reason the shrine is so popular is because of its proximity to Itsukushima Shrine, one of the most beautiful places in Japan .

It’s an often-photographed site, famous for its bright orange torii gate that stands partially underwater at high tide.

When visiting Daisho-in, consider leaving some extra time to ascend Mount Misen; the temple that sits on a slope near the bottom. While you can hike to the top, most visitors usually opt to take the Misen Tramway, which whisks you to the top of the mountain in about 15 minutes. From there, you’ll have a fantastic view of the entire island, as well as landscapes that stretch back to the mainland.

Read: Things to Do in Hiroshima

Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto

This popular temple in Kyoto sits in one of the city’s most favorable locations: perched near an easy access point to the Otowa Waterfall, which is said to have healing powers. Here, visitors can use wooden cups to drink from the flowing water, which supposedly grants various benefits like good health or wealth. Since the temple is built on a slope, its massive wooden deck looks down on red and pink cherry and maple trees.

Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several buildings beyond the main temple hall. Guests can walk through the leafy gardens, visit the Jishu Shrine, which is said to provide luck in love, or visit the Koyasu Pagoda, where worshippers ask for an easy and painless childbirth.

The route to Kiyomizudera is one of the reasons why it’s one of the most famous temples in Japan. While you can certainly take a taxi to the main gate, it takes about a 20-minute walk from the closest subway stop to reach the temple.

Consider walking through the Higashiyama District, strolling down the famous Ninenzaka steps on the way. The district is arguably Kyoto’s most beautiful, with old-fashioned facades, confectionary and craft shops, and cobblestone streets dotted with bonsai and oak trees. It’s a popular spot for photoshoots and coming-of-age geisha ceremonies.

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

No visit to Kyoto is complete without a quick side trip to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. This beautiful Japanese city is famous for its sacred deer that wander around and with plenty of museums, gardens, restaurants, shops, shrines, and pagodas, there’s plenty to fill your time. However, you’ll want to be sure not to miss one site in particular: Todai-ji Temple.

This temple is one of the largest in Japan and certainly the most famous in Nara. It was the most important Buddhist temple in the country during Nara’s reign as the capital, from around 750 to 785 C.E.

Inside, you’ll find one of the world’s oldest wooden buildings, as well as a 45-foot-tall Buddha statue and, oddly, a recreation of the Buddha’s nose. It’s a tradition for visitors to attempt to crawl through the nostril for good luck, although most don’t make it through.

Outside of the temple, you can stroll through the large gates that are guarded by wooden deities, walk through the gardens, visit the Todai-ji Museum, and even feed the friendly deer that roam the temple grounds with deer-safe crackers that are available to buy from small vending machines around the property.

Read: Why Visit Japan in the Fall

Seiryu-ji Temple, Aomori

Seiryu-ji Temple in Aomori doesn’t get nearly as crowded as the others on this list, which is surprising as it’s undoubtedly one of the best temples in Japan. Seiryu-ji Temple is where you’ll find the largest seated bronze Buddha sculpture in Japan.

Known as Showa Daibutsu , it’s 70 feet tall and far larger than sculptures you’ll find in more popular cities. The Buddha is located outdoors, which allows guests to visit year-round, and sits next to other sites worth seeing, including one of Japan’s tallest pavilions and a Buddha museum.

As far as temples go, Seiyu-Ji is very welcoming. Visitors can wander the property at their leisure, stop in at the simple tea house for a small snack, or even sit outside the Buddha and meditate in the shade. It’s a lovely ride out to the temple and is well worth the short drive.

Chikurin-Ji Temple, Kochi

Chikurin-Ji Temple in Kochi is one of the most famous temples in Japan for devotees and travelers that value historical and religious art and artifacts. It’s well-known for housing dozens of statues and items from when Japan’s capital was Edo, which is now called Tokyo.

It’s one of the 88 temples Buddhist monks must visit throughout the country when making the Shikoku Pilgrimage. As one of the largest and most beautiful temples on the route, Chikurin-Ji Temple held special importance to monks who would traditionally visit all 88 temples on foot to prove their devotion.

While the entire complex is beautiful, it’s probably most well-recognized for its five-story red pagoda, which sits above the treeline and is the perfect spot for beautiful photos, especially around dusk.

Discover these temples and more on a luxury cruise to Japan with Celebrity Cruises. Browse cruise itineraries on our website to book your next unforgettable vacation.

Suzie Dundas

Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and photographer. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Forbes, Outside Magazine, TripSavvy, the San Francisco Chronicle, Frommer’s Fodors, and many more. She was a contributing author on Lonely Planet’s Sustainable Travel and is the upcoming author of a trail guide to the northern Sierra Nevada. Follow her on Instagram at @hikeupyourskirt or explore more of her work at suziedundas.com.

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Best Temples and Shrines to Visit in Kamakura

All shrines and temples are not created equal and one of the best cities to see that this is true, is Kamakura in Japan . In this former capital, you can spend an entire day visiting temples and shrines without getting tired of it, because the landscapes you can see on their grounds are varied and exquisite. The temples and shrines in Kamakura are not only beautiful, they can also teach you a lot about the illustrious history of Japan. The best way to explore the city of Kamakura and its many interesting sights is with a private tour where a local guides who know the city in and out can tell you all the stories relating to these sanctuaries.

▶ Book Kamakura Private Walking Tour Let’s see some of the most beautiful and interesting temples and shrines in Kamakura!

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1. Hokokuji Temple (報国寺)

2. tsurugaoka hachimangu shrine (鶴岡八幡宮), 3. kotoku-in temple (鎌倉大仏殿高徳院), 4. hasedera temple (長谷寺), 5. myoho-ji temple (妙法寺), 6. meigetsu-in temple (明月院), 7. engakuji temple (円覚寺), 8. zeniarai benten shrine (銭洗弁天), 9. sasuke inari shrine (佐助稲荷神社), japan wonder travel tours in kamakura, other article you might enjoy.

Also called the Bamboo Temple , this former family sanctuary of the Ashikaga warrior clan is especially famous for its mysteriously pretty bamboo grove, the smaller sibling of the bamboo forest in Arashiyama , Kyoto. While many violent scenes have taken place on the grounds of the Hokokuji temple, nowadays it is an oasis of peace and calm. The moss-covered garden in front of the temple is crisp and calming, and in the back you can find a dry landscape garden as well. The graves of the Ashikaga family can be seen in the caves behind the garden, but you will spend most time admiring the bamboo forest.

When you walk around the bamboo grove, you will feel like you are in another world. Sound travels differently and the sunlight is filtered by the long stalks of bamboo. The grove is kept well, so you will often see newly-planted bamboo shoots that grow large quickly. Make sure to buy a ticket at the front for a cup of tea in the scenic tea house at the edge of the bamboo forest.

Hokokuji Temple 9am – 4pm Admission fee ¥300 (+¥600 for the tea service)

Kamakura was made into Japan’s de facto capital in the 12th century by the Minamoto family. This made Kamakura the center of politics and culture until 1333, when the power went back to Kyoto. The Minamoto family made the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu their family shrine, making it the spiritual center of the population. Hachimangu, the deity that is revered here, is a god of the warriors which was very apt for a family like the Minamoto.

As the most important Shinto shrine of Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is also the most popular place to visit in the first week of January. This New Year’s visit is called hatsumode , during which people go to a temple or shrine to pray for a good year ahead. They also get a fortune slip that will tell them how their year is going to be.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine 5am – 9pm (from 6am from October to March) Free admission

Known for its large bronze Great Buddha statue, one of the most famous Buddha statues in Japan , Kotoku-in is usually the number one sight on Kamakura travelers’ itineraries . Built in the 13th century, this is Kamakura’s most well-known symbol. During the Kamakura period, both Nichiren Buddhism and Rinzai Zen Buddhism originated here so it is only apt that the city’s most famous image is that of a Buddha. The Big Buddha, known as Daibutsu , is sitting peacefully under the sky, as the building around it was washed away in a tsunami centuries ago.

While it is largely green now after having been exposed to the elements, Daibutsu used to be covered in gold. You can still see evidence of its former color if you look closely at the left side of the face. The statue is hollow, and for only 20 yen you can enter the statue from the back to see what it looks like on the inside.

Kotoku-in Temple 8am – 5:30pm Admission fee ¥300 (+¥20 to visit the statue interior)

This Buddhist temple has so many points of interest on its grounds that you can easily spend 2 hours here. The main deity that is revered here is Kannon , the goddess of mercy. She has a 9-meter tall wooden statue in Hasedera’s main hall that was allegedly found floating in the sea near Kamakura in the 8th century. The temple’s garden is gorgeous in all seasons and especially so during the spring and fall seasons. Near the entrance there is a meticulously manicured dry landscape garden and there is a Benzaiten cave in which you can light candles or place small statues of the goddess of music.

When you go to the upper level of the garden you will see a place full of small jizo statues , which were placed there to commemorate children who left this life before birth. Walking to the edge of the grounds you can see a lovely view of coastal Kamakura, and the uppermost area is a famous hydrangea path. If you are visiting Hasedera in June, this path is covered in pinks, purples, and whites with blooming hydrangea , earning the temple it’s nickname as Flower temple .

Hasedera Temple 8am – 5pm (March – September) 8am – 4:30pm (October – February) Admission fee ¥400

Myoho-ji temple is situated in a quiet corner of Kamakura, and it is a perfect place to go for some calm contemplation in natural surroundings. Having strong links to Nichiren, the founder of the form of Buddhism with the same name, the temple’s cultural significance is great. While you can’t enter any of the buildings, the main reason that this temple is famous is the 50-step mossy stairway that gives the grounds an otherworldly feel.

The nickname of this temple is ‘Kokedera’, similar to Saihoji in Kyoto, which literally means ‘moss temple’. You can climb the stairs and go even higher to see a nice view of Kamakura. Myoho-ji is a bit off the beaten path and this is one of the temple that has few tourists, so chances are that you can take some nice pictures here.

Myoho-ji Temple 9am – 5pm Free admission

Once Meigetsu-in Temple was a part of a larger complex, but after the Meiji revolution happened, only this temple survived. While the temple is worth a visit year-round, it is especially a must-see in June and in late November-early December. That is because these are the only times that the inner garden is open to the public, which is gorgeous when the irises and hydrangea bloom in June and with the fall foliage in November/December. As the hydrangeas can be seen all over the grounds , Meigetsu-in is also called Ajisaidera or Hydrangea Temple sometimes.

Besides the wonderful flowers, there is another famous photo opportunity in Meigetsu-in as well: the round window in the Main Hall creates a perfect frame around the garden behind it. The Founder’s Hall is also of interest, where you can see the mortuary tablets of the past head priests of the temple. And if you love animals, you will be pleasantly surprised by the cute rabbits that are kept on the grounds!

Meigetsu-in Temple 9am – 4pm (July to May) 8.30am 5pm (June) Admission fee ¥500

Engakuji Temple is beautifully situated  in the wooded northern part of Kamakura, making it a popular destination for fall foliage in November. But it is worth the detour during the rest of the year as well, as Engakuji is one of the 5 great Zen temples of Kamakura. The grounds are quite large and spacious, giving the environment a peaceful atmosphere, and there are several noteworthy buildings such as the Sanmon Main Gate, the Shariden Hall, and the Butsuden where a Buddhist statue is displayed.

One of the best parts of Engakuji is that there is an on-site tea house where you can enjoy a deliciously crisp cup of healthy matcha tea. Moreover, if you are an early bird, on most mornings at 6 am they organize a zazen meditation practice that is also accessible for beginners. Please note that the explanation is only in Japanese, but you don’t need a reservation and the fee is only a voluntary donation.

Engakuji Temple 8am – 4:30pm Admission fee ¥300

The Romans said that money doesn’t smell, but if you still feel like washing your money, the Zeniarai Benten shrine is a great place to do so. This well-hidden shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten , the goddess of all that streams. Besides music and water, money streams as well, and the belief is that the water in the cave at this shrine is special. After renting a straw bucket for 100 yen, you can put your money in there and pour the water over it. Your money should multiply itself after that. If you want to get some extra luck, you can buy an egg at the shrine’s shop and donate it to the image of a snake in the cave.

Zeniarai Benten is also interesting because of its location, it is tucked away behind a natural wall, and there is a small waterfall on the grounds. There is a road lined with torii gates as well that leads up to the main place to say a prayer.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine 8am – 4:30pm Free admission

Very near the popular Zeniarai Benten shrine is the Sasuke Inari shrine , which is surprisingly quiet and non-touristy as it is well-hidden. It is totally worth a visit though, for its mystical atmosphere and many good photo opportunities. Inari shrines are dedicated to the fox, who functions as a messenger between the people and the gods. Worshipers usually come here to pray for good connections in, for example, business or marriage.

Dozens of red torii gates lead to the shrine itself, looking like the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto , and once you get there you will be greeted by many cute small statues of foxes.

Sasuke Inari Shrine 10am – 5pm Free admission

As you can see, there are so many sights to see in Kamakura’s many temples and shrines, and activities to enjoy such as drinking tea, practising meditation, and finding hidden spots. We believe that one day is often not enough, but if you are short on time and still want to make the most of your trip to Kamakura, it is highly recommended to hire a private guide . They can take you to the very best spots and you will learn a lot about the complicated but interesting past of the picturesque seaside town full of history.

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency offering guided tours in Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we will organize the best tours for you! If you want to explore Japan to learn more histories and backstories of the area, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will happily take you to the best spots!  Also, we can provide you with any assistance for your upcoming trip in Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions/need some help! 

▶ Kamakura Private Walking Tour Let’s explore the Kamakura area which is full of historical sites and nature with a local guide. This tour includes a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, walking through Komachi shopping street, seeing Great Buddha, etc.

▶ Kamakura Local Student Tour (6 Hours Private Customizable Tour) “We are students from a local school in Kamakura!! We would love to show you around our favorite places which are both sightseeing spots and backstreets based on your request! Let’s talk and walk!! Kamakura has many historically significant Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, feel what it was like to be Samurai at the historic sites, such as Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha! Of course, we will lead you to the local recommended spots, too!!”

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Happy traveling!

Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.

Stefanie Akkerman moved from the Netherlands to Japan in 2013 with her Japanese husband and son. She jumped into the niche of Dutch tour guiding in Tokyo and Kamakura in 2015 and occasionally writes articles about all the great sights and activities Japan has to offer. She loves (Japanese) food, and to work that all off she goes diving, snorkeling, cycling, or hiking.

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[Yamaguchi City/Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art/4/12-6/9] Introducing the Buddhas of the Yamatoji Region of Nara - Reiwa Ancient Temple Pilgrimage!

Nara Yamatoji is a region nurtured by serene nature and filled with eternal history and stories. Numerous temples have been built here since as far back as 1,400 years ago, and the quiet, compassionate Buddhas of this region are passed down here. This exhibition introduces Buddhist statues, painting...

Yomiuri Travel Co., Ltd.

What are the highlights?

Nara Yamatoji is a region nurtured by serene nature and filled with eternal history and stories. Numerous temples have been built here since as far back as 1,400 years ago, and the quiet and loving "Buddha" is said to be here.

Nara Yamatoji, with its warm and relaxing scenery and ancient temples such as Ikaruga, Nishinokyo, Kasuga, Hase, Asuka, and Taima, was a place that Japan's leading writers, such as Aizu Yaichi, Watsuji Tetsuro, Kamei Katsuichiro, and Shiga Naoya, admired and visited as if on a pilgrimage. This exhibition will guide you into the world of Buddhas of Yamatoji, introducing Buddhist statues, paintings, and crafts from ancient temples such as Horyu-ji, Todai-ji, Yakushi-ji, Toshodai-ji, Daian-ji, and Saidai-ji, as well as photographs by Irie Taikichi, who loved Nara, while inviting you to listen to the words of these writers.

*Exhibits will be changed during the event.

Important Cultural Property Standing Statue of Jikokuten (Kofuku-ji Temple) from the Heian Period. Collection of the MIHO MUSEUM. Photo: Kenji Yamazaki.

【basic information】

Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art Buddhas of Nara and Yamatoji - Reiwa Ancient Temple Pilgrimage - (April 12th - June 9th, 2024)

Address: 3-1 Kameyamacho, Yamaguchi City Phone number: 083-925-7788

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30) Closed: Mondays (except April 29th, May 6th, and June 3rd)

Access By plane: From Yamaguchi Ube Airport, take the Ube City Transportation Bureau bus bound for Shin-Yamaguchi Station for about 30 minutes.

Approximately 30 minutes by Bocho Bus bound for Yamaguchi from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station

By train: Take the Yamaguchi Line from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, get off at Yamaguchi Station, and walk for about 15 minutes.

Approximately 1 hour from JR Hofu Station by JR bus bound for Yamaguchi

Parking available (200 spaces, free)

Official website

Online tickets available here

Yomiuri Travel is a comprehensive travel agency headquartered in Tsukiji, a town with a fish market, close to Ginza, a shopper's paradise. We will continue to disseminate information about the charms of Japan and introduce recommended activities and tours!

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Onomichi's oysters, old temples and Ozu’s Tokyo Story: A Japanese port town few foreign tourists know of

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A pilgrimage for film buffs and a place for temple-hopping, the charming Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture makes a worthy detour from the island of Miyajima.

Onomichi faces the Seto Inland Sea. (Photo: Lin Weiwen)

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Most international tourists heading to Hiroshima from Osaka will catch a bullet train on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, a railway that slices through the rural landscape of the Chugoku region before terminating in Fukuoka in northern Kyushu. The odds are they are visiting Hiroshima for Miyajima, an island in Hiroshima Bay known for its free-roaming deer and the large torii gate that is partially submerged during high tide.

If they were to detour en route, it would likely be for the island of Naoshima (made famous by artist Yayoi Kusama’s giant pumpkin sculpture), which is accessible by ferry from Okayama, one of the shinkansen’s stops.

But just an 80-minute local train ride from Okayama lies another charming destination few foreign visitors are aware of – the small port town of Onomichi.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 【OFFICIAL】尾道観光協会 ONOMICHI (@ononavi_japan)

CYCLING FOR OYSTERS AND HAMBURG STEAK

Located in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture and facing the scattered islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The waterfront, just in front of the train station, is a picture of calm, its stillness broken only by the chug of ferries in the Onomichisuido Strait.

Apart from serving the locals who commute to school and work in the region, the boats also take cyclists to the neighbouring Mukaishima island, where they embark on the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic 60km route that connects, via suspension bridges, six islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

Since the route opened in 1999, the Shimanami Kaido has become something of a must-do for cycling enthusiasts as well as offering an alternative to ferry-hopping across the islands. There are bicycle rental shops in Onomichi for those who don’t want to pack their two-wheeler for the trip.

For foodies, there is no shortage of gourmet treats in Onomichi. The Hondori Shotengai, a 1.6km covered shopping street located east of the station, is lined with mom-and-pop grocery stores, kissaten (old-school coffee shops), ramen joints, and bistros.

While looking for lunch there, I was drawn towards Bistro Takagaki after being tempted by a photo of its hamburg steak on its signboard.

The restaurant was small – no more than 16 seats – with white tablecloths and parquet flooring that lent a neat, cosy vibe. Most of the guests appeared to be regulars. Like any true yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food) restaurant, my juicy hamburg steak was served with a side plate of rice so I could eat it with the meat’s demi-glace sauce.

Bistro Takagaki is run by chef Tsuyoshi Takagaki. After stints in French restaurants in Tokyo, he opened his eponymous bistro in 2010 in Onomichi. He buys most of his ingredients from Eejan Onomichi, a farmers’ market run by a local agricultural cooperative.

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Oysters are undoubtedly the region’s seafood speciality. Many eateries serve the plump molluscs cultivated in Hiroshima Prefecture. The waterfront Onomichi Wharf restaurant offers a variety of oyster treats, from a 60-minute tabehodai (“all you can eat”) priced from 2,800 yen (S$25) to oysters paired with tomatoes and garlic. I found their deep-fried breaded oysters to be very addictive.

CANVASSING FOR HISTORY

Many visitors, and not just tired cyclists, choose to spend a night in Onomichi. There is a wide variety of accommodation choices, from luxurious getaways like Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama to affordable options like the waterfront Green Hill Hotel Onomichi, where you can enjoy breakfast as you gaze at the tranquil Onomichisuido Strait.

The strait was a bustling waterway in its heyday. In 1168, Onomichi was recognised as an official port and served as an important hub for rice shipment over the next 500 years. By the 17th century, the town was a major port of call for kitamaebune or wooden trading ships that sailed around Japan.

After the kitamaebune disappeared with the advent of modern transport, the town’s hanpu or canvas factories that made canvas sails for the ships began repurposing their fabric for work wear and tents, which became vital during World War II. By the 1970s, these factories began dwindling – now only one factory remains.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 工房尾道帆布 (@studio_onomichi_hanpu)

Today, two hanpu shops, Onomichi Hanpu and Saikobo, are keeping the hanpu tradition alive by making bags and cases from the sturdy canvas. (Onomichi Hanpu’s brand logo is an image of a kitamaebune.) The backpacks are popular among visitors looking for a practical souvenir related to Onomichi’s maritime heritage.

YASUJIRO OZU’S TOKYO STORY

Modern associations with Onomichi have a largely pop culture slant. The town is known as one of the key shooting locations in the 1953 film, Tokyo Story, which is widely regarded as one of the best movies ever made. Directed by the influential Yasujiro Ozu, the film explores generational differences and modernisation in post-war Japan, with Onomichi serving as the hometown of the female protagonist’s parents-in-law.

Onomichi draws cinephiles like me who want to revisit scenes from Tokyo Story. Naturally, the town has changed drastically since the film’s release 70 years ago, but some key landmarks still remain.

Onomichi’s tourism planners are aware of the town’s special relationship with Ozu’s magnum opus: On a promenade wall east of the Fukumoto ferry pier, a metal signboard displays information on the movie in English and Japanese, as well as a QR code that, when scanned, will show you six shooting locations from the film on your Google Map. I spent an entire morning tracing this Tokyo Story trail, bridging Ozu’s black and white world with the present.

My first stop was the small, waterfront Sumiyoshi shrine, where its stone lantern was shown in the opening scene of the movie. I then walked north-eastwards towards the hills, arrived at a few vantage points seen in the film, and ended my walk at Jodo-ji temple, where some of the movie’s key scenes involving a funeral were shot. It was fun comparing what I saw with screenshots of the movie on my phone; I tried picturing where Ozu might have placed his camera (the director was a master of the static shot).

In an email interview, Hideki Ono, Onomichi City Hall’s section chief of cultural promotion, said the town held a tour of the Tokyo Story trail and a screening of the movie at the local cinema on Dec 9 last year to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Ozu’s birth.

“I think Jodo-ji is the most important spot [in the movie trail],” he added. “It was where they filmed in public, and the place was also depicted in the movie’s poster.”

EXPLORING TEMPLE TRAILS

Jodo-ji, which features a pagoda, is also one of the 25 temples in Onomichi’s renowned temple walk, a route that takes you across the hilly town. Don’t try to visit all 25 temples in a day (you may get temple burnout, too); it’s best to skip some or stop by those that catch your fancy. Most people start the temple walk at Jiko-ji temple near the station before navigating some steep stairs and ending at Senko-ji, a temple perched near the top of the 144m-tall Mt Senkoji.

Founded in 806 by Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, the temple is for known its large rocks that line its approach, and a red hall that resembles a stage. The uphill route should be easy for the able-bodied. There is a ropeway that brings you to the peak of Mt Senko-ji but taking this option would really mean you miss an atmospheric walk.

Walking through narrow lanes between old houses with tiled roofs, I came across peaceful cemeteries, tiny cafes in street corners, and quirky shops selling cat souvenirs (the town has many feline creatures; there’s even a “cat alley”). An elderly resident greeted me as she descended carefully on a steep flight of stairs.

The peak of Mt Senkoji also has an observation platform that offers a panoramic view over the town and the strait. The scenery is particularly beautiful at sunset – the silhouettes of the islands in the Seto Island Sea stand out against the glow of the sky. When the sun dips behind the mountains, the town becomes monochromatic, raising the ghost of Ozu; his imagery lingers for a surreal moment before it fades to black.

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Passing Thru Travel

Discover Tokyo – Adventure Guide Through Japan’s Vibrant Capital

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

Tokyo, a city where ancient tradition meets futuristic innovation, is a multifaceted metropolis that captivates every visitor. From the serene beauty of historic temples to the buzzing neon-lit streets, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. It’s a place where you can witness the meticulous ritual of a tea ceremony in the morning and explore a bustling, high-tech gaming arcade by night. This guide will take you through the best experiences Tokyo has to offer, providing insights and tips to navigate this vibrant city like a local.

1. The Imperial Palace and East Gardens

The Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, stands as a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. The palace is surrounded by moats and stone walls, with the East Gardens open to the public. These gardens highlight Japanese landscaping art, offering a peaceful retreat with seasonal flowers, traditional Japanese architecture, and historical ruins.

Insider’s Tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the gardens in solitude, especially during cherry blossom season when the scenery is breathtaking.

How To Get There: The Imperial Palace is centrally located and easily accessible from Tokyo Station or Otemachi Station.

Best Time To Travel: The gardens are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most temperate and picturesque settings.

2. Shibuya Crossing and Surrounds

Shibuya Crossing, famed as the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble, symbolizes Tokyo’s dynamic energy. Surrounded by neon billboards and bustling with activity, it’s a quintessential Tokyo experience. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, from trendy boutiques to traditional izakayas.

Insider’s Tip: For the best view of the crossing, head to the second floor of the Shibuya Station or the Starbucks overlooking the intersection.

How To Get There: Shibuya Crossing is right outside Shibuya Station, a major hub accessible by multiple train and subway lines.

Best Time To Travel: Visit in the evening when the area comes alive with lights and people for the quintessential Tokyo night experience.

3. Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional districts, is home to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. The approach to the temple, Nakamise Street, is lined with shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. The temple and its five-story pagoda offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the side streets of Asakusa, where you can find traditional craft shops and quieter spots away from the tourist crowds.

How To Get There: Easily accessible via the Asakusa subway station, the temple is a short walk from the station.

Best Time To Travel: Early morning or late evening visits offer a more peaceful experience, avoiding the peak tourist hours.

4. Akihabara Electric Town

Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is the center of Japan’s otaku culture, with many stores selling electronic gadgets, anime, manga, and video games. The area is also famous for its unique themed cafés, such as maid cafés and manga cafés, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss out on visiting one of the multi-story electronic stores for an insight into the latest technological innovations.

How To Get There: Akihabara is a short train ride from Tokyo Station, and the district’s main attractions are within walking distance from Akihabara Station.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds, especially if you’re interested in a more relaxed shopping experience.

5. Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

The Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is a serene Shinto shrine that provides a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Surrounded by Yoyogi Park’s dense forest, the shrine and its grounds offer a tranquil environment perfect for reflection and relaxation. The park is a popular spot for leisure activities and hosts various events throughout the year.

Insider’s Tip: Witness a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony on weekends, a common sight at Meiji Shrine.

How To Get There: The shrine is accessible through the Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-jingumae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin subway lines.

Best Time To Travel: Visit in the early morning to enjoy the tranquility of the shrine and park, especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.

6. Tsukiji Outer Market

While the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji’s Outer Market remains a vibrant area full of shops and restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Japanese culinary ingredients. It’s an excellent place to explore Tokyo’s rich culinary culture and indulge in some of the freshest sushi and sashimi in the city.

Insider’s Tip: Have an early breakfast at one of the sushi bars in the market for the freshest experience.

How To Get There: The market is within walking distance from Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line or Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line.

Best Time To Travel: Early morning is the best time to visit when the market is most active, and you can catch the breakfast crowd.

Odaiba is a futuristic entertainment and shopping hub on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It offers a unique blend of attractions, including the Odaiba Marine Park, Palette Town, Toyota Mega Web, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge. The area is also known for its hot springs, the Telecom Center Observatory, and the life-sized Gundam statue.

Insider’s Tip: Visit Odaiba at night for a stunning view of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline.

How To Get There: Reachable via the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station, which offers scenic views of the bay and city during the ride.

Best Time To Travel: Evening visits are ideal for experiencing Odaiba’s vibrant nightlife and illuminated attractions.

8. Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower and a landmark that offers panoramic views of the entire Kanto region. Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. The tower features two observation decks and a shopping complex and aquarium at its base.

Insider’s Tip: Purchase a Fast Skytree Ticket for overseas visitors to skip the regular line to the observation decks.

How To Get There: Tokyo Skytree is accessible via the Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line or the Oshiage Station on various lines, including the Asakusa and Hanzomon Lines.

Best Time To Travel: Visit on a clear day for the best views, and consider an evening visit to see Tokyo’s cityscape lit up.

9. Ginza Shopping District

Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district, known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and exclusive restaurants. This area combines traditional and modern Tokyo, where upscale shops are interspersed with centuries-old stores. Walking through Ginza gives you a taste of Tokyo’s high life; even window shopping here is an experience.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the department store rooftops for a unique view of the district and a quiet escape from the bustling streets below.

How To Get There: Ginza is easily reachable via the Ginza, Higashi-Ginza, and Yurakucho Stations, servicing multiple subway and JR lines.

Best Time To Travel: Weekends when the main street (Chuo Dori) becomes a pedestrian paradise, free from vehicular traffic.

10. Roppongi Art Triangle

The Roppongi Art Triangle comprises three major contemporary art venues: The National Art Center, Mori Art Museum, and Suntory Museum of Art. Together, they offer diverse art exhibitions, from traditional Japanese art to modern international works. This area is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring the cultural depth of Tokyo.

Insider’s Tip: Consider purchasing a combined ticket for the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observation deck.

How To Get There: The art triangle is centered around Roppongi Station, which the Hibiya and Oedo Subway Lines service.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during weekday afternoons for a less crowded experience.

11. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks. It’s a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French garden landscapes. This expansive green space provides a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and is particularly stunning during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Insider’s Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park, particularly during the cherry blossom season for an authentic hanami experience.

How To Get There: Accessible via Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station on the Marunouchi Line or a short walk from Shinjuku Station.

Best Time To Travel: Spring and autumn are the most picturesque times to visit, though the park offers a lush escape throughout the year.

12. Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Harajuku, particularly Takeshita Street, is the heart of Tokyo’s teenage culture and fashion, known for its colorful street art, trendy shops, and unique cafes. This area is a fascinating glimpse into contemporary youth culture and street fashion. It’s a place where you can explore the quirky and avant-garde side of Tokyo.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the side streets off Takeshita Street to discover lesser-known shops and cafes.

How To Get There: Takeshita Street is directly across from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

Best Time To Travel: Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds when the street can become overwhelmingly busy.

The Bottom Line

Tokyo is a city of endless discovery, where each corner offers a new experience, a different flavor, or a unique sight. It’s a place that effortlessly melds the past with the future, tradition with innovation, and tranquility with excitement. As you explore Tokyo, immerse yourself in its rhythm, beauty, and surprises.

Embrace the diversity of experiences, from the serenity of ancient temples to the electrifying buzz of its modern districts. Enjoy every moment in this captivating city, where tradition and modernity harmonize.

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The post Discover Tokyo – Adventure Guide Through Japan’s Vibrant Capital republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Phattana Stock.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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