20 Temples in Kyoto worth your time

Joruriji Temple is the last remaining example of a temple with nine Amida Nyorai statues.

What it is

• Temple grounds designed as a Jodo Garden, or Pure Land Garden.
• Founded in the eighth century for monks to train and study.
• Last remaining example of a temple with nine Amida Nyorai statues.
• Sometimes called Kutaiji Temple, meaning "temple of the nine statues".

What to see

• Three-Storied Pagoda, a National Treasure, in the east.
• Main Hall, a National Treasure, in the west.
• Central pond representing the ocean between life and the world beyond.
• Nine wooden statues of Amida Nyorai, National Treasures, in the Main Hall.
• Wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai, an Important Cultural Property, in the pagoda.
• Hidden statue of Kichijotennyo, an Important Cultural Property, in the Main Hall.

When to go

• Yakushi Nyorai statue viewable on the eighth day of every month, if clear.
• Kichijotennyo statue viewable January 1–15, March 21–May 20, October 1–November 30.

Getting there

• Located in the city of Kizugawa, Kyoto.

Address

京都府木津川市加茂町西小札場40 Map

Read more about Jōruri-ji Temple

A 16th-century Zen sub-temple featuring historic architecture and unique modern rock gardens with hidden Christian symbolism.

What it is

• A sub-temple of the Daitoku-ji complex belonging to the Rinzai Zen school.
• Founded in 1535 by the warlord Otomo Yoshishige.
• The temple enshrines Kannon Bosatsu as its main deity.
• The grounds contain the graves of the founder and his wife.

What to see

• The main hall, front gate, and Karamon gate are designated Important Cultural Properties.
• The Dokuzatei and Kanmintei dry landscape gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori in 1961.
• The Kanmintei garden features stones arranged in the shape of a cross.
• A plaque hanging on the main hall written by Emperor Go-Nara.
• A replica of the historic Taian tea house located on the grounds.

When to go

• The temple is open to visitors daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

Getting there

• Visitors can reach the temple by taking a bus from Kyoto Station.

Read more about Zuihō-in

A historic Tendai Buddhist temple in Ohara featuring National Treasure statues and renowned moss gardens between two rivers.

What it is

• A Tendai Buddhist temple in Ohara dedicated to the deity Yakushi Nyorai.
• One of the three Monzeki temples where members of the Imperial Family served as abbots.
• Founded in the 8th century on Mount Hiei and moved to this site in 1871.
• The temple grounds are situated between the Ryosen and Rittsen rivers.

What to see

• The Ojo Gokuraku-in hall housing a National Treasure Amida Triad statue.
• The Goten-mon gate featuring stone walls constructed by the Ano group.
• The Yusei-en and Shuheki-en gardens designated as municipal scenic spots.
• The Shinden hall built in 1926 following the imperial palace architectural style.

When to go

• The Kyuchu Osenbo-ko ceremony takes place annually on May 30th.

Getting there

• The temple is a 10-minute walk from the Ohara bus stop.

Official site

www.sanzenin.or.jp

Read more about Sanzen-in Temple

This temple offers natural scenery, seasonal colors, and Buddhist statues, including a famous cherry tree.

What it is

• Temple founded in 679 by ascetic En no Gyoja.
• Rebuilt in 791 by Saicho, founder of Tendai Buddhism.
• Known as the “temple of flowers” due to cherry trees.
• Houses a diverse collection of well-preserved Buddhist statuary.

What to see

• 100 cherry trees, including Saigyo-zakura, a famous descendant.
• Many maple trees creating verdant summer and brilliant autumn colors.
• Ninth-century Niomon Gate, 500 meters southeast of the temple.
• Rurikoden Hall with 19 statues, including Yakushi Buddha.
• Amidado Hall dedicated to Amida Buddha.
• Fudodo Hall with a stone sculpture of Fudo Myo-o.

When to go

• Spring for white and light pink cherry blossoms.
• Summer for verdant landscape from maple trees.
• Autumn for brilliant colors from maple trees.
• Winter for a contemplative scene, sometimes snow-covered.

Address

京都市西京区大原野南春日町1194 Map

Official site

www.shoujiji.jp

Read more about Shōji-ji Temple

A historic Kyoto sub-temple featuring four National Scenic Beauty gardens and a tea house relocated from Nagahama Castle.

What it is

• A sub-temple of the Myoshin-ji complex founded by Oda Hidenori in 1598
• The main hall and gate are designated Kyoto Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties
• The current buildings were renovated by Ishikawa Sadamasa in 1632
• The site features four distinct gardens dating back to the Edo period

What to see

• Four gardens designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty
• The main hall built in 1631 containing historic sliding door paintings
• Sliding door images painted by the artist Kano Sansetsu
• The Kihaku-an tea house which was moved here from Nagahama Castle
• Digital NFT stamps introduced for visitors in early 2026

When to go

• The temple grounds are open to the public year-round

Getting there

• The temple is accessible on foot from JR Hanazono Station

Read more about Keishun-in

A Zen sub-temple in Kyoto founded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to honor the memory of the warlord Oda Nobunaga.

What it is

• A sub-temple of Daitoku-ji belonging to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism
• Established in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for the late Oda Nobunaga
• Named after the posthumous Buddhist name of Oda Nobunaga
• Founded by the priest Kokei Sochin shortly after the warlord's death

What to see

• A wooden statue of Oda Nobunaga serving as the main object of worship
• Memorial towers dedicated to Oda Nobunaga and members of his family
• A bell tower and temple bell designated as Important Cultural Properties
• The front gate and surrounding walls constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• A 400-year-old camellia tree recognized as a city natural monument
• The main hall which was reconstructed in 1928

When to go

• The temple is generally closed except during specific special public openings

Read more about Sōken-in

Eighth-century temple on Mt. Aoba, part of a pilgrimage route, known for its unique Buddha Dance.

What it is

• Temple established in early 8th century on Mt. Aoba.
• Part of the 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage Route.
• Dedicated to Bato Kannon Bodhisattva with a horse head.
• One of few places performing the Buddha Dance.

What to see

• Statue of Bato Kannon Bodhisattva with angry expression.
• Buddha Dance with six dancers in gold masks and robes.
• Ancient wind and percussion instruments accompanying the dance.
• Artworks exhibited in repository during spring and autumn.
• National Treasure: 12th-century painting of Fugen Enmei.
• Fugen Enmei painting shows bodhisattva on a three-headed elephant.

When to go

• Buddha Dance performed annually on May 8.
• Artworks exhibited for one month every spring.
• Artworks exhibited for one month every autumn.

Address

京都府舞鶴市松尾532 Map

Official site

www.matsunoodera.com

Read more about Matsunoo-dera Temple

A historic Jodo sect temple site in Kameoka featuring an ancient ginkgo tree and ruins of a seven-story pagoda.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple in Kameoka dedicated to the deity Yakushi Nyorai.
• The site is a designated National Historic Site managed by Sennen-ji Temple.
• The complex follows the traditional Hokki-ji style temple layout.
• The original structures were reportedly burned by the forces of Akechi Mitsuhide.

What to see

• The main hall and gate which date back to 1774.
• A wooden Yakushi Nyorai statue designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
• Excavated remains of a former seven-story pagoda on the grounds.
• A large ginkgo tree designated as a natural monument.
• The former nunnery site located 450 meters west of the main temple.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Kameoka Station to the Kokubun bus stop.

Read more about Tanba Kokubun-niji

This temple offers gardens, art, and a famous cherry tree, known for conception prayers and a poet's retirement.

What it is

• Temple founded in 850 by Emperor Montoku.
• Known for prayers for conception and safe childbirth.
• Retirement temple of 9th-century poet Ariwara no Narihira.
• Rebuilt in the 17th century by the Kasanoin family.

What to see

• Early blooming Narihira-zakura cherry tree.
• Two gardens, including Sanpo Fukan Garden.
• Painted sliding panels depicting scenes from The Tales of Ise.
• Small memorial pagoda dedicated to Narihira.
• Replica of a traditional salt kiln (shiogama).
• Hondo (Main Hall) with a rare “palanquin-style” roof.

When to go

• Early spring for the Narihira-zakura cherry tree.
• August 23rd to see the Enmei Jizo statue.
• November 23rd for the Shiogama Kiyomesai purification ceremony.

Address

京都府京都市西京区大原野小塩町481 Map

Read more about Jūrin-ji Temple

A historic Rinzai Zen sub-temple in Kyoto featuring rare 19th-century paintings and modern sliding door art.

What it is

• A sub-temple of the Myōshin-ji complex belonging to the Rinzai Zen sect
• Founded in 1603 by Ishikawa Mitsutada with priest Enan Genjo
• The temple buildings are designated Kyoto Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties

What to see

• The original main gate which dates back to the founding year of 1603
• A guest hall and study rebuilt in 1726 housing historic artwork
• Seventy-two paintings created by the artist Shibata Zeshin
• Modern sliding door paintings completed by Yasukawa Nyofū in 2020

When to go

• Access is restricted to specific special viewing periods throughout the year

Getting there

• Located a ten-minute walk from JR Hanazono Station in Kyoto

Read more about Daiō-in Temple

A 15th-century Zen temple and UNESCO site featuring a famous pavilion, historic national treasures, and a scenic garden.

What it is

• A Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa.
• The site was originally a mountain villa modeled after Kinkaku-ji and Saiho-ji.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site belonging to the Shokoku-ji school of Zen Buddhism.
• The temple enshrines Shaka Nyorai as its main deity.

What to see

• The Silver Pavilion, a National Treasure that was never actually covered in silver foil.
• The Togudo building, which is also designated as a National Treasure.
• A garden officially recognized as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Traditional Zen architecture and landscaping reflecting the Higashiyama culture.

Getting there

• Visitors can reach the temple grounds by taking the Kyoto City Bus.

Official site

www.shokoku-ji.jp

Read more about Ginkaku-ji Temple

Giō-ji is a former nunnery in Kyoto known for its moss and maple garden and connection to a court dancer's story.

What it is

• Former nunnery, reestablished in 1895.
• Dedicated to Gio, a court dancer turned nun.
• Houses statues of Gio, Gijo, Toji, Hotoke Gozen, and Kiyomori.

What to see

• Garden of lush moss and maple trees.
• Rustic, thatched-roof building with a round, latticed window.
• Statue of Dainichi Buddha as principal object of worship.
• Statues of Gio and Gijo from the Kamakura period.
• Modest graveyard and two large stone markers.
• Garden path, camellias, stream, bamboo grove, stone lanterns.

When to go

• Garden is particularly popular in autumn.
• Offers beautiful scenery in every season.

Getting there

• Located in the Okusaga area, past Saga-Arashiyama in western Kyoto.

Official site

www.giouji.or.jp

Read more about Giō-ji

A historic Jodo sect temple in Kyotango featuring the ancestral cemetery of the Kyogoku clan and silk industry heritage.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple serving as the family temple for the Kyogoku clan of Mineyama.
• A constituent property of the Tango Chirimen Corridor heritage site.
• A branch temple of the famous Chion-in temple in Kyoto.
• The site moved to its current location in 1555.

What to see

• The main hall which was rebuilt in 1937 following a major earthquake.
• The Kyogoku family cemetery containing graves of fourteen generations of clan leaders.
• The tomb of Morita Jirobei who was a pioneer of Tango silk.
• A collection of portraits depicting the successive lords of the Kyogoku clan.

Getting there

• The temple is accessible on foot from Mineyama Station.

Read more about Jōryū-ji Temple (Kyotango)

A historic Rinzai Zen temple in Kyoto featuring Japan's oldest Dharma Hall and a famous ceiling dragon painting.

What it is

• A major Rinzai Zen temple founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1382
• The second-ranked temple among the prestigious Kyoto Gozan Zen temples
• The primary temple dedicated to the deity Shaka Nyorai
• The administrative head of famous sub-temples including Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji

What to see

• The Dharma Hall rebuilt in 1605, which is the oldest in Japan
• A large dragon painting located on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall
• The Jotenkaku Museum which stores and displays various cultural assets
• Temple grounds situated directly to the north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Getting there

• The temple is a five-minute walk from Imadegawa Station

Official site

www.shokoku-ji.jp

Read more about Shōkoku-ji Temple

A historic Ji-shu sect temple in Kyoto featuring a Kamakura-period Amida statue and a unique Jizo dedicated to breast health.

What it is

• A Ji-shu sect temple founded in 1264 by Prince Munetaka.
• The forty-fourth site of the Rakuyo forty-eight Jizo Pilgrimage.
• A spiritual site dedicated to the Amida Sanzon triad and Chibusa Jizo.
• The temple moved to its current location during the construction of Toyokuni Shrine.

What to see

• A main Amida Nyorai statue dating back to the Kamakura period.
• The Chibusa Jizo statue enshrined specifically for breast health.
• A Jizo statue donated by Takashimaya founder Iida Shinshichi during the Meiji era.

Getting there

• A fifteen minute walk from Kyoto Station.
• Seven minutes on foot from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Line.

Read more about Fukuden-ji Temple

This vast Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, a UNESCO site, houses ancient treasures and Japan's oldest building.

What it is

• Vast Buddhist temple complex and monastery.
• Founded in 874 by monk Shōbō.
• Leading temple of Shingon Buddhism.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

What to see

• Sanbō-in: historical residence of the abbots.
• Shimo-Daigo: complex of shrines and halls.
• Kyoto’s oldest building: five-storied pagoda (Gojū no tō).
• Reihō-kan Museum: houses treasure chamber, permanent and seasonal exhibitions.
• Kami-Daigo: original temple precinct on Mt. Kasatori summit.
• 75,522 National Treasures and 425 Important Cultural Properties.

Getting there

• Located in the southeastern part of Kyoto-city.
• Sprawls across the entire Mount Kasatori.

Address

京都府京都市伏見区醍醐東大路町22 Map

Official site

www.daigoji.or.jp

Read more about Daigo-ji Temple

A Special National Historic Site featuring the remains of an eighth-century provincial nunnery built on a former imperial palace ground.

What it is

• A Special National Historic Site established following Emperor Shomu's decree in 741.
• The temple grounds overlap with the location of the former Kuni Palace.
• The palace Great Audience Hall was converted into the temple's Main Hall.
• Archaeological excavations have been conducted on the site since the 1973 fiscal year.

What to see

• The massive tile-clad foundation of the Main Hall measuring 53.1 by 28.2 meters.
• Remains of the base where a seven-story pagoda once stood.
• Excavated artifacts displayed at the nearby Kuninomiya Learning Center.

Getting there

• The historic site is a 30-minute walk from JR Kamo Station.

Read more about Yamashiro Kokubun-niji

A historic Rinzai Buddhist nunnery in Kyoto housing an eleven-faced Kannon statue and royal heritage known as Take-no-Gosho.

What it is

• A Rinzai Buddhist nunnery also known by the name Take-no-Gosho.
• Founded in 1385 by Chisen Shotsu as a sub-temple of Tsugen-ji.
• Dedicated to the eleven-faced Kannon as the primary deity.
• Became an independent temple in 1951 after moving to its current site in 1873.

What to see

• The main hall which serves as the primary place of worship.
• A traditional study used for temple administration and learning.
• A tea room located within the temple grounds.
• The eleven-faced Kannon statue housed as the main deity.

Getting there

• A two-minute walk from Rokuonin Station.
• A seven-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Read more about Donge-in Temple

This temple has the oldest known statues of King Enma and offers unique rituals for good fortune.

What it is

• Hōshaku-ji Temple, also called the “treasure temple.”
• Founded in 724 by the monk Gyoki.
• Dedicated to the wish-granting kozuchi hammer and uchide wand.
• Used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a base for his troops in 1582.

What to see

• Five statues of King Enma and his four attendants.
• Lucky hammer and wand used to bestow good fortune.
• Statue of Kannon, known as the “bridge-building Kannon.”
• Kamakura-period statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon.
• Countless wooden figures of Daikokuten and a takarabune carving.
• Three-story pagoda, called the “one-night tower.”

When to go

• April for the Oni Kusube ritual to exorcise demons.

Address

京都府乙訓郡大山崎町大字大山崎字銭原1 Map

Official site

takaradera.net

Read more about Hōshaku-ji Temple

A historic Jodo Shinshu temple in Kyoto featuring registered cultural properties and a tea room from a former abbot's villa.

What it is

• A Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha temple dedicated to the deity Amida Nyorai
• Founded in 1490 in Osaka and moved to its current Kyoto site in 1898
• The seventeenth head priest was a notable member of the Otani expedition
• The temple grounds currently host a co-working space once per week

What to see

• The main hall which is a registered tangible cultural property
• A historic tea room relocated from the villa of Abbot Myonyo
• The main hall interior which is also viewable via Google Street View

Getting there

• The temple is a seven-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station
• There is no parking available for visitors at the site

Official site

www.meikakuji.com

Read more about Meikaku-ji Temple