There are many historic temples and shrines in Kyoto city. You can enjoy beautiful wooden architecture, Japanese gardens, and experiences related to Buddhism and Shintoism. This is a list of recommended temples and shrines.
Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?
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Kyoto City spot
Toyokuni-jinja shrine (Kyoto) Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s shrine
This shrine enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a peasant to unify Japan. In front of the main hall is the Karamon gate, which is designated as a national treasure. Within the shrine grounds, there is a treasure museum displaying items associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. -
Kyoto City spot
Bukkoji temple (Kyoto) Morning service
This is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect. Every morning at 7:00 AM, services are held in the Amida Hall and the Daishi Hall. The sound of a bell rang out from outside, and we all chanted "Namu Amida Butsu." The chanting was very fast-paced and pleasant to listen to. -
Kyoto City spot
Nashinoki-jinja shrine (Kyoto) The water tastes good
This shrine is built on the site where the residence of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, a powerful nobleman, is said to have stood around the 9th century. The well water that still exists in the purification fountain is said to have been used in the imperial court. -
Kyoto City spot
Bukkoji temple (Kyoto) The head temple of the Bukkoji sect
This is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect. Bukkoji Temple is located just off a small side street, away from the bustling Shijo Karasuma shopping arcade. Upon entering the temple grounds, the first thing that caught my eye were the two large halls. There was a cafe on the temple grounds, so I had a meal there. -
Kyoto City spot
Kanchiin temple (Kyoto) Miyamoto Musashi lived
This is a sub-temple built on the north side of Toji Temple. The guest hall, built in 1605, is designated a National Treasure. There is an admission fee, but it is open to the public year-round. You can view Buddhist statues, gardens, and paintings of Miyamoto Musashi, among other things. -
Kyoto City spot
Toji temple (Kyoto) Beautiful pagoda and Buddha statues
Toji means the temple in the east. It was built on the east side of the city 1,200 years ago when Kyoto was founded. The five-story pagoda stands 55 metres (180 feet) and is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. There are many Buddha statues lined up in the Kodo hall. -
Kyoto City spot
Takio-jinja shrine (Kyoto) Meet a giant dragon
This shrine enshrines Onamuchi-no-Mikoto as its principal deity. Mahakala, Sarasvati, and Vaisravana are also enshrined here. There is a dragon carving on the ceiling of the worship hall. It was 8 meters (26.25 feet) long and so intricately made that it was feared to come to life at night. -
Kyoto City spot
Gokonomiya-jinja shrine (Kyoto) Healing spring water
The exact date of its founding is unknown, but it is a historically significant shrine with records indicating that fragrant water gushed forth within its grounds in 862. Gokonomiya means "fragrant shrine" in Japanese. Legend says that the water that springs from the shrine grounds instantly cures illnesses when drunk. -
Kyoto City spot
Nogi-jinja shrine (Kyoto) The blessings of victory
Nogi Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Nogi Maresuke and his wife, Nogi Shizuko, who made significant contributions to Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Within the shrine grounds, there is a spring of famous water from Fushimi, and it is said that drinking it will bring you good luck in winning. -
Kyoto City spot
Kadode-hachimangu shrine (Kyoto)
"Kadode" is a Japanese word meaning "departure". This place is known as the site where Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune) prayed for safe travels before setting out on his journey. He won many battles with his unconventional strategies and is famous as a historical hero.
