Kyoto City? category ?

This shrine originated in 784, when the deity of Kasuga Taisha in Nara was enshrined here. It is known for having been a place of worship for Murasaki Shikibu, the author of "The Tale of Genji" - a work that had a profound influence on Japanese literature.

This temple was founded in 754. The main hall enshrines a rare Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva with three faces. The garden features stones arranged to resemble 16 types of animals, such as rabbits, turtles, and owls. For this reason, it is known as the "Rock Garden of Birds and Beasts."

This temple was founded in 718. Although it was devastated during the Onin War (1467-1477), the hall was rebuilt by Keishoin, the mother of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. The area around the stone steps beyond the Nio-mon Gate turns vibrant with autumn colors.

This temple was founded in 1074 when the priest Gensan built a hermitage, and it was named Sankoji in 1213. The Sanko (a three-pronged vajra) is a ritual implement used in Esoteric Buddhism. From in front of the main hall, there is a magnificent view overlooking the city of Kyoto and mountains such as Mount Hiei.

This temple was founded in 1029. The spacious temple grounds are home to numerous valuable structures, including a Tahoto pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Property. From mid-June to early July, approximately 8,000 hydrangea plants bloom in vibrant colors.

It originated in 850, when Emperor Montoku enshrined a statue of Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha) to pray for the safe delivery of Empress Somedono. It is also known as the place where the poet Ariwara no Narihira lived in retirement. For this reason, it is called Narihira-dera.

Founded in 1362, this temple is associated with the Imperial Family and enjoyed the devotion of successive emperors. There are several notable cherry trees that bloom beautifully in the spring. The garden, which incorporates the surrounding mountains into its scenery, is also known as a famous spot for autumn foliage.

This temple, founded in 704, is located on the mountainside of Mount Atago. The walk from the Kiyotaki bus stop to the temple is a mountain path that takes over 90 minutes. For this reason, visits are only possible between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It is also closed during rainy weather and the winter season.

It is a temple situated halfway up Mount Takao. Kukai, one of Japan's most famous monks, served as the head priest here for 14 years starting in 809. It houses numerous temple treasures, including a National Treasure statue of Yakushi Nyorai. The experience of throwing unglazed earthenware plates is popular.

This temple was founded during the Tencho era (824-834). The current main hall was built in 1700 through a donation from Keishoin, the mother of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. This mountain temple is set in a lush natural environment and displays its beauty with the changing seasons.