Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?

It is the oldest temple in Kyoto, founded in 603. The principal image is a statue of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva) , which was the first to be designated a National Treasure. The pose, with the right hand resting against the cheek as if in thought, is beautiful.

Although the exact date of its founding is unknown, records of the shrine exist from 701, indicating a long history. At the back of this shrine stands a Mihashira-torii , constructed so that three pillars form an enclosure. This enjoys a quiet popularity as a unique format - the only one of its kind in Japan.

Although normally closed to the public, it is specially opened on the 15th of every month, as well as for limited periods during the cherry blossom, lotus, and autumn foliage seasons. You can view various Buddhist statues and a Japanese garden designed to represent the Pure Land.

Ninnaji Temple was founded in 888 and serves as the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect. The massive Nio-mon Gate is said to be one of the three great gates of Kyoto. If you pass through this gate and walk straight across the spacious temple grounds, you will find the Main Hall, a National Treasure.

It is a temple located right near Ninnaji Temple. Five stone Buddha statues, with Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) at the center, are lined up within the temple grounds. These are known as the Five Wisdom Buddhas, and they bestow the blessings of wisdom and abundant harvests.

Kodaiji is a temple featuring a garden with two ponds that incorporates the Higashiyama mountains into its scenery. Nighttime illumination events are held for a limited time during spring, summer, and autumn. The bamboo forest within the temple grounds is a particularly popular spot.

Kodaiji Temple was founded in 1606 by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to commemorate him, who rose from a peasant background to unify Japan. Many of the halls are designated as important cultural properties, and the Japanese garden, said to have been created by Kobori Enshu, is also magnificent.

Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine was founded in 947. The shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, who is known for granting academic benefits. It is the head shrine of the approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines and Tenjin shrines throughout Japan. There is a festival on the 25th of every month.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778. There are over 30 buildings within the temple grounds, including national treasures and important cultural properties. The most popular attraction at Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the stage in front of the main hall. It is built on a cliff and is 13 metres (42.65 feet) high.

About 1000 years ago, there was a nobleman named Tachibana no Yukihira. He was told in a dream to offer prayers to Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha), and he founded Inaba-do Byodoji Temple. Here, a handmade crafts market is held on the temple grounds on the 8th of every month.