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
Kashoji (Fukakusa-syoten) temple (Kyoto) : The Two Benefits of Kangiten
This temple was founded in 851. The principal deity is Kangiten (Nandikesvara), depicted as two figures with the heads of elephants and human bodies locked in an embrace. The stone pillar standing at the entrance bore an inscription stating that it was the first Kangiten in Japan. -
Kyoto City spot
Hotoji temple (Kyoto) : Hidden Architectural Gems
This temple was founded in 899. This temple is usually very quiet, but the grounds contain a valuable temple hall. Behind the main hall, there is a path leading up to Mount Shichimen. It is a secluded spot where you can feel a deep sense of sanctity, so I highly recommend it. -
Kyoto City spot
Sekihoji temple (Kyoto) : The Five Hundred Arhats with expressive faces
Despite being close to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the setting was very quiet and relaxing. The Five Hundred Arhats are one of the temple's most famous attractions and were designed by the 18th-century painter Ito Jakuchu. Each statue had such a rich expression that simply looking at them was a delight. -
Kyoto City spot
Shorenin-Monzeki temple (Kyoto) : History , Highlights , Access
It is said that this temple originated as a dwelling for monks built in the mountains when Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei was founded in the early 9th century. In the 12th century, Emperor Toba constructed a palace on the present site and renamed it Shorenin. You can visit various temple halls and gardens. -
Kyoto City spot
Kifune shrine (Kyoto) : Things to do
At Kifune Shrine, you can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as prayers offered before the deity, free spring water, prayers for good fortune in relationships, matcha and Japanese sweets within the shrine grounds, and meals by the riverside. -
Kyoto City spot
Tojiin temple (Kyoto) : A beautiful Japanese garden and matcha
Tojiin Temple was founded in 1341 and serves as the family temple of the Ashikaga shoguns. The strolling pond garden is said to have been created by the renowned garden designer Muso Kokushi. It feels very pleasant to walk slowly through this garden. I recommend enjoying some matcha while gazing at the garden. -
Kyoto City spot
Mikane shrine (Kyoto) : The shrine named Money
Mikane-jinja Shrine enshrines the guardian deity of metals and minerals. Gold coins have been minted in this area since ancient times. The name "Mikane" means money in Japanese, so the shrine has become famous as a shrine for financial luck. There is a golden torii gate at the entrance. -
Kyoto City spot
Rokusonno shrine (Kyoto) : Blessings for family prosperity
The deity enshrined at Rokusonno Shrine is Minamoto no Tsunemoto. He was the first head of the Seiwa Genji clan, which established a military government. For this reason, it is said to bring prosperity to the family and good fortune in career advancement. -
Kyoto City spot
Kurama-dera temple (Kyoto) : Three ways of praying
Kurama-dera Temple is located in the mountain north of Kyoto. Kurama-dera Temple has three special places for praying to deities and Buddhas. It's the plaza in front of the main hall, the temple bell that anyone can ring, and the meditation area in the mountains. -
Kyoto City spot
Shunkoin temple (Kyoto) : Zazen experience in English
Shunkoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1590. You can rent out the Hojo, an important cultural property, exclusively for a special Zen experience. Zazen instruction is available in English. If you're interested, please make a reservation and participate.
