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
Syorinji temple (Kyoto) : Zen Meditation and Buddha statue
It is a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji Temple, founded in 1550. The statue of Vaisravana enshrined here was made during the Heian period (794-1185) and is believed to bring good fortune in wealth and victory in battle. Zen meditation sessions are available. Beginners are welcome to participate. -
Kyoto City spot
Kenninji temple (Kyoto) : Zazen in front of a dry landscape garden
Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. At Kenninji Temple, a Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held every second Sunday of the month from 7:30 am. No reservation is required, just arrive on time to participate. I decided to do zazen next to the dry landscape garden. -
Kyoto City spot
Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Copying sutras at a Zen temple
Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Copying sutras was available to visitors at any time without the need for a reservation. The Heart Sutra was printed lightly on the copying paper, and I traced it over. -
Kyoto City spot
Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple
Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Many cultural assets have been preserved, including the National Treasure Wind God and Thunder God Screen, architecture, gardens, paintings, and more. -
Kyoto City spot
Toyokuni 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
Zenkyoan temple (Kyoto) : Lots of boar statues
Zenkyoan is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple. This temple is dedicated to Marici, the deity of heat haze in ancient India. Boars are said to be messengers of Marici, and there are many boar statues within the temple grounds. Once a month, a Zazen (Zen meditation) and sermon meeting is held. -
Kyoto City spot
Zenkyoan temple (Kyoto) : Mystical prayers and Zen meditation sessions
Zenkyoan is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple. At Zenkyoan, prayers and Zen meditation sessions are held once a month. The prayer service will begin at 10:00, followed by a Zen meditation session around 10:30. These events are open to everyone and do not require reservations. -
Kyoto City spot
Kadode-hachimangu shrine (Kyoto) : A Blessing for the departure
"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. -
Kyoto City spot
Ryosokuin temple (Kyoto) : Japanese garden and zazen meditation
Ryosokuin is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple, founded in 1358. There is a beautiful Japanese garden and a temple dedicated to Bishamonten (Vaisravana). Regular zazen sessions are held, and group zazen sessions are also available. The program includes zazen, sermons, and a stroll around the temple grounds. -
Kyoto City spot
Ootoyo shrine (Kyoto) : The mice will bestow good fortune upon you
Ootoyo-jinja shrine was founded in 887 to pray for the recovery of Emperor Uda from illness. The enshrined deity is Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, the god of medicine. This shrine features statues of various animals, representing messengers of different gods. Mice are particularly well-known.
