Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?

Yasaka Shrine is an ancient shrine that dates back to before 794, when the city of Kyoto was founded. It is the head shrine of the approximately 2,300 Yasaka shrines in Japan. The main hall is the largest of its kind among shrine buildings and is designated a national treasure. Yasaka Shrine has two popular sub-shrines.

Myoshinji is the head temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, with over 3,000 branch temples. The grounds are simply spacious. There are many valuable buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties within the temple grounds. There was also a room for zen meditation and copying sutras.

Chorakuji Temple was founded in 805 by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect. It later changed to the Jishu sect and remains so to this day. This temple is where Taira Tokushi, the heroine of the Tale of the Heike, spent her time. This story is read by many people in Japan as a nothing lasts forever in Buddhism.

Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291. The temple grounds contain many valuable buildings, including the Hojo hall (National Treasure) and the Sanmon gate (Important Cultural Property). The Hatto (main hall) has an impressive ceiling painting of a dragon.

It is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. The Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall are designated as national treasures. You can enter these halls between 5:30am and 5:00pm. Although it is hard to find, Karamon Gate was amazing. There were many auspicious carvings of sacred animals.

Chishakuin was originally located in Wakayama, but was burned down by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and rebuilt in Kyoto in 1601. It is currently the head temple of the Shingon sect Chizan school of Buddhism, which brings together over 3,000 temples. You can see a beautiful Japanese garden and national treasure wall paintings.

Chionin Temple began in 1175 when the monk Honen built a hermitage there. It is now a huge temple and is the head temple of the Jodo sect. There are two Japanese national treasure buildings within the temple grounds. Services are held here every morning and you can attend.

This shrine is located beyond Mount Inari, after entering from Fushimi Inari Taisha. The couple and their accompanying fox figurines are said to bring good fortune in matchmaking. These fox figurines and amulets are sold here.

Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine of the 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan. It is said to grant good fortune in bountiful harvests, prosperous business, and safety in the home. Fushimi Inari is famous for the countless red torii gates lined up in a row. There are also wishing stone.

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is located in the shopping district. This shrine is known for its benefits in granting success in exams, and visitors pray while stroking the cattle. Within the temple grounds, Nishiki no Mizu, known as Kyoto's finest spring water, springs forth.