Discover sacred sites with verified coordinates, detailed directions, and cultural insights. From UNESCO World Heritage temples to peaceful hidden gems.
These 13 temples are recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value and cultural significance.
清水寺
UNESCO World Heritage temple founded 778 AD, famous for wooden stage jutting 13 meters over hillside, built without a single nail using traditional Japanese joinery. Name means "Pure Water Temple" after sacred Otowa Waterfall. Symbol of Kyoto with panoramic city views.
金閣寺
Kyoto's most iconic temple - Zen Buddhist pavilion covered in pure gold leaf creating stunning mirror reflections in Kyoko-chi pond. Originally built 1397 as retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, converted to Zen temple after his death. Rebuilt 1955 after arson, restored 1987. UNESCO World Heritage.
龍安寺
Home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden (karesansui) - 15 carefully arranged rocks on raked white gravel, created late 15th century. Garden designed so only 14 rocks visible from any viewing angle. UNESCO World Heritage site. Embodies Zen principles: simplicity, asymmetry, austere elegance.
仁和寺
UNESCO World Heritage temple founded 888 by Emperor Uda. Former imperial palace turned temple - monzeki (temple headed by imperial family member). Famous for Omuro cherry trees - late-blooming dwarf cherries (mid-April) easier to view at eye level. Beautiful five-story pagoda.
銀閣寺
UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple built 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (grandson of Golden Pavilion builder). Never actually covered in silver - name refers to aesthetic simplicity. Features exquisite sand gardens and moss gardens. Starting point of 2km Philosopher's Path along cherry-tree-lined canal.
下鴨神社
UNESCO World Heritage Shinto shrine over 2,000 years old - one of Kyoto's oldest shrines. Officially named Kamo-mioya Shrine. Set in Tadasu-no-Mori primeval forest (12 hectares, 600 trees). Co-hosts Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's 3 great festivals (May 15).
上賀茂神社
UNESCO World Heritage Shinto shrine, officially named Kamo-wake-ikazuchi Shrine. One of Japan's oldest shrines (founded 678). Features distinctive white sand cones (tatesuna) symbolizing sacred mountains. Beautiful stream (Nara-no-Ogawa) flows through grounds. Endpoint of Aoi Matsuri festival.
天龍寺
UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple in Arashiyama built 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo. Spectacular landscape garden designed by Muso Soseki with "borrowed scenery" of Arashiyama mountains. North gate provides direct access to famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
平等院
UNESCO World Heritage temple in Uji city featuring Phoenix Hall (Hoodo) depicted on 10 yen coin. Built 1053, represents Pure Land Buddhist architecture. One of few remaining Heian period temple buildings. Set on beautiful pond garden. Visit combines with Uji's famous green tea culture.
醍醐寺
UNESCO World Heritage temple complex with over 80 buildings spread across mountainside. Famous for 800+ cherry blossom trees and five-story pagoda - Kyoto's oldest wooden structure (built 951). Historic site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary "Daigo no Hanami" cherry viewing party 1598.
西本願寺
UNESCO World Heritage temple, headquarters of Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. Massive complex with ornate Karamon gate (National Treasure) featuring intricate carvings. Founder's Hall (Goei-do) is one of world's largest wooden structures. Free admission, peaceful despite downtown location.
東寺
UNESCO World Heritage temple with Japan's tallest wooden pagoda (54.8m, built 1644). Founded 796, one of Kyoto's oldest temples. Famous monthly flea market (21st, Kobo-san). Stunning illuminations during spring cherries and autumn leaves. Visible from Kyoto Station.
宇治上神社
UNESCO World Heritage shrine with Japan's oldest existing shrine architecture (Heian period, 1060). Small but historically important. Beautiful spring water from sacred well. Very close to Byodo-in Temple. Often quiet despite UNESCO status.
Discover additional temples and shrines with rich history and stunning architecture.
伏見稲荷大社
The most iconic shrine in Japan with over 10,000 vermilion torii gates forming tunnels up Mount Inari. Head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide. Founded 711 AD. Dedicated to Inari, Shinto god of rice, sake, prosperity, and foxes as messengers.
東福寺
Kyoto's #1 autumn foliage temple with over 2,000 maple trees creating a sea of red. One of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. Founded 1236. Features Japan's oldest and largest Sanmon gate (National Treasure, 1425). Famous Tsutenkyo Bridge offers breathtaking valley views.
八坂神社
Also known as Gion Shrine, this vibrant Shinto shrine is the heart of Gion district and host of Japan's most famous festival - Gion Matsuri (July). Founded over 1,350 years ago. Beautifully illuminated at night with vermilion buildings creating magical atmosphere.
高台寺
Exquisite temple built 1606 by Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro) to honor her husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Famous for stunning bamboo grove, masterful rock gardens by Kobori Enshu, and spectacular seasonal illuminations blending tradition with modern projection mapping.
建仁寺
Kyoto's oldest Zen temple founded 1202 by monk Eisai who introduced both Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation from China to Japan. Features magnificent fusuma paintings including iconic Twin Dragons ceiling and Wind/Thunder Gods. Peaceful oasis in bustling Gion.
知恩院
Headquarters of Jodo Buddhism (Pure Land sect) and one of Kyoto's grandest temples. Features Japan's largest wooden temple gate (Sanmon, 24m high, National Treasure). The massive 74-ton bell requires 17 monks to ring it on New Year's Eve. Founded 1234 on site where Honen taught.
三十三間堂
Officially Rengeo-in Temple, houses 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) in Japan's longest wooden building (120m). Built 1164, rebuilt 1266 after fire. Name means "Hall with 33 spaces" between columns. Each Kannon statue is unique - legend says you'll find face of loved one.
北野天満宮
Head shrine of 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, deified as Tenjin, god of learning and scholarship. Founded 947. Famous for 1,500 plum trees (50 varieties) blooming late winter. Students nationwide visit to pray for exam success.
大徳寺
Large Zen temple complex with 24 sub-temples, though only 4-5 open to public. Founded 1315. Deeply connected to tea ceremony culture - Sen no Rikyu trained here. Famous for beautiful rock gardens, particularly Daisen-in and Ryogen-in. Peaceful atmosphere, fewer tourists.
南禅寺
One of most important Zen temples in Japan, head of Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. Founded 1291. Famous for massive two-story Sanmon gate (1628, 22m high) and scenic brick aqueduct (1890 Meiji period). Emperor Kameyama's former palace site. Tofu cuisine nearby (yudofu).
平安神宮
Grand Shinto shrine built 1895 to commemorate Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary. Features one of Japan's largest torii gates (24.4m high, 33m wide). Architecture is 5/8 scale replica of original Heian Imperial Palace. Shin-en garden (33,000㎡) with spectacular weeping cherries and water lilies.
永観堂禅林寺
Officially Zenrin-ji, commonly called Eikan-do after notable head priest Eikan. Famous as Kyoto's premier autumn foliage temple with over 3,000 maple trees. Features unique "Looking Back Amida" Buddha statue. Multi-level gardens with ponds and covered walkways. Spectacular night illuminations November.
東本願寺
Headquarters of Otani-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Features Goei-do Hall - one of world's largest wooden structures with massive interior space. Impressive temple gate. Free admission. Very close to Kyoto Station, perfect for arrival/departure day visits.
法然院
Hidden gem temple on Philosopher's Path with thatched gate and moss-covered grounds. Founded 1680 to honor Buddhist priest Honen. Famous for twin sand mounds (byakusadan) with seasonal patterns. Peaceful atmosphere, fewer tourists. Beautiful autumn colors and spring green moss.
大河内山荘
Former villa of film actor Okochi Denjiro with stunning gardens on mountainside. Panoramic views of Kyoto and Arashiyama. Beautiful strolling garden with tea house. Admission includes matcha and sweet. Peaceful despite proximity to busy Bamboo Grove.
祇王寺
Small moss temple in Arashiyama with tragic love story. Thatched-roof hall surrounded by beautiful moss garden. Founded to honor Gio, a Heike period dancer. Peaceful hidden gem. Stunning autumn colors against green moss. Often combined with nearby Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.
化野念仏寺
Historic temple in Saga with 8,000 stone statues representing souls. Founded by Kobo Daishi. Beautiful bamboo grove path. Sento Kuyo ceremony (late August) with candlelit stone statues is magical. Peaceful area in western Arashiyama hills.
鞍馬寺
Mountain temple north of Kyoto, legendary training ground of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Main hall has cosmic power spot. Beautiful hiking trail over mountain to Kifune Shrine (2 hours). Fall foliage spectacular. Remote peaceful location. Cable car option available.
貴船神社
Atmospheric shrine in mountain valley famous for water fortune telling (floating paper fortunes in sacred spring). Beautiful stone steps with red lanterns. Kawadoko riverside dining in summer. Snow illuminations in winter magical. Popular power spot for relationships.
三千院
Beautiful temple in rural Ohara area with moss garden and adorable Jizo statues. Founded 784, moved to Ohara in 1871. Yusei-en garden with hydrangeas. Peaceful rural atmosphere. Combine with Ohara area temples. Best autumn foliage destination outside central Kyoto.
青蓮院
Monzeki temple (Imperial temple) with beautiful gardens and spectacular night illuminations. Large camphor trees at entrance. Blue LED light installations during special illuminations create mystical atmosphere. Sliding door paintings. Near Chion-in and Maruyama Park.
円山公園
Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom viewing park with giant weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura). Open 24 hours with illuminations during cherry season. Adjacent to Yasaka Shrine. Food stalls and hanami parties in spring. Beautiful year-round strolling park.
将軍塚青龍殿
Hilltop temple with best panoramic views of entire Kyoto city. Large wooden observation deck. Night illuminations spectacular with city lights. Giant blue dragon ceiling painting in hall. Recently renovated (2014). Remote location but worth it for views.
東福寺
Kyoto's #1 autumn foliage temple with 2,000+ maple trees. Tsutenkyo Bridge offers iconic views of maple valley. Founded 1236, one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. Four beautiful gardens representing different eras. Extremely crowded November, peaceful other seasons.
妙心寺
Massive Zen temple complex, head of Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen. 46 sub-temples in sprawling grounds. Famous dragon ceiling painting in Hatto Hall. Taizo-in sub-temple with beautiful garden open to visitors. Less touristy, more authentic Zen atmosphere.
大覚寺
Former Imperial villa converted to temple, famous for Osawa Pond - one of Japan's oldest garden ponds. Beautiful corridors connecting halls. Historic moon-viewing spot. Arashiyama area but away from crowds. Cherry blossoms and lotus flowers spectacular.
晴明神社
Small shrine dedicated to Abe no Seimei, legendary onmyoji (yin-yang master and court astronomer). Pentagram star symbols throughout. Popular with manga/anime fans. Power spot for fortune and protection. Near Nishijin textile district.
Plan your perfect temple-hopping itinerary with our curated guides.