Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most iconic and historically significant temples, making it a top destination for those interested in Japanese culture and spirituality. Among Kyoto’s most popular temples are:
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto’s most famous landmark, with its striking gold leaf exterior.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The city’s oldest temple, offering spectacular views of Kyoto.
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
A Zen temple known for its elegant garden design.
Nanzen-ji Temple
One of the highest-ranking Zen temples in Kyoto.
Tenryu-ji Temple
The crown jewel of Arashiyama, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Byodo-in Temple
Located in Uji, this temple’s Phoenix Hall is depicted on Japan’s 10-yen coin.
These temples not only showcase the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture but also reflect the deep spiritual history of Kyoto, rooted in various schools of Buddhism. To help you better understand Kyoto’s Buddhist heritage, we’ll explore the temples categorized by three major periods: Nara Buddhism, Heian Buddhism, and Kamakura Buddhism.
Table of Contents
Nara Buddhism
During the Nara period (710–794), Buddhism was first introduced to Japan, bringing with it a range of teachings influenced by Chinese and Korean traditions. The Nara period saw the establishment of the Six Schools of Nara Buddhism (Nanto Rokushū), which laid the philosophical and monastic foundations for the later development of Japanese Buddhism. These six schools were: Hosso, Ritsu, Kegon, Sanron, Jojitsu, Kusha.
While these schools were primarily centered in Nara, the imperial capital at the time, their influence gradually spread to other parts of Japan, including Kyoto. However, Kyoto, which became the capital during the Heian period, is more closely associated with the later Buddhist schools, such as Tendai, Shingon, Zen, and Pure Land. As a result, temples affiliated with the Nara Buddhism schools are less common in Kyoto. Among them, the Hosso and Ritsu sects are still represented in some of Kyoto’s historic temples.
Hosso Sect
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of Kyoto’s most famous and oldest temples, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a prime example of Hosso sect influence. This temple, with its famous wooden stage, offers breathtaking views of Kyoto. It has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries and remains one of the most popular destinations in the city.
Ritsu Sect
Mibu-dera Temple
Known for its association with the Shinsengumi, the samurai police force of the late Edo period. Mibu-dera Temple served as their headquarters and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts. The temple also hosts traditional Mibu Kyogen plays during seasonal festivals.
Hokongo-in Temple
Also known as Lotus Temple, Hokongo-in Temple is renowned for its lotus blossoms in July and cherry blossoms in spring. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil temple garden and pond filled with lotus flowers. Outside of these seasons, Hokongoin Temple is only open on the 15th of each month, making it a more exclusive and peaceful experience.
Heian Buddhism
The Heian period (794–1185) saw the rise of Esoteric Buddhism, with the introduction of the Tendai and Shingon schools. These schools emphasized intricate rituals and esoteric teachings, greatly shaping Kyoto’s temple landscape.
Tendai School
Sanjusangen-do Temple
Famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. This long hall and the multitude of statues are a testament to the Tendai school’s broad and inclusive practices.
Shoren-in Temple
Known for its seasonal night illuminations, Shoren-in Temple is a small, elegant temple that will reopen in 2025 after roof repairs.
Shogunzuka Seiryuden
sits atop a mountain, offering one of the best panoramic views of Kyoto. Its wooden terrace provides stunning vistas of the city, especially during sunset. Visitors can reach this scenic viewpoint via a 30-minute uphill walk from either Shoren-in Temple or Chion-in Temple, or opt for a short taxi ride.
Enryaku-ji Temple
A vast temple complex on Mount Hiei, Enryaku-ji Temple is the headquarters of the Tendai sect and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sanzen-in Temple
A hidden gem located in northern Kyoto, particularly famous for its peaceful gardens and stunning autumn foliage.
Jisso-in Temple
Known for its reflective black-lacquered floors that mirror the beautiful autumn leaves, Jisso-in Temple offers a peaceful and photogenic experience.
Manshu-in Temple
Situated in a serene location, Manshu-in Temple is renowned for its autumn colors and peaceful surroundings.
Shinnyo-do Temple
A quiet temple known for its stunning autumn leaves, making it a favorite spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Located in Arashiyama, this temple is famous for its 1,200 stone Buddha statues, weathered by time, each with a unique expression.
Bishamondo Temple
Famous for its beautiful maple-lined stone steps that turn fiery red during autumn.
Byodo-in Saisho-in Temple
Located in Uji, this temple shares the grounds of Byodo-in Temple with the Jodo sect, adding to its rich spiritual significance.
Shingon School
To-ji Temple
Home to Japan’s tallest five-story pagoda, To-ji Temple is a symbol of Kyoto and one of the most important Shingon temples.
Ninna-ji Temple
Known for its late-blooming Omuro cherry trees, Ninna-ji Temple offers a beautiful display of blossoms in spring.
Daigo-ji Temple
A sprawling temple complex famous for its cherry blossoms, with sections located on the slopes of Mount Daigo.
Chishaku-in Temple
A peaceful temple often overlooked by the crowds, making it an excellent place for quiet reflection, especially during autumn.
Sennyu-ji Temple
Closely connected to the Japanese imperial family, Sennyu-ji Temple houses the imperial mausoleum and has a long history as a place of imperial worship.
Joruriji Temple
Though predominantly Tendai, this temple incorporates elements of Shingon practices, adding to its eclectic spiritual atmosphere.
Kamakura Buddhism
The Kamakura period (1185–1333) saw the rise of Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and the Nichiren Sect, which continue to be influential in Japan today. These schools brought new spiritual practices that were simpler and more accessible, appealing to both the samurai class and common people.
Zen Buddhism – Rinzai School
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
One of the most iconic Zen temples in Japan, Kinkaku-ji Temple is renowned for its shimmering golden pavilion reflected in the surrounding pond.
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
A symbol of Zen aesthetics, Ginkaku-ji Temple is famous for its understated elegance and beautiful gardens.
Nanzen-ji Temple
A high-ranking Zen temple known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Tenryu-ji Temple
The most famous temple in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples.
Kennin-ji Temple
Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kennin-ji Temple houses several national treasures and stunning Zen gardens.
Tofuku-ji Temple
A popular temple in autumn, known for its breathtaking maple leaves.
Ryoan-ji Temple
Famous for its minimalist rock garden, Ryoan-ji Temple is a masterpiece of Zen design.
Myoshin-ji Temple
A large Zen complex with many sub-temples offering various spiritual experiences.
Daitoku-ji Temple
Known for its connections to the tea ceremony, Daitoku-ji Temple features several sub-temples and Zen gardens.
Enko-ji Temple
A quiet retreat with panoramic views of Kyoto and beautiful autumn foliage.
Shokoku-ji Temple
Less visited by tourists, Shokoku-ji Temple offers a peaceful Zen experience in northern Kyoto.
Saiho-ji Temple (Moss Temple)
Famous for its lush moss garden, Saiho-ji Temple requires advance reservations for visitors.
Shoden-ji Temple
Known for its dry landscape garden and scenic views of Mt. Hiei.
Entsu-ji Temple
Famous for its “borrowed landscape” garden, incorporating distant views of Mt. Hiei into its serene setting.
Kodaiji Temple
Built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his widow, Nene, Kodaiji Temple is a stunning Zen temple known for its beautiful landscape gardens and seasonal illuminations. The temple is particularly popular in the fall when the autumn leaves turn red and golden.
Entokuin Temple
Located near Kodaiji Temple, Entokuin is a sub-temple that offers a peaceful retreat from the busy tourist areas. It’s known for its elegant Zen garden and traditional tea room, making it an ideal stop for those looking to experience a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
Zen Buddhism – Soto School
Genko-an Temple
Known for its two symbolic windows, the “Window of Enlightenment” and the “Window of Delusion,” Genko-an Temple is a popular spot for those seeking contemplation.
Shisendo Temple
A peaceful retreat in the northeast of Kyoto, Shisendo Temple is famous for its beautiful gardens and quiet atmosphere.
Kosen-ji Temple
Located in Uji, Kosen-ji Temple is one of the oldest Soto Zen training centers in Japan.
Pure Land Buddhism – Jodo Sect
Chion-in Temple
The head temple of the Jodo sect, featuring one of the largest wooden gates in Japan and a rich history.
Konkaikomyo-ji Temple
Located on a hill, this temple offers panoramic views of Kyoto from its main gate.
Byodo-in Jodo-in Temple
Part of the Byodo-in Temple complex in Uji, this temple is a great place to explore Pure Land architecture.
Pure Land Buddhism – Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Buddhism)
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
Known for its historical significance and beautiful ginkgo trees, Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is one of the largest temples in Kyoto.
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Built after the split of the Hongan-ji sect, this temple is located just east of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple and is equally impressive.
Daiun-in Temple
Famous for the Gion Kaku Pavilion, which offers panoramic views of Kyoto, especially during the summer.
Ruriko-in Temple
Open seasonally, Ruriko-in Temple is famous for its stunning autumn leaves and polished wooden floors that reflect the natural surroundings.
Nichiren Buddhism
Jojakko-ji Temple
Perched on the hills of Arashiyama, this temple offers panoramic views and is famous for its brilliant autumn colors.
Honno-ji Temple
Known for the famous Honno-ji Incident involving Oda Nobunaga, this temple is a pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts.
Myoken-ji Temple
Myoken-ji Temple is the oldest Nichiren Buddhist temple in Kyoto.
Temple Lodgings
For a deeper spiritual experience, some Kyoto temples offer the chance to stay overnight. Guests can participate in traditional Buddhist practices such as meditation and sutra copying.
Rinzai Zen – Myoshin-ji Temple: Hanazono Kaikan
Tendai Sect – Enryaku-ji Temple: Enryakuji Kaikan
Shingon Sect – Chishaku-in Temple: Chishaku-in Kaikan
Pure Land Buddhism Jodo Sect – Chion-in Temple: Chion-in Wajun Kaikan
Pure Land Buddhism Jodo Sect – Aburakago-do Jokyo-ji Temple: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto
Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Buddhism) – Nishi Hongan-ji Temple: Nishi Hongan-ji Temple Monbo Kaikan
Nichiren Sect – Honno-ji Temple: Honnoji Hotel
Conclusion
Kyoto’s temples offer a window into Japan’s rich Buddhist heritage, from the Nara and Heian periods to the rise of Kamakura Buddhism. As you explore the city, each temple tells a unique story of spirituality and architecture, making Kyoto one of the most significant destinations for Buddhist exploration and cultural immersion.
