After a series of visits to Japan over the years, I have compiled this guide to the Kyoto temple and shrine to help you find the best one!
Kyoto is the ancient capital and cultural center of Japan, so there are many of the most famous shrines in Japan, and there are also a number of must-see temples in Kyoto.
There are actually more than 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto, so it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. Read on for my complete guide to the Kyoto Temple!
The best shrines and traditional temples in Kyoto, Japan
1. Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple (also known as the Golden Pavilion) is one of the most well-known and famous places in Japan.
It is the n° 1 most visited temple in Kyoto, and for good reason! It is almost impossible to take a bad photo here! This is definitely one of the best temples in Kyoto.
A good time to visit is in the morning, before the wind picks up, then you can see reflections on the pond. Unfortunately, it was very windy when we left, so no reflections.
2. Ginkaku-ji Temple
After visiting the Golden Pavilion, you may want to know that it also has a less famous twin named Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion! This one is located east of Kyoto (Higashiyama), but it is not too difficult to access it.
This temple, also known as Higashiyama Jisho-ji, Dates from the fifteenth century, when it was originally built as a mountain villa for the Shoguns.
It is a beautiful building in its own way and very photogenic, with a dry sand garden and a raised cone that resembles Mount Fuji.
3. Tenryu-ji Temple
This temple was built in the 14th century and is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto.
It has a beautiful landscaped garden and awesome autumn colors when you come in mid-November. The garden is the main reason why this one was on my List of the best temples in Kyoto.
4. Fushimi Inari Shrine
This is an 8th century Kyoto shrine with more than 1,000 orange Torii doors surrounded by wood.
It’s fun to walk through the labyrinth of the gates, and there are also beautiful mountain trails.
However, this place can be very busy with tourists, so it is better to come early in the morning or in the after afternoon.
5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
It is probably the most famous temple in Japan, and it is also a great place to see the autumn colors.
Most people take pictures of the main building, but our favorite part was actually the Orange Pagoda next to it. In any matter, there are a lot of good photo shoots around this Kyoto temple!
Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple built in the 8th century in the east of Kyoto.
