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The best temples in Kyoto: my choice
Kyoto has over 1,000 temples and shrines, so it's almost impossible to see everything in one visit.
This article is therefore our curated selection of temples that are among the most interesting and significant in Kyoto.
It is not a detailed guide to each site. That can always be found on the individual pages of the specific temples.
If you are looking for:
- a complete itinerary of the city, check out the article Kyoto in 3 days
- for less touristy places, I recommend the article Kyoto without crowds
This article mainly serves as a quick overview of the most interesting temples worth including in your itinerary.
The most famous temples that define Kyoto
These temples are among the most iconic sights in the city and most visitors have them on their bucket list.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Probably the most iconic place in Kyoto.
Thousands of red torii gates form a trail several kilometres long leading to Mount Inari. Despite the large number of tourists, this is one of the most impressive experiences you can have in Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera
A temple famous for its huge wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto.
It is one of the oldest and most historically important Buddhist temples in the city.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
One of the most photographed landmarks in all of Japan.
Surrounded by a pond and garden, the Golden Pavilion is a symbol of Kyoto - even though it is also one of the most visited places in the city.
Zen temples and gardens
Kyoto is one of the main centres of Zen Buddhism and it is here that some of the most famous Zen gardens in Japan were created.
Ryoan-ji
A temple famous for its minimalist stone garden, which is one of the most famous Zen compositions in the world.
Sitting on the wooden veranda and gazing at fifteen stones in a sea of white gravel is one of the most peaceful experiences Kyoto has to offer.
Nanzen-ji
A huge temple complex at the foot of the mountains east of the city centre.
One of the most interesting sites is the historic aqueduct, which creates an unexpected contrast between traditional Japanese architecture and European technology.
Temples with the most beautiful gardens
Kyoto's temples are famous not only for their architecture, but also for their garden compositions.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
A temple located at the beginning of the famous Philosopher's Path.
It is known for its beautiful gardens and views of the surrounding hills, which are among the most impressive in Kyoto.
What if you want to see temples without the crowds?
Many of the temples on this list are among the most famous sights in Kyoto. This also means that some of them tend to get a lot of tourists.
If you want to experience a quieter atmosphere, check out the article:
- 👉 Kyoto Without Crowds
You will find temples such as: Kamigamo Shrine, Chion-in, Ninna-ji and more.
How many temples are worth visiting?
There are more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto, but it's not realistic to see more than a small portion of them in one visit.
Most travelers visit about 5 to 10 temples in one visit, which is the ideal number if you want to really take in the sites and not just flit from one to the next.
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary, see the article
If you only have a short time in the city, also check out the itinerary
Where to stay to visit the temples
Many of the temples are in the eastern part of the city or in the north, so it's practical to stay somewhere near the centre.
Good areas include:
- Higashiyama - close to the sights
- Kawaramachi - modern city centre
- Arashiyama - for visiting the northern and western temples
View rates for hotels in Kyoto
For a more detailed overview, see the article
Any questions left?
If you have any questions or comments about the article...
