This article lists many temples of Kyoto I visited during my numerous trips to the ancient capital. Rather than grouping them by regions, I have chosen to present them by area (centre, north, south, east and west) in order to facilitate the preparation of your visit. This is mainly because it isn’t easy to remember each region when planning your trip.
Planning the visit to Kyoto’s many temples
To organise your visit, I recommend choosing the temples you want to see most and visit them as early as possible to avoid the crowds. It is fairly easy to get around Kyoto by bus but with experience, I found it easier to buy a single ticket (in addition to the Japan rail pass). I also recommend to choose an area and visit 3 temples a day. It’s easy to get a temple overdose if staying a few days in Kyoto. Also, since they close early (4 pm for most), it’s difficult to visit more than 4 temples a day.
Temples and shrines
Jinja (神社) is the Japanese word for a Shinto shrine and otera (お 寺) indicates a Buddhist temple.寺 is also pronounced ji or dera. In 院 refers to a smaller temple,
Experience and interest
In this article, I rate the experience of the temples as well as their interest. The visit is, of course, affected by the time I visited them but also by the season.
The experience: the experience takes into account the conditions in which I visited the temples, the number of tourists, the selfie-sticks, tourist groups on the site but also the atmosphere.
Favourite: my favourite places are marked with this symbol: ❤️ this can be an important historical interest but also the beauty of the place.
Kyoto, the old majestic capital
Kyoto (京都) was the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1868. It’s one of the biggest cities in the country, with a population of 1.5 million. Numerous wars and fires have destroyed it. Fortunately, due to its historical value, it escaped the atomic bomb during WW II. Kyoto stands out from other major Japanese cities. In fact, countless temples and shrines mix with modern constructions and the heights of the buildings are regulated. Spring and fall are by far the busiest seasons. This is why you should always book accommodation in advance.
EAST
Kodai-ji (高台寺)
Kodai-ji Temple was built in 1605 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his wife Nene. It’s a relatively large temple complex with tea houses, beautiful Zen gardens, a mausoleum (in memory of Hideyoshi and his wife) and a bamboo alley. Note that the temple is illuminated in spring, autumn and Summer. Check on the official website for opening times: https://www.kodaiji.com/e_illumi.html
Experience *
Interest ***
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission:
¥600 (Kodai-ji and Sho museum)
¥900 (Kodai-ji, Sho and Entoku-in museum)
Awata Jinja (粟田神社)
The Awata Shrine is a small shrine located in northern Higashiyama near famous temples. Located on a hill, it has a nice view overlooking Mt. Hiei and Mt. Atago. It is a modest sanctuary, with few visitors, best known for its festival in early October. Lantern sculptures, made of traditional Japanese paper that resemble mythological divinities, are assembled for a parade in the Higashiyama region.
Experience **
Interest *
Shinto temple
Free admission
Nanzen-ji (南禅寺)
Nanzen-ji is a complex with twelve sub-temples. It is famous for its very large main entrance but also for Suirokaku. It is a Roman aqueduct dating from the Meiji era and which served to bring water to Kyoto via Lake Biwa.
Experience *
Interest **
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: varies from ¥300 to ¥600 depending on the temple
The Other Paths | Une Autre Route
Behind Nanzen-ji is a small path that joins Eikan-ji. Perfect for a moment of solitude between the two temples. It takes around 20 minutes to walk. The path goes up to a small temple (Oku-No-In) and then arrives in a forest. Always continue on the left and pass in front of a cemetery. The path then descends to arrive near a small waterfall and then join Eikan-do
Eikan-do (永観堂)
One of the most famous (and therefore very busy) autumn spot in Kyoto, is the Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji. Hoko Pond is probably the most photogenic place in the complex. The Taho-to pagoda offers nice views of the city.
Experience *
Interest *****
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥600
In November, the entry price increases to ¥1000 during the day. In the evening, the complex is illuminated and remains open until 9 pm (¥600).
Kennin-ji (建仁寺)
Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is best known for its “twin dragons” painting on the ceiling which commemorates the 800th anniversary of the founding of the temple. Yet located next to the very touristy district of Gion, the temple isn’t as busy as most of its neighbours.
Experience **
Interest **
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥500
Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺)
Known as Ginkaku-ji, (silver pavilion), Jisho-ji was built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. The latter was the grandson of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. He wanted to compete with the golden pavilion, Kinkaku-ji built by his grandfather. His intention was to cover it in silver. Unfortunately, the construction was stopped and the pavilion was never finished.
Experience **
Interest **
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥500
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)
Kiyomizu-dera temple is, without a doubt, Kyoto’s most popular tourist attraction. It is easily recognisable thanks to its impressive wooden stage standing 13 meters high. Perched on a cliff edge, the main hall has a large viewing platform that provides a nice panorama of Kyoto. One of the highlights of Kiyomizu-dera is the Koyasu, an impressive three-storey pagoda. As it is one of the most touristic temples, it can get crowded. I advise you to go there at the opening or in the evening, before closing, when the temple is lit.
Experience *
Interest ****
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥ 400
Heian Shrine (平安神宮)
This sanctuary was built in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto. In fact, Heian Kyoto’s old name. EThe entrance to the shrine is free with an additional charge for the gardens. The shrine is busier in spring when of its weeping cherry trees bloom. It might not be the most interesting building, but the shrine holds a significance for me. It was the first image I saw of Kyoto, on old postcard my Japanese friend sent me when I was a teenager.
Experience **
Interest **
Shinto shrine
Admission:
Shrine: free
Gardens: ¥600
NORTH
Manshu-in (曼殊院)
Near the imperial villa Shugakuin, (15 minutes on foot) lays a small temple with a pretty garden. It is quite off the beaten track but the temple is especially appreciated in autumn when its maples turn red. In spring and summer, the places are much more peaceful.
Experience **
Interest *
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥600
Bishamon-do (毘沙門堂)
While this temple is beautiful in all seasons, it is mostly visited in November with its autumn foliage and quieter the rest of the year. I visited it before closing time and the temple wasn’t busy at all.
Experience **
Interest ***
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥ 500
Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺)
With its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is arguably the most widely recognised image of Kyoto. The building was built for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retirement. It was converted into a Zen temple soon after his death. It has burned many times in its history and the current structure dates from 1955. Passionate about Japanese literature, I read the book of Mishima Yukio, “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” a novel based on the burning of the temple by a young monk in 1950. The gardens are beautiful all year round and they are especially impressive with their autumn foliage or covered with snow. Like Kiomizu-dera, it’s one of the most visited sites in Kyoto. It is, therefore, best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Experience *
Interest ****
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥400
Ryōan-ji (龍安寺)
The “Temple of the Dragon in Peace” is a Zen temple listed on the UNESCO World Heritage. It is known for its garden which is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Japanese Zen garden. The stones and boulders are arranged to facilitate meditation. Even when I visited the temple 15 years ago, it was already very popular. Hard to meditate in these conditions! I recommend to visit it on weekdays to avoid “group meditations”.
Experience *
Interest **
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥500
Ninna-ji (仁和寺) ❤️
Ninnaji is one of the many great temples of Kyoto listed as World Heritage in 1994. It is famous for its Omuro cherry trees which bloom a little later. It is, therefore, a place to visit towards the end of the cherry blossom season in Kyoto (mid-April). Check the temple’s website for photos during the different seasons.
Experience *
Interest ***
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: Goten palace ¥500
The temple’s grounds are free, except during the cherry blossom season (¥600).
Daitoku-ji (大徳寺)
Daitokuji is the largest temple complex north of Kyoto. It has 22 temples but only a few are open to the public. It was founded in 1319 but unfortunately suffered serious damage during the Onin War (1467-1477). After its reconstruction, the temple became a centre for tea ceremony. This is because Oda Nobunaga, the feudal lord who unified Japan, was a keen practitioner. And this is also why his tomb is in Sokenin, one of the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji. Unfortunately, it is not regularly open to the public. Worth noting are its numerous gardens as well as a beautiful bamboo alley at the entrance.
Experience **
Interest **
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: from ¥350 a ¥500 depending on the temples
Enko-ji (圓光寺) ❤️
Enko-ji is a Zen temple founded by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) in 1601. It was as a school to educate samurai and priests. It was just one year after that he won the crucial battle in Sekigahara and came to power. Although it is a bit out of the way, it is definitely worth a visit, especially for its moss-covered garden. Any Japanese history lover should visit it!
In its courtyard, the temple has a beautiful garden with a pond and many maple trees. It’s one of the most beautiful temples for autumn foliage in Kyoto. A small bamboo forest is located just behind the garden pond. A little further, do not miss the small climb behind the garden to appreciate the view.
Experience **
Interest ***
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥500
Shisen-do (詩仙堂)
The villa was built in the 17th century by a former samurai, Jozen Ishikawa (1583-1672), a Confucian scholar and landscape architect. After retiring, he devoted the rest of his life to learning Chinese classics. Shisendo “Room of the great poets” is a room with images of great Chinese poets. Make sure you sit down on the wonder porch which overlooks the garden. And appreciate the landscape and colours. The gardens are beautiful in all seasons. The villa is less visited than most temples in Kyoto and it is possible to enjoy the serene landscape without the crowds.
Experience **
Interest ***
Admission: ¥500
SOUTH
Tofuku-ji (東福寺)
Tofuku-ji is often considered one of the most beautiful temples to enjoy autumn colours (from the Tsutenkyo bridge). It is also famous for its Zen garden, Honbo. The temple was founded in 1236 by the Fujiwara clan (a powerful family of Japanese nobility) and became one of the five great temples in Kyoto.
Experience **
Interest ***
Buddhist temple
Admission:
Most of the complex is free
¥400 (Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall)
¥400 (Hojo and gardens)
Daigo-ji (醍醐寺)
This temple takes its name from the emperor Daigo, under which it was built. He is buried in the enclosure of the temple. The five-storied pagoda is the most interesting part of the temple.
Experience **
Interest **
Buddhist temple
Admission:
Sanboin, Shimo Daigo and Reihokan museum: ¥1500 (from March 20th to May 15th and from October 15th to December 10th), ¥800 (the rest of the year)
Kami daigo: ¥600
Fushimi inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) ❤️
Fushimi Inari is an important Shinto shrine, especially famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. It is one of the most impressive places in Kyoto, but one that attracts crowds: it is particularly popular with mainland Chinese tourist groups. Needless to say, it is better to visit it early and on weekdays! Note that as most tourists stay on the lower trails. So you will meet less people once you climb the mountain.
You will find the start of the ‘hiking’ trail at the back of the sanctuary. It begins with two dense and parallel Torii (gate) tunnels called Senbon Torii (“thousands torii”). Each torii was donated by companies or individuals. The hike goes to the summit of the sacred Mount Inari, 233 meters above sea level. It takes about 2-3 hours for a round trip. You can, of course, stop along the way to rest in one of the tea houses.
Experience **
Interest *****
Duration: count 2 to 3 hours for the round trip
Distance: approximately 5 km
Difficulty: none
Admission: free
WEST
Giou-ji (祇王寺)
Giou-ji is a small temple with a beautiful moss garden nestled in the forest.
Experience ***
Interest **
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥300
Combo tickets for Daikaku-ji and Gio-ji: ¥600 (25 minutes walk between both)
Daikaku-ji (大覚寺)
The temple was built in the early 800s as an imperial villa for the Emperor Saga (786 – 842). It was then transformed into a temple thirty years after the his death.
Experience **
Interest ***
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥500
Jojakko-ji (常寂光寺)
Jojakko-ji is a temple located at the foot of the mountain. In autumn the place becomes: the paths and steps that cross the gardens are lined with maple trees. Outside autumn, the place is quieter and it’s possible to have the grounds to yourself. I especially liked the higher part of the gardens, close to the pagoda, the colours of the vegetation wereamazing.
Experience *
Interest ****
Zen buddhist temple
Admission: ¥400
Tenryu-ji (天龍寺)
Ranked among the five great Zen temples in Kyoto, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive one in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the start of the Muromachi period (1338-1573), the temple is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto. In addition to the temple buildings, there are beautiful gardens with walking paths.
Experience **
Interest ***
Zen Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥300 for the temple and ¥500 for the gardens
Nison-in (二尊院) ❤️
Right next to Jojakko-ji, stands the pretty Nison-in temple, built between 834-847. Like many temples in Kyoto, its original structure was burned down during the Onin War (1467-1477). This temple is especially interesting in autumn and summer. Since it is not on the tourist group route, it is a good place to escape the crowds of Arashiyama. Not to be missed, is the large number of tombs of emperors and court nobles which demonstrate the prestige of the temple.
Experience ****
Interest ***
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥500
Ruriko-in (瑠璃光院) ❤️
Although Kyoto is known for its many autumn spots, Ruriko-in surely has the most beautiful one. This little temple overlooked a few years ago, is incredible. But as photos spread on Instagram, its great landscapes are attracting more and more attention from visitors. For more information, see the article dedicated to the Ruriko-in temple.
Experience *
Interest ****
Buddhist temple
Admission: ¥2000
Yasaka shrine (八坂神社)
The Yasaka Shrine is best known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri. (which dates back over a thousand years). It is mostly visited in the spring during the cherry blossom season because the nearby Maruyama Park is one of the most famous sites in Kyoto.
Experience *
Interest **
Shinto shrine
Free admission
Located halfway between the two ancient capitals Kyoto and Nara, Uji is perfect for a day trip and a paradise for lovers of matcha. Kyoto’s little sister also has no shortage of temples: Byodoin (which is the motif of the ¥10 coin) and my favourite: Mimurotoji. Read the article on the city of Uji.https://theotherpaths.com/en/japan-kyoto-uji-day-trip
Aside from the temples in Kyoto, you shouldn’t miss Nijo-jo. The castle is a must-see, not only because of its historical significance but also for the beauty of its buildings and gardens. If you’re running out of time, do go in the evening, when the castle is light up. For more information, check the article about Nijo-jo.
