11 Must-See Temples & Shrines – Things to Do in Kyoto
1. Kinkakuji Temple
2. Ryoanji Temple
3. Tenryuji Temple
4. Higashi Honganji
5. Sanjusangendo Temple
6. Kiyomizudera Temple
7. Yasaka Shrine
8. Heian Shrine
9. Nanzenji Temple
10. Ginkakuji Temple
11. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Things to do in Kyoto – what to see? Significant temples are located side by side in Kyoto – whether Shinto, Zen or another branch of Buddhism. The religions go well together here as nowhere else in the world. Having multiple faiths and honouring multiple gods does not pose a problem. A Buddhist funeral and a Shinto wedding go hand in hand in the same family without any issues.
When visiting Kyoto, it is a must to see and experience the heritage temples and shrines! The city abounds with iconic and authentic masterpieces. In total, there are around 2,000 spectacular structures, which include 1,600 temples and 400 shrines.
Due to this large number of outstanding Buddhist temple structures and fascinating Shinto sites, it will be impossible to cover more than a small fraction of them during your visit to Kyoto. You will, therefore, have to prioritise and make a tough decision about which temples and shrines you have time to explore.
Below, you will find a description of some of the best temples and shrines in Kyoto to consider including in your itinerary. However, there are many other temples and shrines in Kyoto that are also absolutely stunning and just as much worth a visit – it all depends on your preferences. Only a tiny fraction of the 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto will be covered here!
Must-see temples and shrines in western Kyoto
Elegant, gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple – a must-see in Kyoto | Photo: Travel In Culture
Kinkakuji Temple is a 14th-century Zen Buddhist temple, scenically located in northwestern Kyoto amidst the breathtaking scenery of a small lake. It is truly one of the must-see temples in Kyoto.
The temple was built during the rule of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. He was a shogun of power and had a significant influence on Japanese society. When he retired as shogun, he had Kinkakuji Temple built as his private residence. The location was a tranquil, private spot where he could dedicate himself to Japanese culture and values.
When he died, the site was handed over to Zen Buddhist monks who used it as a place of meditation.
11 Must-See Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
The fine little temple is unique in that it is coated with gold leaf. Moreover, each of the three floors is built in a distinct architectural style. As you follow the path around the mirror pond with the pavilion reflected in the still water, there’s no denying that Kinkakuji Temple is absolutely picture-perfect and one of the must-see temples in Kyoto!
The picturesque temple has been hit by disasters several times throughout history. During the Onin Wars (1467-1477), it partly burned. Fortunately, the main pavilion, the Golden Pavilion, was spared. It stood for the next 500 years until it was intentionally set on fire by a monk. In the following years, it was restored with gold leaf. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read more about Kinkakuji Temple.
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The rock garden at Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto | Photo: Travel In Culture
Roanji Temple in northwestern Kyoto has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. It is a 1450 Zen Buddhist temple with a unique rock garden, considered among the most significant and spectacular temple rock gardens in Japan.
At the time of construction, the premises of Ryoanji Temple were enormous, justifying a certain number of additional temples around the main temple. However, both time and a fire during the Onin Wars (1467-1477) destroyed large parts of the constructions on the temple grounds. In subsequent years, the temple underwent restoration back to its original style.
The purpose and significance of this particular layout have been the subject of many theories. Several interpretations of the architectural design have been proposed, but there does not seem to be a simple or specific answer. The interpretation is left to each individual who views the garden.
A visit to Tenryuji Temple is one of the top things to do in Kyoto | Photo: Travel In Culture
Tenryuji Temple is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. The temple is a Zen Buddhist temple within the Rinzai Zen sect, ranking at the top of Kyoto’s Zen temples. In 1994, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple was built in 1339-1345 by the Shogun Ashikaga Takauji in honour of Emperor Go-Daigo, who had just passed away. In its heyday, Tenryuji Temple had 150 sub-temples. Over the years, the original buildings were destroyed in fires and wars, so the current construction dates mainly to the Meiji period (1868-1219).
Right outside the garden, you can step into the famous and popular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A walk through the lush grove is a breathtaking experience that, on top of the Zen impressions of Tenryuji Temple and the unique gardens, will make your day!
Must-see temples and shrines in central / eastern Kyoto
Photo: Travel In Culture
Very close to Kyoto Station, within a 10-minute walk, you will find another must-see temple. It is the temple complex Higashi Honganji (from 1604), the eastern temple, which today is still a very popular Buddhist temple belonging to the common Jodo Shinshu sect of Pure Land Buddhism. As one of the most impressive wooden structures in the world, it attracts many visitors. The adjacent temple is Nishi Honganji, the western temple.
The Pure Land Sect was founded by a monk, Shinran (1173-1263), who taught ‘Praise to Amida Buddha’ and asked people to repeat these words. After his death, a Honganji temple was established, and many years later, it was moved to Kyoto to the current location of the Higashi Honganji temple complex.
The construction of the grand temple required lifting and moving heavy wooden beams. Female devotees gave their hair to braid such a strong rope. You can see this rope for yourself inside the temple!
Several devastating fires have ravaged over the years. As a result, the temples have undergone complete restoration several times.
Photo: Jarodsai / Pixabay
The Buddhist temple of Sanjusangendo in eastern Kyoto was founded in 1164 by the order of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Its official name is Rengeo-in, meaning ‘Lotus King’s Hall’. The name Sanjusangendo means the hall with thirty-three spaces between the pillars, which refers to the long main hall of the temple.
Inside the temple hall, visitors’ attention is immediately caught by a huge wooden statue, surrounded by 500 smaller Kannon on each side, divided into ten rows. That is quite an impressive sight. Furthermore, a Kannon has 11 heads and 1000 arms! Notice that the statues only have 42 actual arms each! By subtracting two (ordinary arms) and multiplying by the 25 planes of existence, according to Buddhist belief, you arrive at 1000 arms!
The original Sanjusangendo was destroyed by a fire in 1249 – but meticulously rebuilt afterwards – and has also undergone several restorations since then.
Photo: Michelle Maria / Pixabay
Famous for its large wooden stage overlooking the landscape, the scenic Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the remarkable ancient structures in Kyoto, founded by the Hosso sect. It was, at the time, regarded as a branch temple of the Kofukuji Temple in Nara.
The main draw is the wooden stage made without the use of a single nail and supported by 168 pillars.
From the viewing platform, you have a panoramic view of the cherry and maple trees right below – and Kyoto city. Today, it is an attractive place to visit whether you are a group of friends dressing up in kimonos for the day, a group of schoolboys on an excursion, a family on an outing, or a foreign visitor coming to experience one of the traditional must-see temples in Kyoto.
However, the original temple disappeared in a fire long ago, as did other subsequent temple constructions. The current Kiyomizudera Temple is said to be a result of restorations completed in 1633 by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Another fascinating structure at Kiyomizudera is the three-storied, 31-meter-high pagoda, among the tallest in Japan, also restored in 1633.
You can reach Kiyomizudera Temple up the slopes via the lively and charming traditional Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka shopping streets.
In 1994, the temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: Michelle Maria / Pixabay
Originally named Gion Shrine, Yasaka Shrine is beautifully situated in the Gion district of Kyoto (the Gion district was named after Gion Shrine!). The shrine itself was renamed at the time of the Meiji Restoration when the Shinto shrines were separated from the Buddhist temples by law, and since 1986, it has thus been known as Yasaka Shrine.
The vermilion lacquered entrance gate is a true Kyoto landmark and very popular with visitors for a photo or two!
The shrine is dedicated to several deities, the god of storms and seas from Japanese mythology, Susano-o-no-Mikoto, and his wife, Inadahime-no-Mikoto. As a worshiper, you notify the gods of your arrival at the main sanctuary by pulling the rope to ring a giant bell that hangs above. Then, you bow twice, clap twice, and pray at the altar.
The history goes back to the year 656 when the construction of the sanctuary began. Over the years, it became famous all over Japan, and satellite shrines were erected everywhere in the country (today, approximately 3,000 satellite shrines exist!). The current buildings at Yasaka Shrine date from 1654, built by order of the shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna.
Yasaka Shrine is well known for its many traditions, still maintained around the shrine, e.g. during the Gion matsuri festival or one of the many other annual events and rituals at Yasaka Shrine. You can experience both maiko and geiko dancing, a boat voyage through the street, a fire of sawdust to light the torches, portable shrines, dedication to card games and much more – depending on the time of year you visit.
Also, for the Japanese New Year, a festival is held at the shrine with thousands of participants. Of course, the site is also a popular spot for hanami (traditional cherry blossom viewing) in the spring, where colourful lanterns decorate the stage.
The northern area
Photo: Travel In Culture
Built for the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding, Heian Shrine, also known as Heian Jingu, is one of the relatively new shrines in Kyoto, only dating back to 1895. It coincided with the Industrial Exhibition Fair event that same year. Part of the shrine is a 5/8 scale replica of the original Imperial Palace.
In addition to the typical style from the Heian period (794-1185), the shrine has particular architectural features of Chinese character and influence. It was designed by the historian and architect Itō Chūta (1867-1954) and dedicated to the 50th Emperor of Japan, Emperor Kanmu. Also, the last emperor of Kyoto, before the capital shifted in favour of Tokyo, Emperor Komei, has been enshrined in Heian Shrine.
As you approach, you will see a giant orange torii gate that marks the way to the entrance of Heian Shrine. It measures 24.4 metres (80 feet) and is today the tallest torii in Kyoto and a city landmark.
Heian Shrine has three buildings: Gaihaiden (the Front Shrine), the Inner Sanctuary and the Main Sanctuary. Anyone can visit the first one. The second one is open to the public on certain occasions, whereas the Main Sanctuary can only be accessed by the priests of Heian Shrine. Centred between the shrine buildings is a spacious open courtyard, and to the sides and rear of the shrine, you will find the spectacular shrine gardens with ponds, flowers, birds, cherry trees and the famous Dragon Stepping Stones. The Shinen Garden (the Garden of the Gods) is very popular.
11 Must-See Kyoto Shrines and Temples
Nanzenji Temple in eastern Kyoto is considered one of the most significant Zen temples in Japan and one of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. It is the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect. A dozen sub-temples surround the main temple on the spacious temple grounds in the hilly Higashiyama area. Today, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is even served in some of these sub-temples!
The temple dates back to the 13th century when Emperor Kameyama built a retirement villa. Years later, it was transformed into an elegant Zen temple. Unfortunately, the original buildings were all destroyed during several fires and the Onin War in 1467. Nevertheless, the temple was rebuilt each time, and today, it remains one of the magnificent must-see Kyoto temples.
Moreover, an astonishing aqueduct from the Meiji period (1868-1912), built in authentic Roman style, can be explored right on the temple grounds.
From Nanzenji Temple, you can easily reach the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path, which leads picturesquely to Ginkakuji Temple further north.
Photo: Michelle Maria / Pixabay
Another must-see temple in Kyoto is Ginkakuji Temple (Higashiyama Jishoji) – the Silver Pavilion. It is located in the eastern part of Kyoto by the Higashiyama Mountains. One can, for example, get there by walking the breathtaking (especially during cherry blossoms) Philosopher’s Path.
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built the temple in 1482, inspired by his grandfather’s retirement pavilion, Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion, in northwestern Kyoto. Despite its name, the pavilion has never been silver-plated.
Ashikaga Yoshimasa, like his grandfather, wanted a retirement pavilion in Kyoto. After his death, the pavilion was transformed into a Zen temple and a centre for finer culture, such as flower arrangements, tea ceremonies, theatre, and garden architecture, with a moss and pond garden and the famous sand garden (Sea of Silver Sand). You cannot miss the spectacular sand cone called the Moon Viewing Platform.
Unlike many other temples and shrines in Kyoto, the Silver Pavilion has uniquely survived both fires and earthquakes.
There are two other notable temple buildings on the grounds of Ginkakuji Temple: the main hall (Hondo) with paintings on the sliding doors and the Togudo, which has a tatami mat room believed to be the oldest of its kind (Shoin architecture).
The southern area
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay
Yet another must-see Shinto shrine is the ancient Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most significant Shinto shrine in all of Kyoto. It is famous for its 10,000 vermillion torii gates winding up the sacred Mount Inari.
The oldest parts of Fushimi Inari Shrine date back to 711, before Kyoto became the capital of Japan.
You enter through the 1589 Romon Gate before arriving at the shrine’s main hall. One of the noteworthy things is the presence of foxes across the shrine grounds. Foxes have considerable religious significance in the Shinto religion as messengers of the Shinto god Inari, who is the god of rice, agriculture, fertility, and business.
At the rear, you will find the Senbon Torii (meaning thousands of torii gates), two adjacent, parallel rows of torii gates curving up the mountainside.
The torii path up the mountains is a very popular hike among both Japanese and foreign tourists. The orange gates stand close all the way up and form an eye-catching tunnel. On each torii gate, you will see an inscription showing the donator’s name, who can be both an individual or a company striving for good luck. Furthermore, on the way to the summit, there is a viewpoint where you can get a fabulous view of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.
The complete hike to the top (at an altitude of 233 m / 764 ft) takes 2-3 hours, but you can also do just the first part of it, where the torii gates stand closer than higher up.
Do you want to plan a 3-day itinerary / round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto? Then take a look in Tokyo to Kyoto by Train: Ultimate 3-day Itinerary
You can get further inspiration for your trip to Japan in our Tokyo Travel Guide:
See also Best Things to Do in Tokyo Itinerary 2 Days
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11 Must-See Temples and Shrines in Kyoto:
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