Japan is one of the world's best countries for tourists. Japanese tour can’t be complete without visiting the most prominent shrines and temples. This article explores the best shrines to visit in Japan.
Most Important Shrines and Temples
Here are the 10 most important shrines and temples in Japan:
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Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Recognised as UNESCO’s world heritage site, Kinkakuji temple is a magnificent three-tier golden pavilion that’s a must-see for everyone visiting Kyoto. The temple's mirrored reflection on the Kyoko-Chi pond is a sight to behold, while the green trees and bushes give a sense of calmness and help you unwind.
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Senso-ji Temple at Asakusa in Tokyo
Senso-Ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back over a thousand years, and is easily accessible. Many people continue to flock to the site to behold its exceptional beauty and historic and cultural value. One of the notable aspects is each building’s masterpieces, which are made with sensational Japanese architecture.
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Nezu Shrine in Tokyo
Nezu is one of the most beautiful shrines in central Tokyo, famous for its iconic landscape and many Torii gates. If you visit the place in April, you’ll be lucky to experience the Azalea festival. This is also when you can enter the shrine’s Azalea garden to see the full blooms, with colourful shades of pink, red, white, purple, and white, among others.
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Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima shrine is one of the most visually captivating scenes worth a lifetime of memories. It’s breathtaking watching the popular Torii gate, which seems to almost float on the water during high tide. You’ll also be fascinated by the shrine’s unique design, which makes it appear as if it’s floating. The most exciting part is that you can also tour the site from the comfort of a cruise passing by the shrine.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is an incredible shrine at Mount Inari's foot. Watching the many tunnels of red Torii gates and shrines is fascinating. As you climb up the mountain, you'll have many opportunities for pictures. It takes you around three hours to hike up and down the mountain. Hiking together with visiting the shrine can make your day interesting and memorable.
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Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
Kiyomizu is one of the striking temples in Kyoto, with breathtaking views worth visiting in Japan. Ensure you take good walking shoes since going up to the temple can be hard. You’ll marvel at the beautiful views, stunning nature passages, and the calm sense of nature as you walk along the different paths. It’s also a nice place to take photos and very nice cafes.
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Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo
Meiji Jingu shrine is located in a calm and pleasant forested area within Yoyogi Park. It’s a nice place for retreat and unwinding after a tiresome day. In addition to the garden, there is also a museum and beautiful walking paths.
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Enryaku-ji in Kyoto
Enryaku-Ji is considered one of the most influential Buddhist monasteries because prominent Buddhist monks and scholars studied, worshipped, and resided here. It’s the best place to visit for those wishing to understand Japanese or Buddhist cultural history. It's also a special place to unwind amidst the fresh and cool air, with a quiet atmosphere.
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Hasedera Temple in Kamakura
Visiting Hasedera will give you a memorable historical tour of this stunning temple. The place has an amazing view of the city and the sea and it has fascinating structures, sculptures, and gardens. While here, you won’t want to miss seeing the popular eleven-headed wooden sculpture goddess. The temple also has unique statues built into the walls of a cave.
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Hida-Sannogu Shrine in Takayama
Visiting the Hida-SannoguShinto shrine is worth every bit of your time. Climbing the stairs during sunset amidst the pine forest and ancient tombstones is mysterious and breathtaking. The shrine is famous for the Shinto Sanno Matsuri event, one of the three most significant Japanese festivals.
Conclusion
Japan’s Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are the country's most monumental cultural and historical sites, so tourists must visit them. As you plan your tour, remember to include comprehensive travel insurance, an important package covering unpredicted circumstances like medical emergencies, flight delays, baggage loss, etc.
All the best as you plan your trip!
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