Kyoto is home to many of the most impressive temples in Japan. Some popular temples to visit include the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Ryoan-ji Temple, and Nijo Castle. Each of these temples offers unique features and panoramic views that are a must-see for everyone who visits Kyoto.
Read on to learn more about the best temples to visit in Kyoto.
5 Must-See Temples in Kyoto
Kyoto, the erstwhile imperial Japanese capital, is also called the city of a thousand temples. It is a perfect place for those looking for an exclusive temple experience. Fascinatingly, the city has more than 1,600 temples, making it almost impossible to explore all of them. Therefore, the smart way out is to make a list of the most famous temples and choose from among them keeping in mind the duration of your stay in Kyoto.
So, here are some of the most famous temples in Kyoto (shrines included):
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Founded more than 1,200 years ago, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the temples offering the most panoramic views. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is also known as Kannon Reijo or holy place in Japanese. Kannon refers to the temple's primary deity, representing compassion. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple has a priest who guides international visitors and offers them special tours of the temple grounds.
Distinctively, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's vibrant and fun places, and also suitable for kids to enjoy. The temple is centrally located halfway up Mount Otowa. The ancient architectural phenomenon, constructed using Japanese techniques, has a spectacular wooden hall that provides a beautiful grassy view of Kyoto City and its surrounding hills.
An area nearby houses Jishu Shrine, which people visit to test their fortune in love by walking the pathway between the shrine's two stones. Also surrounded by stunning scenery, Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera Temple has around 1,000 cherry trees blossoming every spring season, and they promise exciting and memorable moments.
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Nijō Castle
Established in 1603, Nijo Castle symbolises power and prestige. Given its prominence and historical significance, it's one of the most renowned castles in Japan and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The gorgeous buildings adorned with wood carvings and 2,000 spellbinding paintings took 23 years to renovate. The castle's west side has an elegant stroll garden with a pond. When you visit the palace during spring, you'll enjoy a breathtaking aura of illuminated cherry trees and karamon gate at night.
In short, the Nijo-jo Castle complex, with designated cultural properties, is a Japanese national site with the following features:
- Ninomaru-goten Palace (6 buildings): Structures considered national treasures
- Higashi Ote-mon Gate and other buildings (22 buildings): Significant cultural structures
- Ninomaru-goten Palace wall paintings (1016 paintings): Important cultural destination for fine arts and applied crafts
- Ninomaru Garden: Spectacular site (gardens) replete with scenic beauty and breathtaking aura.
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Kinkaku-ji Temple
The Kinkaku-ji temple, designed in 1393, is also the most famous temple in Kyoto and a significant tourist attraction. The Zen Buddhist shrine, meaning 'Temple of the Golden Pavilion,' also carries UNESCO's World Heritage status in Japan.
The temple's surroundings are striking, and tourists from all over the world always appreciate the historic site. The awe-striking temple sits at the edge of the fascinating Mirror Lake. The gold-plated site forms a beautiful reflection onto the Kyoko-chi Pond (mirror pond), a unique sight that you can't afford to miss.
While here, you can also stroll around taking in the magnificent ambiance and marvel at the captivating Japanese garden adorned with waterfalls, natural springs, and stone arrangements.
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Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
Considered the head shrine for all of Japan's Inari (deity of agriculture and prosperity), the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is one of the most famous of Kyoto shrines to visit. The place forms a unique, endless pathway made of captivating orange torii gates that create tunnels towards Mt. Inari. This gate is one of the most famous images of Japan.
There are countless cute stone fox statues around the shrine and throughout the hike, which play a significant role in Shinto belief. Remember, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is dedicated to the Inari god, whose messengers are deemed to be foxes. The foxes deliver messages and prayers to the Inari god. Therefore, the numerous fox statues around the shrine, with scrolls in their mouths, are a perfect picture of devotion.
Although not a temple, the famous shrine attracts many visitors who take pleasure in walking along the torii-lined trackway and climbing the mountain to discover hidden panoramic views. If you love souvenirs or simply looking for snacks, you'll find many shops along the temple. The giant red-orange gate at the entrance is almost impossible for visitors to miss.
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Ryoan-ji Temple
This temple is famous for the puzzling and most celebrated rock garden in Japan. No one has been able to explain its makeup. The place has an earthen wall enclosure, with fifteen well-arranged rocks that seem to move into the sea of sloped white gravel.
The traditional architectural designs and gardens make Ryoan-ji Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's a must-visit for anyone touring Kyoto. The temple's aura is perfect for garden lovers. If you love serene oasis amid urban environs, the temple's Zen rock garden is a breathtaking and meditative haven.
While here, you may also find a deeper meaning and value in the minimalist artistic and serene ambience by sitting on the temple's edge, which overlooks the garden.
Conclusion
Are you planning a trip to Kyoto? The magnificent and popular Kyoto temples to visit will make your tour memorable. Most importantly, a reliable travel insurance policy helps safeguard your trip by covering medical emergencies and other possible travel-related risks.
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