Best Temples in Kyoto

Nov 22 2014

Kyoto is home to over 2,000 beautiful temples and shrines, so it may seem overwhelming when first planning your itinerary. If you only have a day or two, you may need to narrow down your list to the must-see sites. In my opinion, these are the top 5 temples that you will not want to miss.

1. Most Famous: Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion is the most iconic temple in Kyoto, and for good reason. The entire temple is coated in awe-striking gold leaf, beautifully reflected in the sparkling pond below.

Admission: 400 yen Hours: 9am-5pm

2. Hidden Gem: Ginkakuji, The Silver Pavilion

While not coated in silver as one might believe, the Silver Pavilion is well known for its peaceful gardens, unique landscape, and sprawling viewpoint.

Admission: 500 yen Hours: 8:30am-5pm

3. Best Photography: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of orange-red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine may be the most impressive in the city. Each gate is donated by an individual or company and is thought to bring good luck. The cost to sponsor a gate can be as much as $10,000 or 1 million yen!

Admission: Free Hours: Always open

4. Nighttime Illumination: Kiyomizu-dera

Photo by Karlo

Kiyomizu-dera (“Pure Water Temple”) is one of the largest and most celebrated temples in Kyoto. This temple is also well known for its Jishu Shrine, where blindfolded lovers hope to secure a lucky love life by making their way to each other from two stones placed 18 meters apart. Kiyomizu-dera holds stunning nighttime illumination events for the cherry blossoms in the spring and the changing autumn leaves in the fall.

Admission: 300 yen Hours: 6am-6pm Nighttime Illumination Events: 6:30pm-9:30pm

5. Zen Garden: Nanzenji Temple

Photo by Christian

Nanzenji is one of the head temples of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The grounds feature all things zen, a classic torii gate entrance, several rock gardens, and even a small waterfall.

Admission: 300 yen Hours: 9am-5pm