Kyoto, Japan, is renowned for its stunning collection of temples and shrines, each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. With over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shintō shrines scattered across this historical city, there are enough sacred sites to fill a lifetime of visits. Below is a guide to some of the best temples and shrines that should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
1. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Best known for its golden pavilion and UNESCO World Heritage status
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Located in northwest Kyoto, this Zen temple is famed for its shimmering gold leaf-covered pavilion, which is beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond. Originally built as the villa of 14th-century shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a Zen temple following his death. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the gravel path leading to the pavilion.
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: ¥500 (adults), ¥300 (students)
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible to the pavilion, though the garden path is not entirely barrier-free.
2. Kiyomizu-dera
Best known for its vast wooden veranda
Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates back over 1,200 years. Located in the Gion district, the temple is renowned for its expansive wooden veranda that extends from the main hall and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding city. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is home to a shrine dedicated to love and good relationships. Visitors should aim to visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: ¥400 (adults), ¥200 (students)
Accessibility: The main hall and veranda are wheelchair accessible with ramps.
3. Nanzen-ji
Best known for its expansive grounds and Leaping Tiger Garden
Once a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama, Nanzen-ji transformed into a grand Zen complex in the late 1200s. Today, it is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional Zen art. The Leaping Tiger Garden, one of its standout features, offers a serene and expansive space for reflection.
Opening hours: 8:40 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 28-31)
Admission: ¥600 (adults), ¥500 (students), ¥400 (children)
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access, as the temple grounds have many stairs and slopes.
4. Tenryū-ji
Best known for its 14th-century Zen garden
Tenryū-ji, located in the Arashiyama district, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its classic Zen garden, which beautifully blends with the surrounding natural landscape. The temple complex, established in 1339, was once home to 150 sub-temples. Today, it remains one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: ¥500 (adults), ¥300 (students)
Accessibility: Most of the temple grounds are wheelchair accessible.
5. Sanjūsangen-dō
Best known for its 1,001 statues of Kannon
Sanjūsangen-dō is known for housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The temple’s 120-meter-long hall is the longest wooden structure in Japan, and inside, the awe-inspiring sight of the statues facing a central wooden statue of Senju-Kannon is unforgettable.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Apr. 1 – Nov. 15), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 16 – Mar. 31)
Admission: ¥600 (adults), ¥400 (students), ¥300 (children)
Accessibility: Wheelchairs available for rent.
6. Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)
Best known for its serene gardens and picturesque views
Despite its name, Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, was never actually adorned with silver. Nevertheless, the temple, built in the late 15th century, is celebrated for its tranquil gardens, including a meticulously raked sand garden and a moss-filled pond.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mar. 1 – Nov. 30), 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Dec. 1 – Feb. 28)
Admission: ¥500 (adults), ¥300 (students)
Accessibility: Some areas are not wheelchair accessible due to stairs.
7. Chion-in
Best known for its magnificent architecture and serene atmosphere
Chion-in, the head temple of the Jōdo sect of Buddhism, is known for its impressive architecture, including the enormous Sanmon gate. Founded in 1234, this temple is a symbol of Kyoto’s spiritual heritage and is a must-see for those interested in learning about Japan’s largest Buddhist sect.
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Admission: ¥500 (adults), ¥250 (children)
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible upon request.
8. Daitoku-ji
Best known for its peaceful Zen gardens
Daitoku-ji is a vast Zen temple complex filled with exquisite Zen gardens and tranquil landscapes. The temple is often less crowded than others, providing a peaceful setting for reflection and exploration.
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. in winter)
Admission: ¥500 (adults)
Accessibility: The temple is largely wheelchair accessible.
9. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Best known for its thousands of iconic red torii gates
Fushimi Inari-Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, with its thousands of vibrant red torii gates creating a mesmerizing path up the mountain. The shrine, dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, is over 1,000 years old and remains a spiritual hub in Japan.
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Admission: Free
Accessibility: The shrine involves hiking with some stairs, making it challenging for wheelchair users.
10. Heian-jingū
Best known for its impressive Grand Torii and gardens
Heian-jingū, a relatively modern shrine built in 1895, is best known for its Grand Torii, the tallest in Japan. Visitors can explore the gardens surrounding the shrine, which reflect various traditional Japanese landscaping styles.
Opening hours: Vary seasonally
Admission: Free for the main shrine, ¥600 (garden)
Accessibility: Wheelchair access available via the left entrance.
11. Shimogamo-jinja
Best known for its ancient shrine and tree-lined approach
Shimogamo-jinja is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most historically significant Shintō shrines. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is best approached through the tranquil Tadasu-no-mori forest, home to ancient trees and legendary associations.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Mostly barrier-free, with easy access for wheelchair users.
Tips for Visiting Temples and Shrines
When visiting Kyoto’s temples and shrines, respect for local customs is essential. Visitors are expected to remove their shoes before entering temple halls and refrain from indoor photography. At Shintō shrines, the traditional practice involves cleansing at a water basin, offering a coin, and performing a series of bows and claps to honor the gods.
The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the crowds and experience the sites in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Kyoto’s temples and shrines offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience Japan’s deep spiritual traditions and extraordinary architectural beauty, making them a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
