10 Temples to Visit in Kyoto City

10 Temples to Visit in Kyoto City
10 Temples to Visit in Kyoto City

Kyoto (京都市) is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Kyoto City is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan. The kanji used for its name kyo (京) refers to a capital city or metropolis while to (都) means capital city/ metropolis/ governance. The city is home to more than 1600 temples, each has its own rich history.

For those planning to visit as many temples as they can in this historic city, here are the 10 Temples to Visit in Kyoto City:

Tofukuji (東福寺)
Tofukuji

1. Tofukuji (東福寺). This beautiful historic temple has a unique Zen garden with a scenic checkered design. You can also see the Tsutenkyo here where the "Solo" music video of Clean Bandit was shot. This temple is one of the best places to view autumn foliage in Kyoto City. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Tofukuji for your collection before leaving.


Nishi Honganji (西本願寺)
Nishi Honganji

Higashi Honganji
Higashi Honganji

2. Nishi Honganji (西本願寺) and Higashi Honganji (東本願寺). These twin temples are both located in the heart of the city. Although both are historic, only Nishi Honganji was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They can easily be reached on foot from Kyoto Station. Goshuin isn’t available in these temples. There are tourist stamps installed in the information center of each temple and the thing is, they are free. 


Daigoji (醍醐寺)
Daigoji

3. Daigoji (醍醐寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its 5-storey pagoda and picturesque pond. If you hate crowds, then this temple should be at the top of your list as it is located in the less touristy southeastern side of the city. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Daigoji for your collection before leaving.


Ryoanji (龍安寺)
Ryoanji

4. Ryoanji (龍安寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its rock garden and the beautiful Abbot’s Chamber. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Ryoanji for your collection before leaving.


Tenryuji (天龍寺)
Tenryuji

5. Tenryuji (天龍寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its scenic Zen garden. As a bonus, it is near the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Tenryuji for your collection before leaving.


Ninnaji (仁和寺)
Ninnaji

6.  Ninnaji (仁和寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 886, this temple is a popular hanami spot in the city. It is also known for its 5-storey pagoda. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Ninnaji for your collection before leaving.


Toji (等持院)
Toji

7. Toji (等持院). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its five-storey pagoda which is said to be one of the tallest in Japan. It’s one of the temples that can be reached on foot from Kyoto Station. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Toji for your collection before leaving.


Ginkakuji (東山慈照寺)
Ginkakuji

8. Ginkakuji (東山慈照寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it is called the Silver Pavilion, it doesn’t have a silver façade. This temple is known for its picturesque Zen garden. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Ginkakuji for your collection before leaving.


Kinkakuji (金閣寺)
Kinkakuji

9. Kinkakuji (金閣寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as the Golden Pavilion after its golden façade. This temple is probably one of the most-visited temples in Kyoto so expect a sea of people when you visit. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kinkakuji for your collection before leaving.


Kiyomizudera (清水寺)
Kiyomizudera

10. Kiyomizudera (清水寺). This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive temple was built without the use of a single nail. The temple is one of the most popular and most-visited temples in Kyoto. Take a drink in the waters of Otowa Falls, visitors drink from the 3 streams thought to bring love, success & longevity. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the goshuin of Kiyomizudera for your collection before leaving.

I hope my list of the 10 Temples to Visit in Kyoto City gave you an idea and inspiration of what temples to visit in the historic city in Kyoto Prefecture.

#Kyoto

#KyotoCity

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Location: Kyoto, Japan

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