Kyoto has over 1,600 temples, but if you are short on time, these are the top ones to see. These sites offer a perfect look into the spiritual heart of Japan, ranging from massive wooden stages to quiet rock gardens.
Kiyomizu-dera: This "Pure Water Temple" is famous for its massive wooden stage that was built without using a single nail. It offers an iconic view of the city and is a must-see during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): This is perhaps Kyoto's most famous sight, with its top two floors completely covered in brilliant gold leaf. The building reflects perfectly in the "Mirror Pond" located right in front of it.
Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion): While it was never actually covered in silver, this temple is loved for its beautiful grounds, which include a unique "Sea of Silver Sand" and a lush moss garden.
Nanzen-ji: This is a large Zen temple complex featuring a huge wooden "Sanmon" gate that you can actually climb for a great view. It is also famous for a large red-brick aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds.
Ryoan-ji: This temple is home to Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden. It consists of 15 rocks placed in white sand, and the mystery is that you can never see all 15 rocks at once from any single spot on the porch.
Sanjusangendo: Inside this long wooden hall, you will find 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It is a breathtaking sight that shows the incredible skill of ancient Japanese carvers.
Tenryu-ji: Located in the Arashiyama district, this is a top-ranked Zen temple. Its landscape garden is one of the oldest in Japan and uses the surrounding mountains as a beautiful background.
Eikan-do: While beautiful year-round, this temple is widely considered the best spot in Kyoto to see red maple leaves during the autumn. It features a unique "Looking-back Buddha" statue.
Kodai-ji: This temple was built by the wife of the famous leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is known for its beautiful bamboo grove and spectacular night illuminations where the gardens are lit up with colorful lights.
Heian Shrine: This shrine features a massive orange "Torii" gate that stands over the road. Behind the main buildings are expansive gardens famous for their "weeping cherry" trees that bloom beautifully in the spring.
