Type to search...

to navigateto selectESC to close

Kyoto

Chion In Temple

Sometimes called the Vatican of Pure Land Buddhism, this vast temple is one of the most and popular temples in the city. It's highly recommended. ![Chion-in Sanmon temple. Editorial credit: Aberu.Go

Read More

Daitoku Ji Temple

Not just a temple -- a world of temples. Daitoku-ji Temple is home to some of my favorite Zen gardens in Kyoto. ![Daitoku-ji Temple, Kyoto : copyright Damien Douxchamps](https://photos.smugmug.com/Ky

Read More

Eikan Do Temple Northern Higashiyama

One of Kyoto's most famous fall foliage spots, Eikan-do Temple is a sprawling complex of gardens and halls that's worth a visit outside of the fall foliage season. ![Zen garden at Eikan-do Zenrin-ji.

Read More

Enko Ji Temple Northern Higashiyama

This small temple in far Northern Higashiyama packs a huge punch: It's got two incredible gardens, some fine Buddhist artwork and even a small bamboo forest reminiscent of the famous one in Arashiyama

Read More

Entoku In Temple

Yet another overlooked gem in Southern Higashiyama, Entoku-in Temple is a delightful collection of priceless art treasures and a stunning karesansui (dry stone) garden. ![Zuiganzan Enkouji Temple at

Read More

Finding Zen In Myoshin Ji

Myoshin-ji Temple is a huge complex of temple buildings and sub-temples in north-west Kyoto, overflowing with gardens, art, and meditative opportunities. Michael Lambe takes us on a tour of this profo

Read More

Ginkaku Ji Temple Northern Higashiyama

Ginkaku-ji temple, the famed "Silver Pavilion", has magnificient halls and gardens. It's predictably popular so best visited in off-peak times ![Zen garden in Ginkakuji Temple. Editorial credit: Benn

Read More

Exploring Daitoku Ji

Visiting the Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji in northern Kyoto, you will discover temples within temples. Michael Lambe guides us through its rich history and the deep significance of its many medita

Read More

Gio Ji Temple

Tiny Gio-ji Temple is one of the most scenic spots in Arashiyama. The thatched-roof main hall overlooking a moss-covered grotto is a magical sight. ![Gio-ji Temple image copyright Damien Douxchamps](

Read More

Higashi Hongan Ji Temple

Japanese temples don't come much grander than Higashi-Hongan-ji. It's one of the best sights near Kyoto Station. Five minutes walk and you're there. ![Higashi Hongan-ji. Editorial credit: SandraSWC /

Read More

Honen In Temple Northern Higashiyama

Honen-in is our favorite temple in all of Kyoto, and that's saying a lot in a city with over 1600 temples. ![Honen-in Temple. Editorial credit: Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com](https://photos.smugm

Read More

Jakko In Temple

Ohara's second major attraction is the intimate temple of Jakko-in, which is reached by an impossibly scenic walk through the traditional village of Ohara. ![Jakko-in Temple image copyright Damien Do

Read More

Jingo Ji Temple

Easily one of the most beautiful temples in the Kyoto Area, Jingo-ji Temple makes the perfect half-day or day-trip out of the city. ![Jingo-ji Temple image copyright Damien Douxchamps](https://photos

Read More

Jojakko Ji Temple Arashiyama

Jojakko-ji Temple is a quaint temple on the main Arashiyama tourist route that offers a chance to escape the crowds that plague the rest of the area. ![Jojakko-ji Temple](https://photos.smugmug.com/p

Read More

Kennin Ji Temple

The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, Kennin-ji Temple is an oasis of calm on the edge of Gion with a superb Zen garden. ![Kennin-ji Temple](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-C6K9nvW/0/7012d37e/L/i-C6K9n

Read More

Kinkaku Ji Temple The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji, the famed "Golden Pavilion," is Kyoto's most iconic sight. It's well worth a visit, just try to pick a time when the crowds aren't there. ![Kinkaku-ji golden temple pavilion](https://phot

Read More

Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's must-see attractions. It's a bustling riot of commerce and schlock, but it's a lot of fun, especially for the kids. ![Kiyomizu-dera Temple](https://photos.smugm

Read More

Kodai Ji Temple

Often overlooked by tourists, Kodai-ji Temple is one of the finest temples in the Southern Higashiyama Area. ![Kodai ji temple in autumn](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z8jPbbj/0/4a75d517/L/i-z8

Read More

Koke Dera Kyotos Moss Temple

Koke-dera, which means "Moss Temple" is one of the most aptly named temples in Kyoto. It's a lush green paradise than can only be visited by application. ![Koke-dera (Saiho-ji or "Moss") Temple, Kyot

Read More

Konchi In Temple Northern Higashiyama

Konchi-in Temple is one of the finer small temples in the Northern Higashiyama Sightseeing district. The garden alone is worth the price of admission. ![Konchi-in Temple. Editorial credit: shikema /

Read More

Koto Subtemple

Koto-in Subtemple is probably the most atmospheric of the many great subtemples of Daitoku-ji Temple. The garden is highly recommended. We talk about Daitoku-ji Temple, but like

Read More

Kozan Ji Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kosan-ji Temple is the least appealing of the three main temples in Takao, but it's still worth a visit for the huge cedars that line the approach. ![Kozan-ji Temple ima

Read More

Kurama Dera Mountain Temple

Kurama-dera Mountain Temple is easily the best day- or half-day trip out of Kyoto. High on the shoulder of Mt. Kurama, you can feel the power of nature up here. Kurama is a small mountain village tuc

Read More

Kurodani Konkai Komyo Ji

Konkaikomyo-ji Temple, better known as Kurodani, is a superb and rarely visited (by tourists) temple on Yoshida-yama Hill, a short walk from the Path of Philosophy in Northern Higashiyama. ![Kurodani

Read More

Kyoto Photo Two Girls Kimono Taizo Subtemple

Myoshin-ji Temple is a walled-in world of Zen temples that easily merits a half-day or even full day of leisurely exploring. ![image copyright Damien Douxchamps](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Kyot

Read More

Manshu In Temple Northern Higashiyama

A small gem of a temple well to the north of the "beaten path," Manshu-in rewards the visitor with a fine garden, brilliant architecture and superb decorations. ![Manshu-in. Editorial credit: shikema

Read More

Mt Daimonji Yama Hike Ginkaku Ji Temple

The one-hour roundtrip hike from Ginkaku-ji Temple up to the viewpoint on Mt. Daimonji-yama is the best short hike in Kyoto. The view of the city from here is incredible! Here is everything you need t

Read More

Myoshin Ji Temple

Myoshin-ji Temple is a walled-in world of Zen temples that easily merits a half-day or even full day of leisurely exploring. ![image copyright Damien Douxchamps](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Kyot

Read More

Nanzen Ji Temple Northern Higashiyama

One of the best temples in the Northern Higashiyama district, Nanzen-ji Temple is a sprawling Zen paradise surrounded by lush green hills. ![Nanzen-ji Temple](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GgQ3

Read More

Ninna Ji Temple

Yet another sprawling temple compound in Northwest Kyoto, Ninna-ji Temple is a rarely visited temple that makes for long contemplative strolls. ![Ninna-ji Temple image copyright Damien Douxchamps](ht

Read More

Nishi Hongan Ji Temple

Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple is a Pure Land Buddhist paradise within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It's one of the best sights in the Kyoto Station area. ![Nishi Hongan-ji temple](https://photos.smugm

Read More

Nison In Temple

Nison-in Temple is a lovely Tendai sect Buddhist temple that is best known for its lovely maple- and cherry-lined arcade leading to the main halls. ![Nison-in temple](https://photos.smugmug.com/photo

Read More