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Kyoto

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

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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

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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

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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](

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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 /

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 /

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Otagi Nenbutsu Ji Temple

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a temple on the outskirts of Arashiyama with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues. It's a rarely visited and interesting place that rewards the adventurous visitor.

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Rakushisha Poets Hut Arashiyama

This quaint hermit's cottage was once the home of one of haiku master Matsuo Basho's disciples. It's a good palate cleanser between the area temples. ![Rakushisha Poet's Hut image copyright Damien D

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Reikan Ji Temple Northern Higashiyama

Only open for two brief periods a year, Reikan-ji Temple is a must-see attraction if you're lucky enough to be in town when the gates are open. ![Reikan-ji Temple image copyright Damien Douxchamps](h

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Ryoan Ji Temple

Japan's most famous "Zen" garden consists of 15 carefully placed rocks that float mesmerizingly on sea of gravel -- an example of carefully calculated randomness. ![Ryoan-ji Temple](https://photos.sm

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Saimyo Ji Temple

A short distance up the river from Jingo-ji Temple, this fine (and free) pocket temple is a real charmer and should not be missed. When going to Jingo-ji Temple, when you get to th

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