Kyoto was the former capital of olden Japan and is in many ways the cultural and spiritual capital of modern Japan. Japanese and foreigners alike visit it to soak in the air of tranquility and admire the traditional temples and shrines, many of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But since Kyoto is teeming with thousands of such landmarks, how do you know which ones to visit so that you invest your time optimally? This article lists down the 13 temples and shrines you must visit in Kyoto. 

1. Kiyomizu-dera

As one of the most popular Buddhist temples with a rich history of 1200 years, Kiyomizu-dera strikes as an impressive figure - and no wonder. As it is situated halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, its gigantic main hall  towers above the surrounding trees. About the same height as a four-storey building, this hall is thus the perfect backdrop to complement the striking seasonal colors Mother Nature displays in all its grandeur. Many visitors from far and wide come to bask in this postcard-perfect scenery and pay their respects to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Another attraction of Kiyomizu-dera is the Otowa Waterfall, where the delicious natural water is divided into three streams. People eagerly descend the steps to sip from one of the streams here, for doing so will enable them to prolong their lives, gain academic success or find their soulmate!

While you are there, don’t forget to visit Jishu Jinja Shrine, which is located behind Kiyomizu-dera, especially if you wish to ramp up your love luck. The main god of love, Okuninushi no Mikoto, is well-loved by Japanese people as it is said to bring about happy marriages. While you are there, do keep a lookout for the two big love fortune rocks. Legend has it that you will have all your relationship prayers answered if you can make your way from one rock to the other safely. So, this is a great opportunity for you to team up with your partner and conquer this challenge.  

1. Sanjusangen-do

If you cannot get enough of the calming presence of Kannon, you may be interested to visit Sanjusangen-do. Here, the temple contains not just one, but an impressive 1,001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy! Founded in 1164 and reconstructed a century later after the original structure had been burnt down, this resplendent temple is called Sanjusangen-do (“33 intervals”) because it has 33 intervals between the support columns of the entire building. Hence, you can imagine how mammoth this temple is. 

Indeed, Sanjusangen-do’s temple hall amounts to 120 meters, which is the longest wooden structure in Japan. Right smack in the center of the hall is a large revered statue of a 1000-armed Kannon. To augment the scene-stealing factor, both sides of this statue are flanked by 500 statues of human-sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten neat rows. If you observe carefully, you will notice that each 1000-armed Kannon comes with 11 heads - all the better to witness the sufferings of mankind. Engross yourself in its inviting aura of warmth and recalibrate yourself.

1. Heian Shrine
   
   Wish to get up close with an Imperial Palace and observe the magnificent architecture of yore? You can make your wish come true if you visit Heian Shrine. It was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. As such, its buildings were a partial replica of the Imperial Palace of the Heian era (794 - 1185). Thus, revel in the power and influence that must have been wielded by the Imperial Palace as you enter Heian Shrine through the huge torii gate. Feel dwarfed as you stand next to this gate that is 24.4 meters high and pose for pictures. 

Once inside, head over to the vermillion-lacquered Otenmon Gate and Daigoku-den (main hall). At Otenmon Gate, there will be stone fountains depicting a tiger and a dragon to your left and right - a nod to the Chinese-style influences that permeate the shrine and set it apart from other shrines in Kyoto. Daigoku-den, on the other hand, witnessed history in the making as it was the site where important ceremonies were held during special occasions like entronements and New Year’s celebrations. 

You may also wish to pay an entrance fee of 500 yen to enter the Shin’en Garden. This garden is divided into four sections: north, south, east and west. Showcasing the best of the Meiji era garden design, it enables you to look within yourself and find your inner balance as you take in how the flowers, rocks and waters harmonize with one another to conjure an aura of peace and quiet.

4. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Travellers who are battling their college or postgraduate studies, please take note!

You may want to pay a visit to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine which is near Kinkakuji Temple. Dedicated to the god of academics, Sugawara no Michizane, it is the main shrine of over 12,000 Tenmangu Shrines across Japan, so you can rest assured that it boasts a lot of spiritual energy and power. Pray alongside Japanese students who flock here to seek divine intervention for their studies and rub the cow statues which will allegedly make you smarter.

If your schooling days are long behind you, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is still worth a visit because of its beauty and position as a hub of cultural activities. Renowned for being a National Treasure, the shrine was originally built in 947 by the emperor of the time in honor of Sugawara no Michizane. Subsequently, in 1607, Toyotomi Hideyori gave orders to construct the main Honden or Main Hall. The main Honden showcases the best of Momoyama era architecture and will thus keep you transfixed with its golden decorations, finely-detailed sculpting and vivid bright colors. Its visual appeal is enhanced by the many plum blossom trees surrounding it.  If you can time your trip well, try to visit this shrine on 25 February to partake in the Ume Blossom Festival because the plum blossoms will be in full bloom. Not just that, the irresistibly beautiful geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) hailing from Kamishichiken, one of Kyoto’s five geisha districts, will be around to serve you matcha and sweets during the tea ceremony! Otherwise, you can choose to visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on the 25th of every month as a flea market will be held then. This day is known as Tenjin-san’s Day, which is another name for Sugawara no Michizane. This is a great chance to find interesting knick-knacks and souvenirs at wallet-friendly prices!

1. Toji Temple

Toji Temple stands out (literally) from all other temples because of its five-storey pagoda, said to be the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Towering at 55 m, it is visible from many places in Kyoto, thus helping it to attain fame as an indispensable cultural symbol of Kyoto. Founded in 796, Toji Temple was the first temple in Japan to practise “mikkyo” or esoteric Buddhism that was advocated by an influential sect known as the Shingon sect. It quickly became one of the most important Shingon temples, its prominence only falling behind that of the Shingon Sect’s headquarters on Mt. Koya.

Even the location of Toji Temple itself tells a wonderful story. Situated on the eastern side of the Rashomon gate - the entrance to Kyoto when it was the capital of Japan - Toji Temple is a reliable and remarkable marker of time as it welcomes you warmly into the city, just as it did for Kyotoites thousands of years ago. 

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Another strikingly distinctive shrine you should visit is the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. 

It’s dedicated to Inari Okami, one of the most important deities of the Shinto religion. Inari Okami apparently holds a very comprehensive portfolio as it is the god of rice, sake, prosperity, agriculture and commerce. This is why Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is dotted with a mind-blowing 10,000 vermilion torii gates that stretch for four kilometers and extend right into the mountains. Each torii gate doesn’t come cheap, either. A small gate costs about 175,000 yen while its larger counterpart will set devout businesses back one million yen. 

Although you will most likely not sponsor a torii gate, you can still help to provide cash flow by following the tunnel of torii gates up the mountains and stopping at tea houses along the way. Savor refreshing hot tea as well as the sight of the many fox statues along the way. Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, so who knows? These foxes may just convey your sincere wishes to this almighty deity.

1. Ryoan-Ji Temple

Next up on the itinerary: Ryoan-ji Temple. All the admiring of Kyoto’s temples and shrines may cause a strain on your eyes, so you may want to take things slow and easy. If so, Ryoan-ji Temple is the answer. It fulfills your need for a breather while letting you do some sightseeing at the same time. How is this possible?

This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden. Featuring 15 rocks of diverse shapes and sizes, Ryoan-ji Temple enables you to do nothing else but stare at the rocks and imagine what the intriguing placement of these rocks can possibly mean. Relish the chance to do deep breathing and rid your mind of stressful thoughts. After all, the interpretation of the symbolism of this Zen garden is up to your imagination. You can choose to view it as a mountain range that rises above the sea or a tigress protecting her cubs as they cross a river - whatever image that brings you peace. 

1. Yasaka Shrine

Kyoto has some of the most exciting summer festivals in Japan, so if you wish to experience how a shrine is used to usher in the festivities, Yasaka Shrine (also known as Gion Shrine) is not to be missed. Used as the base of the Gion Matsuri, Yasaka Shrine dazzles visitors with its infectious energy and vibrant spirit every July. Hundreds of Kyotoites will set off from Yasaka Shrine on large colorful elaborate floats, filling the air with traditional music. Join in this lively party by tucking into delicious food from the food stalls and participating in the side events. 

Travellers who don’t really like crowds may choose to visit Yasaka Shrine at other times of the year. Doing so will allow you to take in its design and layout at a more relaxed pace. Founded over 1350 years ago, it showcases a spectacular orange and white two-tiered gateway. It is also conveniently located between Gion District and Higashiyama District, so you can squeeze in a visit easily during your shopping conquest.

1. Tenryu-ji Temple

Commissioned in the 14th century by shogun Ashikaga Takauji, this Buddhist temple was said to have been inspired by his brother, Ashikaga Tadayoshi who dreamed of a golden dragon soaring into the sky from a river. Needless to say, the design of Tenryu-ji Temple comprises a magnificent painting of a golden cloud dragon that is drawn on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall. The dragon is truly a unique sight to behold because its eyes are painted in such a manner that it seems to be looking directly at you, no matter where you stand in the Dharma Hall. Meeting the dragon’s gaze and feeling it pierce through your soul makes for an one-of-a-kind experience.

Tenryu-ji Temple also highlights the unparalleled beauty of Japanese nature. Harnessing the concept of “borrowed scenery”, the temple juxtaposes brilliantly against the lush Arashiyama mountains. Its raw beauty is accentuated by Sogenchi-teien, which is a Zen garden that consists of a placid pond and swaying pine trees. It is a garden so beautiful that the Japanese government recognizes it as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, so you know the place to go for a respite!

1. Imamiya Jinja Shrine

The COVID-19 pandemic has irrevocably affected all aspects of our lives. Outbreaks related to the pandemic are still happening all over the world, so it might be a good idea to visit a shrine so that you can pray for the continued good health of you and your loved ones. Luckily, Kyoto has the very shrine that is ideal for this purpose. In fact, way back in 1001, Imamiya Jinja Shrine was relocated to its present location so that its godly presence could prevent the spread of epidemics in Kyoto. The two deities of long life and good health, namely Kotoshironushi no mikoto and Kushinadahime no mikoto, are enshrined in the main shrine, so you can rest assured that you will be protected from illnesses, diseases - and pandemics. 

Like other shrines, Imamiya Jinja Shrine is also used as a site for festive celebrations. Case in point: the Yasurai Matsuri that is celebrated on the second Sunday of April. Since it’s the sakura season, the deities are said to have abandoned their positions and dwell in mischief outside the shrine. Hence, concerned devotees will decorate huge red umbrellas with cherry blossoms and camellias so that the deities will be “lured back” to the shrine and bless them with good health. It’s not surprising that this quirky festival is recognized as one of Kyoto’s Top Three Unusual Festivals. If you have the chance to observe the festival, be sure to walk under these huge umbrellas so as to stay healthy throughout the year. 

1. Nanzen-ji Temple
   
   History buffs will gravitate towards Nanzen-ji Temple as it was not only built back in the 13th century, but also occupies a prestigious standing as the head temple of the Rinzai school of Buddhism. The Sanmon gate in front of this temple is a sight to behold as it comprises huge and tall wooden pillars that sprawl over a wide area - a testimony to the majesty of this monumental relic. Take time out to climb to the top of the gate, where you will be rewarded with a charming panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Nanzen-ji Temple will also appeal to architecture aficionados because it contains an aqueduct that was constructed in the Meiji period to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. This elevates the historic value of this landmark as the intriguing contrast in architectural styles between the temple and aqueduct is an exceptional display of the Japanese’s ingenuity. To round up the trip, stroll through Nanzen-in, a landscape garden that soothes your soul with its serene lake and green mosses. 

1. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

Demachiyanagi is an excellent choice for nature lovers who wish to immerse themselves in the serenity of Mother Nature. These nature aficionaodes will do well to visit Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, an iconic landmark that is nestled within the lush greenery of the Tadasunomori Forest. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine radiates an old-world charm as it is the oldest Shinto shrine in Kyoto, dating back to the sixth century. Constructed to safeguard the safety and well-being of the Japanese people, this shrine has journeyed alongside them for centuries and is a reassuring source of comfort for many.

Although Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is awash with peace, it explodes with the power of an exuberant atmosphere on every May 15. Its grounds shake with excitement as the Aoi Matsuri is held then. Paying tribute to the Heian era, 500-600 people will dress up in traditional clothing of this era and march from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and subsequently to Kamigamo Shrine. Some of them will even ride on horses, thus giving rise to a nostalgic atmosphere of faded majesty.

1. Byodo-in Temple
   
   For intrepid travellers who wish to take the path less travelled, you may choose to undertake a day trip to Uji City, which is well-known for producing some of the finest tea in Japan. Besides its scrumptious tea, Uji City is also home to Byodo-in Temple, a temple that occupies a significance so substantial in Japan’s history that it is displayed on the back of the 10-yen coin. So remember to bring along a 10-yen coin and have a good look at how the Buddhist Pure Land is supposed to look like!

Byodo-in boasts an enchanting history as it faced various twists and turns throughout its history. Constructed initially as a high-ranking courtier’s rural villa, Byodo-in Temple was subsequently converted to a temple in the 11th century so that its appeal could be enjoyed by the general public. It was during this time that a gilded statue of Amitabha Buddha (The Buddha of Immeasurable Light) was placed in the hall. Thought to be the largest figure carved outside of Japan, this statue bowls you over with its majestic presence. Dwarfed by it, you will feel that you are but a tiny speck in the universe and find your worries melting away,

Have A Trip Of A Lifetime

Kyoto itself feels like a different world that is mismatched with the fast pace of modern cities. Its temples and shrines may come in different shapes and sizes but their seamless co-existence of nature and spirituality makes you feel as if you are rejuvenating in a heavenly paradise on earth. Check out as many of these 13 must-see temples and shrines as you can and revel in their air of exquisiteness and elegance!