What Are the Finest Temples to Go to in Kyoto?

Many articles on the web declare to let you know the very best temples to go to in Kyoto, and as an alternative simply mindlessly checklist off those which are well-liked and simply accessible. This received’t be a type of posts—effectively, not precisely.

I imply, I’ll give attention to comfort. In any case, if a selected temple doesn’t meld harmoniously along with your different Kyoto sightseeing, is it actually well worth the trouble of visiting? “Temple fatigue” is a really actual phenomenon, one which often coincides with the onset of extra generalized fatigue.

However, I’ll embrace some extra far-flung choices for you—this isn’t merely a Kyoto strolling tour, or an inventory of locations you’ll be able to see in at some point. Seeing as a lot of them as doable will improve your journey, nonetheless, to a level a lot better than doing so stresses you out.

The place Individuals Go Unsuitable with Temples in Kyoto

Frankly, most individuals attempt to squeeze too many sacred websites into their journeys to Kyoto, well-known temple or in any other case. That is true whether or not you’ve a shorter period of time in Kyoto (if, for instance, you observe my itinerary for 2 days in Kyoto) or for those who spend per week and even longer in Kyoto. Until you’ve a particular and substantive curiosity in Japanese Buddhism, the road between curiosity and overkill is all too simple to cross.

Nevertheless, it’s not simply seeing too many temples that’s the issue. It’s that loading your itinerary up with critical and solemn locations prevents you from exploring enjoyable issues to do in Kyoto (a sake manufacturing facility tour and pairing session, for instance), which may also help stability out your journey and make it possible for no specific aesthetic or temper dominates it.

The Finest Temples to See in Kyoto, in Order

Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)

I at all times like to start a Kyoto tour at Ginkaku-ji, the so-called “Silver Pavilion” which simply additionally occurs to take a seat as the start of the Thinker’s Path. Though this place is most fulfilling within the spring and autumn, there needn’t be colourful foliage above its canal to make it fulfilling. A number of small, virtually nameless temples line the promenade, which ought to take you about half-hour to stroll.

Nanzen-ji and Eikando

The Thinker’s Path ends, kind of, at Nanzen-ji, which is attractive particularly throughout autumn in Kyoto, however not solely; its neighbor temple Eikando can be very a lot value a go to. From right here, you’ll be able to proceed southward into Higashiyama, passing Chinon-in (and, within the spring time, the weeping shidarezakura tree of Maruyama Park) in your approach. One other place to not miss is underrated Honen-in, which is simply off the crushed path (actually—it’s a must to flip off it!), however well worth the half-hour or so it takes to discover the grounds.

Kiyomizu-dera and Hokan-ji

Although not at all times cited as top-of-the-line temples in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is certainly the very best recognized. It’s additionally top-of-the-line locations to look at sundown in Kyoto, even when smaller temples in its neighborhood (specifically the Otani Hombyo tomb) are extra tranquil. After night time falls on Kiyomizu-dera, I often like to walk previous Hokan-ji, also referred to as Yasaka Pagoda.

Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion)

For many vacationers, the temples I’ve talked about thus far will occupy your first day in Kyoto. On day two, tear up your Kyoto vacationer map, as a result of I’m going to fling you round a bit. The very best place to start out your morning is Kinkaku-ji, aka the “Golden Pavilion,” although there are some caveats—specifically, if the sky just isn’t blue, this place isn’t actually value seeing. However, if it’s a lovely day in Kyoto then belief me: You’re in for a deal with!

Tenryu-ji

After ending up at Kinkaku-ji, trip the 204 or 206 bus to Nijo Station, the place you’ll be able to optionally cease for some time to go to close by Nijo Fort. Then, hop aboard the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama station. Right here, enter the well-known Sagano Bamboo Grove through Tenryu-ji temple, which additionally occurs to deal with of the very best gardens in Kyoto, although be warned: It’s very crowded throughout peak season.

Kuya Falls Shrine

Now, I understand that the sacred website constructed on the base of Kuya Falls simply northwest of Arashiyama is a shrine (i.e. a holy place for the Shinto faith) quite than a Buddhist temple. Nonetheless, I’m together with this wonderful, serene locale on my checklist of temples in Kyoto. The satisfaction you are feeling upon arriving right here, regardless of how comparatively simple the hike is, is positively chic—even for those who don’t observe the lead of native worshippers, tear off your garments and bathe within the water.

Different Kyoto Temples (and Shrines!)

I’ve gone over lots of the finest temples to see in Kyoto (possibly too many, what I mentioned within the introduction however), however I’m not finished but! A few of the finest Kyoto temples aren’t truly within the middle of Kyoto—I’m considering most particularly of Kurama-dera, which is about half-hour north of Kyoto Station by public transport, and likewise requires a brisk hike to achieve. I additionally haven’t talked about Tofuku-ji (which is at its most stunning when Japan’s autumn colours are at full brilliance) and To-ji, which is near the middle of city however steadily will get ignored nonetheless.

Nor have I discussed any shrines, that are totally different from temples in that: A) They often relate to Shintoism quite than Buddhism and B) They by no means shut or cost an entrance payment. Essentially the most well-known Kyoto shrine might be Fushimi Inari Shrine, whose vermillion gates are recognized the world (and the web!) over, however the Yasaka Shrine on the finish of Shijo-dori in Gion can be fairly ubiquitous.

Different Issues to Do in Kyoto

Which isn’t to say that each one or perhaps a majority of Kyoto must-see points of interest are non secular and even historical. Along with the sake tour I discussed above, I like exploring totally different sides of Kyoto, whether or not that’s indulging in decidedly non-Japanese meals (comparable to Smile Burger close to Kiyomizu-dera), monkeying round at Arashiyama’s Iwatayama Park or climbing to the highest of Kyoto Station to get pleasure from each the distinctive structure of the constructing in addition to a pleasant perspective on the polarizing Kyoto Tower.

So far as what to do in Kyoto at night time, past climbing the aforementioned Fushimi Inari Shrine after night time falls? Nicely, you’ll be able to marvel round Gion to seek for Geishas, or just to get pleasure from how stunning the district appears when it’s illuminated. Talking of illumination, a number of Kyoto temples mild up throughout the colourful spectacles of autumn and cherry blossom season, specifically Kodai-ji.

Different FAQ About Temples in Kyoto

What number of temples are in Kyoto?

By some counts, there are as many as 1,600 temples in Kyoto. Slightly than being overwhelmed by the sheer quantity, I like to recommend you marinate within the unimaginable focus of temples. There are such a lot of you can fairly actually make dozens of discoveries on a night stroll by the neighborhood round your resort!

What’s the oldest temple in Kyoto?

Technically talking, the oldest surviving temple in Kyoto is Gion’s Kennin-ji, which was inbuilt 1202. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to notice that this construction just isn’t unique, which is obvious to see from the second you look upon it. (Spoiler alert: Most Kyoto temples have been considerably re-built, even those who nonetheless have some components of their unique building intact!).

Why are there so many temples in Kyoto?

Kyoto was Japan’s capital for greater than 1,000 years, and all a very powerful individuals within the empire wanted someplace to worship—that is the only rationalization for why so many temples have been inbuilt Kyoto. So far as why so many exist at present, there’s a considerably darker motive. Kyoto (not like Hiroshima, Nagasaki and even Nagoya) largely averted bombing throughout World Battle II, which allowed the preservation of its historical cityscape.

The Backside Line

Curating an inventory of the very best temples to go to in Kyoto is as a lot about which sacred websites you go to as it’s the points of interest with which you stability them out. Observe up a stroll by Tenryu-ji and Sagano Bamboo Grove with a trek as much as Iwatayama Monkey Park, or get lit at a sake tasting earlier than climbing underneath the gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Searching for a one-of-a-kind Kyoto journey that hits all the precise spots? Fee a customized Japan itinerary at present!