10 Must-Visit Temples in Kyoto

Kinkaku, as the name suggests, is a temple literally covered in gold, and visitors can observe the mirrored reflection of the Kinkaku-ji on the pond surrounding it.
It’s been a World Heritage Site for 30 years, since its designation in 1994.
The beauty of the surroundings resembles that of a Buddhist paradise.
Kinkaku-ji's Official Website

Though it’s named the “Silver Pavilion”, it isn't actually covered in silver.
Initially built as a homage to Kinkaku-ji, it was once a shogun’s retirement villa.
It’s a chance to see the tranquil beauty of the Japanese gardens blending in with the architecture.
Ginkaku-ji's Official Website

The temple’s wooden stage (butai) is undoubtedly what the temple is famous for.
The 13-meter stage offers a magnificent panoramic view of Kyoto for its height.
Interestingly, “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu” in Japanese is used in the same context as “take the plunge” in English.
Kiyomizudera's Official Website

This temple is popular for its beautiful garden (karesansui) made of pebbles and stones which illustrate the flow of water.
At any time in the year, Ryoanji offers a different side of its aestheticism, like the momiji in autumn and cherry blossoms in spring.
It’s a great place to get lost in nature and simply immerse yourself in the transience of time.
Ryoanji's Official Website

Daitokuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple, with nearly 20 sub temples in the compound.
Although much of the temple was destroyed by fire during the Onin War (1467-1477), the vast temple grounds are dotted with 24 pagodas, historical architecture, and beautiful gardens.
The temple is also famous for its tea ceremonies held every month.
Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture and the spirit of Zen in a tranquil atmosphere.
Daitoku-ji's Official Website

Toji Temple is especially popular for its national treasure, the Five-Storey Pagoda, which can actually be seen from the window of the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Not only does it have the world’s largest wooden statue of Amida Buddha, it is also a remnant of the Heian Period, built approximately 1,200 years ago.
For both a scenic and historic adventure, Toji Temple provides tourists with cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in spring and autumn, respectively.
Toji Temple's Official Website

Nanzenji is a Zen Buddhist temple and a former retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama in the Higashiyama district, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
The grand Sanmon Gate offers a stunning view, especially in autumn where the foliage provides a spectacular sight.
The temple grounds are rich in nature, with an aqueduct reminiscent of an ancient Roman aqueduct and multiple sub-temples that you can explore further.
Though the sub-temples have their own entrance fees, the Nanzenji complex is free of charge!
Nanzenji's Official Website

Daisen-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitoku-ji Temple.
The main hall of this temple is one of the few original buildings to have survived the fire that destroyed much of Daitoku-ji Temple, making it one of the oldest remaining examples of the Hojo style of Zen-Buddhist architecture.
Daisen-in Temple's Official Website

Chion-in Temple is a large temple, popular for its enormous front gate.
It is most notable for having the largest bell in Japan on its grounds, which is said to weigh more than several city buses.
As it is located just north of Maruyama Park, the temple grounds are free of entry, and is an invaluable part of any walking tour of the Higashiyama district.
Chion-in Temple's Official Website

Gio-ji Temple is a quiet temple surrounded by trees and a green moss carpet-like garden, which becomes contrastingly beautiful in autumn when the rest of the leaves change colours.
The temple was named after Gio, who spent her life as a Buddhist priestess after having her relationship with Taira-no-Kiyomori cut to an end.
You will get to see wooden statues of her and Kiyomori enshrined in the main hall.
Gio-ji's Official Website