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KYOTO TEMPLES

Kyoto Temples - Guide to Kyoto Temples including interactive map, Kyoto Temple pictures and extensive articles on Kyoto Temples. There are over 1600 temples in Kyoto.

Kyoto features many of the best Japanese temples in Japan including World Heritage Sites (highlighted in yellow), National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Many of these Kyoto temples feature some best Japanese gardens found any where.

Each Kyoto Temple listed has a map of its location on its individual page or you can use the Kyoto map to see the location of all the listed Kyoto Temples.

Kyoto Temples

Kyoto Temples - Byodoin Temple

Anrakuji Temple is very popular in cherry blossom season, early summer for its azaleas and late autumn for its leaves of red and orange. Anrakuji Temple Kyoto is located along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk.

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple is a famous Buddhist temple which appears on the 10 Yen coin. Byodoin Temple is located in tea making area of Uji near Kyoto. Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Chion-in Temple is the head temple for the Buddhist sect of Jodo Shu (Pure Land) and was established by Honen in 1234. Chion-in Temple is located within a large compound which today is located within Maruyama Park in Kyoto. Chion-in Temple features the largest surviving Sanmon (gate) in Japan which was built in 1619 and is a National Treasure. Most other buildings were rebuilt under the orders of Tokugawa Iemitsu after being destroyed by fire in 1633.

Chishakuin Temple

Chishakuin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect which was moved from Wakayama to the Higashiyama area of Kyoto in 1585. Chishakuin Temple is the first temple on the Kyoto Jusan Butsu pilgrimage. Chishakuin Temple is most famous for its tradtional Japanese garden.

Chisho-in Temple

Chisho-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Chisho-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Choko-in Temple

Choko-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Choko-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Choukei-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Choukei-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple is famous for its five storied pagoda, cherry blossom viewing in spring and a traditional Japanese garden. Daigoji Temple, a classic Japanese Temple, is located in Kyoto. Daigoji Temple is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Daiho-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Daiho-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Daiji-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Daikakuji Temple

Daikakuji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Esoteric sect, located in Saga Kyoto, which was once a detached palace belonging to Emperor Saga. In 876AD it was converted to a temple by his daughter Empress Seishi. Daikakuji Temple is famous for its fusuma paintings from the Momoyama period, but it also possesses several cultural treasures.

Daiko-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Dairyu-in Temple

Dairyu-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Dairyu-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Daisenin Temple

Daisenin Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Daisenin Temple is famous for its rock garden, which is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Unfortunately Daisenin Temple no longer allows photography including ANY cameras in the section with the garden.

Daishin-in Temple

Daishin-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Daishin-in Temple is one of the few Myoshinji Sub Temples which is normally open to the public.

Daitokuji Temple

Daitokuji Temple is a temple complex which features 22 sub-temples. Many of these sub-temples feature famous Japanese gardens. Daitokuji Temple, located in Kyoto, is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

Daitsu-in Temple

Daitsu-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Daitsu-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Daiyu-in Temple

Daiyu-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Daiyu-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Dojuin Temple

Dojuin Temple, Kyoto, is a sub temple of Tofukuji Temple. Dojuin Temple features a moss garden.

Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple

Eikando Zenrinji Temple (Kyoto) is famous for its fall foliage and for its prominence in the past as a center of learning. Eikando Zenrinji Temple is a classic Japanese Temple.

Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple was established in 788 on Mt Hiei, where it looks over Kyoto. Enryakuji Temple expanded over the years to become a large temple complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Entsuji temple is a Buddhist temple of the Renzai sect which is famous for its Japanese gardens including one featuring the borrowed landscape style . Entsuji temple was established in 1678 on the site of a former Imperial Villa in northern Kyoto. Entsuji temple does not allow pictures to be taken of or inside the buildings.

Eshin-in Temple was originally established by Kobo Daishi under the name of Ryusenji Temple on its current location on the eastern bank of the Uji River in Uji (Kyoto Prefecture). After the temple fell into disuse, it was reestablished by the Buddhist Priest Genshin in the Heian Period. Genshin is said to be the model for character "Yokawa no Sozu" in "The Tale of Genji".

Fukuju-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Fukuju-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Funda-in Temple is a sub temple of Tofukuji Temple and located within the same complex in Kyoto. Funda-in Temple is famous for its dry landscape Japanese garden which was designed by Sesshu Toyo around 1460 making it one of the oldest of the dry landscape (karesansui) gardens in Kyoto.

Ginkakuji Temple - Silver Pavilion

Ginkaku-ji - Silver Pavilion was built in the style of the Golden Pavilion, but was never completed with a matching cover of silver. Ginkaku-ji features some of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Gyokurin-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Gyokuryu-in Temple

Gyokuryu-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Gyokuryu-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Hanto-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Hanto-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Hashidera Hojoin Temple was built to guard Uji Bridge (Uji Kyoto Prefecture) and is located close to the bridge. Hashidera Hojoin Temple contains the stone monument commemorating the construction of Uji Bridge. This monument is believed to be the oldest stone monument in Japan.

Higashi Honganji Temple is one of two Buddhist temples located a two hundred metres apart in Kyoto, which were until recently the one temple. Higashi Honganji Temple is now officially called Shinshu Honbyo, but is known by most people as Higashi Honganji Temple. Higashi Honganji Temple features a large hall which is a designated Important Cultural Properties. The two sites which were originally Honganji Temple form one site which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Hokongo-in Temple

Hokongo-in Temple was established in Hanazono, Kyoto in 1130. The current buildings were rebuilt in 1617. Hokongo-in Temple features a waterfall within its grounds, called Seijo-no-taki, which is the oldest artificial waterfall in Japan and designated as "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Hokongo-in is famous for its lotus flowers and possesses four statues which are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Honenin Temple

Honenin Temple (Kyoto) is a beautiful secluded Japanese Temple with a thatched gate along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk.

Honganji Temple

Honganji Temple is actually two Buddhist temples located two hundred metres apart in Kyoto, which were until recently the one temple. Both feature large halls which are designated Important Cultural Properties. The Nishi Honganji Temple features a Japanese garden which is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Honganji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Hoshunin Temple

Hoshunin Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Hoshunin Temple was built in 1608 by Hoshunin, the wife of Maeda Toshiie of Kaga, but were later destroyed by fire. The current main buildings were built in the early Meiji Period. The two story main hall, Donkokaku, hides a landscape Japanese garden complete with a pond and bridge suggests a style like Kinkakuji - Golden Pavilion.

Jakkoin Temple is a famous scenic temple located north east of Kyoto. Jakkoin Temple enshrines a 2.5m wooden statue of Jizo-Bosatsu which is an Important Cultural Property. Jakkoin Temple features a Japanese garden on three sides. Much of Jakkoin Temple and its garden were destroyed in a fire in 2000. A replacement temple building was completed in 2005 and much of the garden has been restored.

Jiun-in Temple

Jiun-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Jiun-in Temple features a several dry landscape style Japanese gardens. Unfortunately Jiun-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Jizo-in Temple

Jizo-in Temple, also known as Take-no-tera (temple of bamboo), not because it is constructed of bamboo, but because it is located in a bamboo forest in Kyoto.

Joruri-ji Temple located in Kyoto, was established in 1047 and is famous for its Jodo-shiki (pure land style) Japanese garden. This garden, which features a pond in front of the main building, is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". The Main Hall, Three-story Pagoda, nine wooden Amitabha Tathagata statues and four heavenly kings are designated as National Treasures and many more statues and wall paintings are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Joshoji Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Nichiren sect, located in north western Kyoto. Joshoji Temple, also known as Danrinnotera and Yoshinonotera, is famous for it front gate which is a distinctive vermillion colour and was donated to the temple by the famous courtesan Yoshino Taiyu. Joshoji Temple was established in 1616.

Juko-in Temple

Juko-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Jusei-in Temple

Jusei-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Jusei-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Kaifuku-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Kaifuku-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Kaizando Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Kaizando Temple is not normally open to the public.

Kegonji Temple

Kegonji Temple, also referred to as Suzumushi-dera Temple (the "cricket" temple) due to the large number of crickets that can be heard around the temple. Kegonji Temple features a Japanese garden and views of Kyoto city. Kegonji Temple is very popular when entertaining talks are provided by the monks, with queues sometimes forming waiting for entry to hear the next session.

Keishun-in Temple

Keishun-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Keishun-in Temple features several Japanese gardens and a tea house. Keishun-in Temple is one of the few Myoshinji Sub Temples which is normally open to the public.

Kenninji Temple

Kenninji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and is the headquarters of the Kenninji sub-sect of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. Kenninji Temple features the panel painting, 'Fu-jin Rai-jin zu' (Wind & Thunder Gods). Kenninji Temple is located in the historic Gion District of Kyoto.

Kingyu-in Temple

Kingyu-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Kingyu-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is the most famous temple in Kyoto and probably Japan. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is literally covered in gold leaf and is surround by beautiful Japanese gardens. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku)is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is notable for its vast veranda, that offers impressive views of the Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the best known sights of Kyoto, being particularly popular in cherry blossom season when the main hall is surrounded by a carpet of blossom. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kodaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Rinzai sect located in Kyoto. Kodaiji Temple, formally known as Jubuzan Kodaiji, is the largest of the sub temples of Kenninji Temple. Kodaiji Temple was established in 1606 by the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a place to pray for late husband. Kodaiji Temple contains several items that are designated Important Cultural Assets including the Main Gate and Spirit Hall.

Koetsuji Temple, formally known as Taikyo-san, is a Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect located in northern Kyoto. The site of Koetsuji Temple was developed in 1615 when the artist Honami Koetsu received this land from Tokugawa Ieyasu. Koetsuji Temple was originally a mortuary for the Honami family, but was converted to a temple after the death of Koetsu. Koetsuji Temple is famous for bamboo fences, but also features a tea garden with three tea houses.

Kohou-an Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Konchi In Temple

Konchi In Temple is a sub temple of Nanzenji Temple. Konchi In Temple is famous for its Tsurukame Garden which has an extensive dry landscape style Japanese garden which is designated as one of the "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Konchi In Temple is also noted for its Toshogu Shrine which has the only example of Gongen style architecture in Kyoto.

Korin-in Temple

Korin-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Korin-in Temple features several Important Cultural Assests and several Japanese gardens including dry landscape garden featuring a Corypha utan tree.

Koshoji Temple

Koshoji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Soto sect. Koshoji Temple is a training centre for the Eiheiji School, was moved to its current site in Uji from Fukakusa in Kyoto in 1648 after it had been destroyed after repeated wars. Koshoji Temple is most famous for its Kotozaka Slope, which leads from the main gate and is lined with cherry blossoms in the spring.

Koto-in Temple

Koto-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Koto-in Temple established in 1601 features two tea houses and is surrounded by moss covered gardens.

Koubai-in Temple

Koubai-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Koubai-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Kounji Temple

Kounji Temple was originally established in Osaka in 1280 then transferred to Nanzenji, Kyoto in 1664. Kounji Temple features a beautiful Chisan Kaiyu-shiki garden (garden that features a path around a pond).

Kozanji Temple

Kozanji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Omuro sect, which is located in the mountains of Umegahata in Kyoto Prefecture. Kozanji Temple features the oldest tea field in Japan and possesses many National Treasures including buildings, pictures and scrolls. Kozanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kurama Temple

Kurama Temple is a Buddhist temple formerly from the Tendai sect, but since 1949 it has been part of the Kurama-Kokyo sect. Kurama Temple was founded in 770AD on Mt Kurama north of Kyoto, but all the original buildings were destroyed by fire with the Main Hall being last rebuilt in 1971. Kurama Temple is most famous for its part in the Kurama Fire Festival that takes place every year in October. Kurama Temple is a designated National Treasure.

Manpukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism which is located in Uji (Kyoto Prefecture). Manpukuji Temple was completed in 1668 with a distinctive Chinese architectural style which has made it famous throughout Japan and probably why many of the buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties.

Manshuin Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Tendai sect in north eastern Kyoto. Manshuin Temple, also known as Manshuin Monzeki, is famous for its dry landscape garden which includes 400 year old pine tree.

Mibudera Temple is the head temple for Risshu sect of Buddhism and is located in Kyoto. Mibudera Temple which was established in 991AD is famous for several things; its "Mibu kyogen" performance in April, its statue of Kondo Isami and its connection to the "shisen-gumi" (the samurai who protected Kyoto in the late Edo Period).

Mitsukuni-in Temple

Mitsukuni-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Mitsukuni-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Myoshinji Temple

Myoshinji Temple is large temple complex, located in Kyoto, which contains thirty eight sub temples, some of which are famous for their Japanese gardens. Myoshinji Temple features several building which are Important Cultural Properties.

Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Temple (Kyoto) is popular Japanese Temple complex with a distinctive two-storey entrance gate (sanmon) and aqueduct. Nanzenji Temple is close to Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk.

Nehando Temple

Nehando Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Nehando Temple is not normally open to the public.

Ninnaji Temple

Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect Buddhism, which was founded on the orders of Emperor Koko and completed in 888. Ninnaji Temple, located in Kyoto, features a five storied pagoda and a treasure house which contains many National Treasures. Ninnaji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Nishi Honganji Temple is one of two Buddhist temples located two hundred metres apart in Kyoto, which were until recently the one temple. Nishi Honganji Temple features a large hall which are designated Important Cultural Properties. Nishi Honganji Temple also features a Japanese garden which is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". The two sites which were originally Honganji Temple form one site which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Nyoi-an Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Nyoze-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Nyoze-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Obaiin Temple

Obaiin Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Obaiin Temple was established in 1562 under orders of Nobunaga Oda as a place to hold a memorial service for his father. In 1586 the main hall and Karamon gate were renovated. In 1589 the Kurimon gate and the front gate were renovated. The family quarters of Obaiin Temple are considered to be the oldest of all the remaining Zen Temples in Japan.

Raikou-ji Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Reiun-in Temple

Reiun-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Reiun-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Rengeji Temple is famous for its garden which is best seen when the leaves start to change color in Autumn. Rengeji Temple is located in north eastern Kyoto.

Rinka-in Temple

Rinka-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Rinka-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Rinshouin Temple

Rinshouin Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Rinshouin Temple is not normally open to the public.

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple houses a Japanese gardens which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. This garden, which is the quintessential form of Zen art, and perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Japanese culture, features fifteen rocks arranged on a white gravel within a space of 248 square meters. Ryoanji Temple is located in Kyoto, is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Ryogen-in Temple

Ryogen-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Ryogen-in Temple is famous for its five Japanese garden in particular the stone and moss garden Isshidan, however it also lays claim to Japan's smallest stone garden. Ryogen-in Temple was established in 1502.

Ryosen-an Temple

Ryosen-an Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Ryosen-an Temple is not normally open to the public.

Ryoukou-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Ryousen-an Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Ryousho-ji Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Saihoji Temple

Saihoji Temple is Buddhist temple from the Rinzai Zen sect which is famous for its moss garden, which probably the best in Japan. Unfortunately access to Saihoji Temple, also known as Kokedera (Moss Temple) requires an application in advance. Saihoji Temple, located in Kyoto, is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Sangen-in Temple

Sangen-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Sangen-in Temple was established in 1589 by Mitunari Ishida, Yukinaga Asano and Tadamasa Mori. The tea room of Sangen-in Temple, Koan, is a well known example of eight-windowed Oribe style. The tea room was constructed in the 17th century.

Sanjusangen-do Temple

Sanjusangendo Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Tendai sect, located in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto. Sanjusangendo Temple is famous for the Thousand Armed Kannon it houses. Sanjusangendo Temple is a classic Japanese Temple.

Sanzenin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect, located in northern Kyoto. Sanzenin Temple is famous for its beautiful gardens that feature a moss garden, Autumn foliage and cherry blossom in Spring. Sanzenin Temple, also known as Kajii Monzeki, is one of the five Tendai Monzeki temples which in the past always had a chief priest who was a member of the Imperial family. Sanzenin Temple was first established in 985 and also features the distinctive thatched Ojo-Gokuraku-in which enshrines the Amida trinity statues.

Shinju-an Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Shisendo Temple

Shisendo Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Zen Soto sect, which is located to the north east of Kyoto. Shisendo Temple is famous for its Japanese garden which features azalea bushes, gravel areas and ponds. This tranquil temple was established in 1641 by the poet Ishikawa Jozan, who actually designed the garden.

Shodenji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai sect, located in northern Kyoto close to Kinkakuji - Golden Pavilion. Shodenji Temple is famous for its Japanese rock or dry landscape garden which features Mt Hiei as a borrow scenery.

Shoju-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Shorenin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in Kyoto. Shorenin Temple is one of five Monzeki temples where in the past, the head priest at these temples was always belonged to the Imperial family. Shorenin Temple features two observatories that provide excellent views of the city of Kyoto. Shorenin Temple features a beautiful Japanese garden that emphasises the beauty of the four seasons.

Shoutaku-in Temple

Shoutaku-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Shoutaku-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Shunko-in Temple

Shunko-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Shunko-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Soken-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Soken-in Temple was established in 1582 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a mortuary temple of Oda Nobunaga. In the early part of the Meiji Period the Soken-in Temple was demolished and its treasures moved to other temples. In 1926 Soken-in Temple was re-established and in 1961 a wooden statue of Oda Nobunaga (designated Important Cultural Property) was returned.

Taizo-in Temple

Taizo-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Taizo-in Temple is famous for its three Japanese gardens, which include two dry landscape and another large garden featuring a waterfall and pond. Taizo-in Temple is one of the few Myoshinji Sub Temples which is normally open to the public.

Tenju-in Temple

Tenju-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Tenju-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Tenjuan Temple

Tenjuan Temple is a sub temple of Nanzenji Temple and located within the massive Nanzenji Temple precinct in Kyoto. Tenjuan Temple is famous for its two beautiful Japanese gardens including a dry garden and a pond within a strolling garden.

Tenkyu-in Temple

Tenkyu-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Tenkyu-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple is the head temple of the Tenryu sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and the most important Zen temple in Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple possesses many Important Cultural Properties and features an extensive garden which is particularly beautiful in cherry blossom season and is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Tensho-in Temple

Tensho-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Tensho-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple which is one of the Kyoto Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto). Tofukuji Temple is a large temple complex with 24 sub temples remaining from an original 53. Tofukuji Temple is famous for its main gate (sanmon) which is two stories high and five bays wide with three central doors, is the oldest in Japan. Tofukuji Temple also features several Japanese gardens, of particular note is the moss garden, but there are also some distinctive gravel gardens as well. Tofukuji Temple was established in 1236 on its current site in the Higashiyama region of Kyoto.

Toji Temple

Toji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect, located near central Kyoto on a large site with extensive gardens, it is an oasis of calm in a busy area. Toji Temple is famous for its five story pagoda which is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Toji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Tokai-an Temple

Tokai-an Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Tokai-an Temple is not normally open to the public.

Tokuzen-ji Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Tourin-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Tourin-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Tsugen-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Tsugen-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Unrin-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located across the road from the main compound in Kyoto.

Unsho-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unsho-in Temple is one of the few Myoshinji Sub Temples which is normally open to the public.

Yoshimine-dera Temple, located in western Kyoto, is the 20th temple on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage. Yoshimine-dera Temple features herbal baths said to help neuralgia suffers, given the temple the common name of "Neuralgia Temple". While Yoshimine-dera Temple does feature some cherry blossom, it is most famous for it Autumn foliage.

Yotoku-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto.

Yotoku-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Yotoku-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Yougen-in Temple

Yougen-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Yougen-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Zakke-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Unfortunately Zakke-in Temple is not normally open to the public.

Zuiho-in Temple

Zuiho-in Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Zuiho-in Temple, established in 1319, features several Japanese gardens including the beautiful "Garden of Solitary Sitting" which is a dry landscape garden.