As an East Asian country with a rich Buddhist and Shinto heritage, Japan is home to many sacred temples and shrines. Whether you’re looking for a place to pray or take in some beautiful architecture, here are some of the most iconic Japanese temples that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
Kiyomizu Temple - Kyoto
Founded in the year 780 by the legendary monk Kobo Daishi. The Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist Japanese Temples. It is perched on top of a hill overlooking the city of Kyoto. It offers spectacular views of the mountains below. Although, the original temple was destroyed in the firebombing of WWII. This temple has been rebuilt over the years and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Visitors can climb up to the observation deck for spectacular views of the temple and its surrounding gardens. The temple is also famous for the hundreds of water steps that lead to the temple building. These steps are said to bring good luck to anyone who climbs them.
Senso-Ji Temple - Asakusa
The Senso-Ji Temple is located in Asakusa in Tokyo. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This temple played an important role in the history of Japan. It was the first place that foreign visitors were allowed to visit following the opening of Japan to foreign trade at the end of the Edo period. According to legend, the gods saved the temple from destruction during the 1923 earthquake by donating a large wooden statue of Kannon known as the “Kaminarimon” which has since been enshrined inside the main hall of the temple. Visitors are welcome to visit this temple and enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround it.
Nezu Shrine - Tokyo
Nezu Shrine is located in western Tokyo in the Shibuya district of the city. It is one of the main Shinto shrines in the city. It is also one of the most famous attractions in the area. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Amenominakanushi and is a popular tourist attraction for both tourists and locals alike. It also attracts a large number of worshippers and visitors throughout the year. It is one of the city’s most popular destinations for weddings and other religious ceremonies. The shrine grounds cover an area of about 6 hectares and include landscaped gardens and a walking path around the property that visitors can explore. There is also a large pond on the grounds where visitors can feed the fish and admire the beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Tōdai-Ji - Nara
Todai-ji is a large Buddhist Temple complex located in the city of Nara in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan. It is one of the largest Japanese temples. It is one of the most important cultural sites in the country. The site was originally established in the late 8th century by Emperor Shomu. This temple is an imperial mausoleum but later developed into a Buddhist temple over the course of its history. It is now visited by thousands of tourists each year who come to see the massive Buddha statue at the site. This temple admire the numerous cultural and historical artifacts that have been preserved at the site over the centuries. It is open to visitors for sightseeing every day of the year except on a few public holidays when it is closed to the public.
Kinkaku-Ji - Kyoto
The Kinkaku-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the Nishihonganji district of the city of Kyoto in western Japan. It is one of the most visited temples in the country. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto. The temple was founded in the 14th century and is one of the most celebrated landmarks in the city. Its name translates to “Golden Pavilion” in English. It refers to the structure of the temple building which is covered with a layer of pure gold that is said to weigh more than 5000 kg.
The temple is very popular with tourists and locals alike and many come here to pay homage to the Buddha statues that are located inside. It also attracts large numbers of pilgrims from all over the world who come to this place to pray and pay their respects to the Buddhist deities that reside here. It is one of the oldest Japanese temples.
Meiji Jingu Shrine - Tokyo
The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in western Tokyo in the Shibuya district of the city. It is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The shrine was established in the Meiji period after Emperor Meiji visited Kyoto. This temple sponsored the construction of many Shinto shrines around the country. Today, millions of visitors come to this shrine every year to worship at the sacred altars and to pray for good fortune and prosperity in their lives. It is also one of the most popular destinations for wedding ceremonies in Japan. It is believed that couples who get married at this shrine will be blessed with many years of happiness together.
Enryaku-Ji - Kyoto
Enryaku-Ji, also known as Kennin-ji, is a Buddhist temple complex located on Mount Hiei in the city of Kyoto in western Japan. It is one of the most prominent and oldest temples in the area. It is also a popular tourist attraction for many years. This temple was founded in the 8th century by a monk named Saicho. It is now home to a number of beautiful gardens. This temple has large Buddha statues which were installed here by successive generations of monks over the centuries.
There are several hiking trails up the mountain that give visitors to the area the opportunity to explore the temple complex. Visitor can also enjoy the spectacular scenery of the surrounding area. The temple is also a popular place to hold weddings and other important events. It is believed that the good wishes of those who visit this temple will help bring the people concerned good luck and prosperity in their lives.
Hasedera Temple - Kamakura
Hasedera Temple is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. It is located in the city of Kamakura on the island of Honshu and is a major tourist attraction in the area. This temple was originally founded in the 13th century by the monk Enchin. It is now considered one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country. It draws large numbers of visitors from all over the world each year who come to pay their respects at this shrine and to observe the sacred rituals performed by the monks of the sanctuary. However, this Temple comes in one of the most popular Japanese temples.
