#12 10 Temples to Visit in Kyoto | Including Routes for One-Day Sightseeing
I am often asked by friends and acquaintances,
"Where should I go in Kyoto?"
Whether you love history and culture, or are visiting Kyoto for the first time,
choosing where to go from the countless temples is not easy.
Kyoto is dotted with temples that have histories spanning over a thousand years,
each harboring different scenery and spirituality.
There are major tourist attractions,
as well as temples that stand quietly.
Their expressions change with the seasons and times of day,
and there are new discoveries every time you visit.
Therefore, in this article, I have organized
10 Kyoto temple-hopping routes that are easy for beginners to follow.
Including access and nearby highlights,
this serves as a guide to help you plan your itinerary.
・The Appeal of Temple Hopping in Kyoto
Kyoto is a city densely packed with history as an ancient capital, and the temples themselves are
places that appear as layers of time and culture.
What you see through temple hopping
is not just the landscape of architecture and gardens.
It is a journey to experience light and shadow, the presence of the wind,
and the very time filled with silence.
Also, the well-developed public transportation is a major advantage for beginners.
By combining buses and subways to efficiently tour walking areas,
you can create a stress-free schedule.
First, I want you to visit representative temples
and feel the atmosphere and history of Kyoto for yourself.
1 Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Higashiyama Area)
Kiyomizu-dera is a historic temple representing Kyoto.
The view from the "Kiyomizu Stage," a wooden stage standing on the hillside, is breathtaking.
Within the grounds is the "Otowa Waterfall,"
which has long attracted people praying for safe travels and their wishes.
The nearby Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes are
historic walking paths where old cobblestone streets remain,
and just walking them allows you to savor a time that is uniquely Kyoto.
↓Please be sure to watch this video about Kiyomizu-dera.
↓Click here for the short version
2 Kinkaku-ji Temple (Kitayama Area)
Kinkaku-ji is a Zen temple located in Kitayama, and
the sight of the entire pavilion covered in gold leaf is impressive.
Its reflection in the pond garden shows a different scene in each season,
leaving a strong impression on those who visit.
Beyond its high historical value as architecture,
the scenic beauty created by the harmony of the pond and garden is also a major draw.
3 Ryoan-ji Temple (Near Kitayama)
Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple known for its dry landscape garden.
The placement of the stones in the front garden of the abbot's quarters is designed so that they cannot all be seen from any single viewpoint,
offering a moment to feel the philosophy of a Zen garden.
It is a temple where you can walk while facing your inner self
in a tranquil space.
4 Ginkaku-ji Temple and the Philosopher's Path (Higashiyama)
In contrast to Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji is a temple
that values the beauty of wabi-sabi.
Its garden and architecture
evoke an aesthetic sense that emphasizes tranquility.
Additionally, the "Philosopher's Path" that continues from Ginkaku-ji
is popular as a walking path where you can enjoy nature along the canal.
Walking while feeling the changing of the seasons
will surely deepen your travel experience.
5 Sanjusangen-do Temple (Higashiyama)
Sanjusangen-do is a spectacular temple
housing 1,001 statues of Kannon.
The main hall is over 120 meters long,
and the number of Kannon statues lined up at equal intervals radiates an overwhelming presence.
It is highly popular as a place where you can experience Buddhist art and history at the same time.
6 Tenryu-ji Temple (Arashiyama Area)
Located in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple
with an attractive pond garden.
The garden harmonizes with the landscape of the mountains and river,
creating a space where you can feel the nature and history of the entire Arashiyama area.
It is also suitable for visiting in combination with a stroll through Sagano.
7 Eikando (Higashiyama)
Eikando is a Jodo sect temple and is
renowned as a spot for autumn foliage.
The temple gardens show beautiful expressions with the changing of the seasons, and in autumn, many visitors come to enjoy the fall colors.
Regardless of the season, it is a place where you can stroll in quiet time.
Regardless of the season, it is a place where you can stroll in quiet time.
8 Kennin-ji (Gion)
Kennin-ji is one of the oldest Zen temples in Kyoto, and the grounds feature multiple gardens and the Twin Dragons painting in the Dharma Hall.
the grounds feature multiple gardens and the Twin Dragons painting in the Dharma Hall.
You can visually feel the spirit of Zen, and because it has good access to the Gion district, it is convenient to combine with a walk around town.
it is convenient to combine with a walk around town.
it is convenient to combine with a walk around town.
9 Saiho-ji (Kokedera)
Saiho-ji (Kokedera) is characterized by
the scenery of a garden covered in moss.
Over 120 types of moss cover the entire garden, making it a special space where you can enjoy deep tranquility and natural beauty.
Advance reservations are required for visits, and it is worth taking the time to explore it thoroughly.
10 Ninna-ji (Omuro)
Ninna-ji is a historic temple founded in 894.
The grounds are filled with historic architecture such as the five-story pagoda and the Kondo Hall, and it presents a beautiful sight in spring as
a famous spot for Omuro cherry blossoms.
By strolling through the architecture and gardens, you can feel the historical space that has existed since the Heian period.
・How to follow a temple tour route for beginners
Kyoto temples are scattered throughout the city and suburbs, but
planning to visit by area is efficient.
If you are touring mainly in Higashiyama, the order of Kiyomizu-dera → Ginkaku-ji → Philosopher's Path → Eikando will minimize travel distance.
Also, by strolling around the Arashiyama area with Tenryu-ji as the center, you can enjoy both rich nature and history at the same time.
you can enjoy both rich nature and history at the same time.
you can enjoy both rich nature and history at the same time.
Walking while using public transportation is the secret to a comfortable temple tour for beginners.
・The best recommended route for a one-day sightseeing trip
The following is a one-day model course focused on temple hopping.
It is structured in an easy-to-follow flow, even for your first trip to Kyoto.
9:00 Start at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
It is best to start your day at Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
In the clear morning air, the view of Kyoto from the stage will
make the start of your journey special.
11:00 Head to the Yasaka/Gion area
Walk from Kiyomizu-dera toward the Gion area,
and visit Yasaka Shrine and Kennin-ji Temple.
The streets of Gion retain their history and charm,
making them perfect for a stroll combined with lunch.
13:00 Enjoy Buddhist art at Sanjusangen-do Temple
In the afternoon, head to Sanjusangen-do Temple
to quietly admire the overwhelming number of Thousand-Armed Kannon statues.
14:30 To Ginkaku-ji Temple and the Philosopher's Path
Head north through Higashiyama to visit Ginkaku-ji Temple.
After feeling the beauty of wabi-sabi, take a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher's Path.
16:00 Experience the evening silence at Nanzen-ji Temple
At the end of the Philosopher's Path lies Nanzen-ji Temple.
If you visit near dusk,
you can deeply feel the quiet passage of time.
・The lingering impression of temple hopping — The time that is Kyoto
After finishing your temple tour in Kyoto, there comes a moment when you suddenly pause.
Each of the temples you visited is engraved with the weight of time and the history of daily life.
It is more than just sightseeing; you will realize that the entire trip was an experience that remains as a memory in your heart.
Kyoto is not just a city for visiting famous sites.
Along with the light, the wind, and the changing seasons,
it is a place to walk through, feel, and remember time.
I sincerely hope that this article will serve as a guide for your journey
and help you weave a memorable time in Kyoto.