10 best Japanese temples you must visit on your next trip

Of all the things to do in Japan (and there are A LOT!), exploring the country’s many temples has to be up there. Not only is it an opportunity to deep dive into Japanese culture and learn, it’s also a great opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful and serene locations in, maybe, the whole world.

Japanese temples are scattered throughout the islands, you honestly can’t go very far without spotting one. If you’re a fan of the show Shōgun, then visiting a few of these will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Feudal Japan, at the heart of the action. 

Japanese temples are all totally stunning and unique in their own right, though here are 10 of the most popular and easily accessible that you can take a trip to the next time you’re in Japan.

What is the difference between a Japanese shrine and a Japanese temple?

Simply put, the difference between a Japanese shrine and a Japanese temple is that one pertains to the Shinto faith, and the other to the Buddhist faith.

Shrines are Shinto, and are dedicated to various Kami – the spirits and gods of the Shinto faith. They’re characterised by Torii gates marking the entrance and they also usually have purification basins and prayer halls. 

Temples on the other hand are Buddhist and they feature enshrined Buddha idols and are dedicated to the worship of Buddha. They’re characterised by Sanmon gates at the entrance, are home to meditations and ceremonies, and often include graveyards on their sites as well.

Why are temples important in Japan?

Japanese temples are important for many reasons, the most obvious being that they are a place of worship. Just like churches and cathedrals in the west, temples are places of community and worship, but as temples are dedicated to the Buddhist faith, you’ll also find monks residing here to meditate, practice scripture, and study. 

Temples are also a place of culture and a gateway into learning about Japan’s spiritual history. Many temples also host ceremonies and cultural festivals which bring the community together.

Many temples are also home to historical art pieces and sacred objects which are carefully preserved.

Japanese temples you must visit

There are roughly 80,000 temples in Japan so no matter where you are in the country, you’ll always be able to find one to visit if you’re feeling curious or wanting to pay your respects and worship. But here are 10 spectacular ones you should visit on your travels.

1. Senso-ji, Tokyo

Also called Asakusa Kannon Senso-ji, this temple is the oldest in Tokyo and it is located in Taitō City, right along the Sumida River. It’s one of the most popular temples in the city and in the country, and upon arrival you’ll see why. 

Senso-ji Temple’s entry gate is called Kaminari-mon, which means Thunder gate, and it’s probably one of the most beautiful sights in the city. Painted bright red and emerald green and with huge paper lanterns hanging from the center, the gate makes for a regal entrance into this Temple. But no matter how grand Kaminari-mon is, it couldn’t overshadow the impressive five-story pagoda. 

Why five stories? Because each represents a great element in Buddhism: earth, water, air, fire, and void. These elements all come together to represent the entire universe.

2. Kongobu-ji, Kōya

Mt. Kōya is one of Japan’s most sacred places, home to over 100 temples, but the most important one is Kongobu-ji as it is the head of Shingon Buddhism sect.

Known as the Temple of the Diamond Mountain Peak, the temple is home to the largest rock garden in Japan. The large rocks taken from Shikoku are arranged in a pattern to depict two soaring dragons emerging from the clouds. 

Surrounded by rich forests and with a lead-up of stone paths and an elegant Sanmon with paper lanterns, Kongobu-ji is a stunning temple and a perfect day trip for nature lovers.

3. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

When it comes to traditional aspects of Japanese culture, Kyoto has a lot to offer! But perhaps the most popular attraction is Kinkaku-ji, aka the Golden pavilion. This literal gem of a Japanese temple is covered in gold – as the name suggests – and is set on the edge of a lake, which serves as a mirror surface, reflecting the brilliance of the building. Kinkaku-ji is designated a World Heritage Site, as well as a National Special Historic Site, and one of Kyoto’s 17 Historic Monuments – that’s a lot of titles! But Golden pavilion will do just fine.

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Japan, Kinkaku-ji looks glorious surrounded by delicate cherry blossoms, fiery autumn colors, coated in snow, or highlighted by the sun. 

4. To-ji, Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, you can find To-ji, which is a fairly iconic addition to this list. It’s also called Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji, and it was built in 796, one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in Kyoto at the time. It’s characterised by the five-story pagoda which rises above the cityscape, and lights up like a beacon at night. It looks especially pretty during cherry blossom season, with the pagoda peeking out of the tops of baby pink petals all around.

5. Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

If you want to see a shrine and a temple at the same time, Kiyomizu-dera is perfect for you. The entrance is marked by an impressive white and red Sanmon with elegantly sloping eaves, and the temple complex is filled with other equally gorgeous buildings. But the main attraction is the temple’s hall with a porch that juts over the hillside, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding forest and city below. Many travellers also come here for a chance to drink from the famed sacred spring. 

Nearby is the Fushimi Inari Shrine – one of Japan’s most famous shrines as it’s a mountainside trail made up of hundreds of bright red Torii gates, leading to an incredible viewpoint. You can easily visit both in a day (or with Contiki on our Japan Unrivalled trip!). 

6. Daisho-in, Miyajima Island

Miyajima island is famous for a few things including the sprawling forests that cover most of the land, reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film and the Torii gate marking the entrance to Istukushia Shrine which, during high tide, appears to float in the water. But Daisho-in, a smaller Buddhist temple, is located right at the base of Mount Misen and is crowded by the shade of trees and bushes, making it blend right into the scenery. It’s serene and almost magical, and you can follow winding stone paths through the greenery to lay eyes on many intricate statues, depicting different religious figures.

7. Seiganto-ji, Kōya

With a backdrop of lush greenery and a waterfall gushing over a sheer rock face, Seiganto-ji stands like a silent sentinel and provides a pop of color in the otherwise (gorgeously) monotonous landscape.

Just like the aforementioned Kongobu-ji, Seiganto-ji is a part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain range, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re up for a hike, you can potentially visit both Buddhist temples in a day.

8. Zenko-ji, Nagano

Nagano was originally built as a temple town, with the now-city residing at the entrance of Zenko-ji. The temple dates back to the 7th century and it is believed to enshrine the very first Buddha ever brought over to Japan. This statue is hidden away from the public however, but this gorgeous and historic Japanese temple is still very much worth a visit.

9. Todai-ji, Nara

Among the adorable and friendly deer in Nara, is the striking Todai-ji. A massive black and white temple building stands out against the flat landscape of lush grass and unblemished blue skies (on a good day). It hosts a massive statue of Buddha, which you may visit and pray to if you are so inclined. And the rest of the grounds are spectacular, made even more so by the tiny roaming deer. A visit to Todai-ji is like a visit in a Japanese fairytale.

10. Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto

We have the Golden pavilion, and we also have the Silver pavilion! Ginkaku-ji is smaller than Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji, but no less charming. The most iconic temple building is also set on the edge of a pond with swooping pine trees acting as a cover, flanking it on all sides. But the temple is also home to intricate rock gardens. It was used as a 15th-century retirement village, and also built as a ‘little brother’ to Kinkaku-ji. No tour of Kyoto is complete without a visit to both! 

What are Japanese temples called?

You may have noticed that these temple names all end in the suffix “-ji”, while some end in “-dera” and others “-in”. Why? These suffixes are simply tacked on to the names to denote the site as being a temple. -Ji and -Dera are the most commonly used, and -In refers to smaller or subordinate temples. 

You might also see -Tera, which is just a different kanji reading of 寺 (-Ji). 

Buddhism in Japan

Buddhism was first officially established in Japan around the 6th century by making its way over from China and Korea through the Silk Road trades. It was welcomed in the country, though not initially practised among the people. It wasn’t until the Heian Period that two sects were introduced – the Tendai Sect (805) and the Shingon Sect (806), and with this, the spiritual practice started to spread.

Nichiren Buddhism is the most practiced sect of Buddhism in Japan, followed by Shingon Buddhism and Zen Buddhism.

Shintoism is the main and Indigenous religion of Japan, and the two practices co-exist quite happily, with many locals actually incorporating elements of both beliefs into their daily lives. 

Temple etiquette in Japan

As with a visit to any temple in any country, this is a sacred place and a deep part of local culture. Therefore, there are certain rules you should follow when visiting a Japanese temple:

• Purify yourself: upon entering a temple, you will be invited to purify yourself first. You can do this by washing your hands (and sometimes mouth) at the provided water basin, and you can waft incense smoke over areas of your body that you would like to be blessed as well (i.e. if you have an injury).
• You should wear modest clothing: you don’t have to completely cover up, but it is recommended that you cover your knees and shoulders. You may also be asked to remove footwear when going indoors, so make sure you have a pair of clean socks on.
• Cover your tattoos: this isn’t a huge rule and it won’t necessarily be enforced, however if you can cover your tattoos (with clothing or bandages, etc.) it’s a good idea to try.
• Be respectful: this goes without saying, but it’s important to remember that temples are places of worship first and foremost, as well as places of residence for monks, and teachings. When visiting, keep noise to a minimum, and pay your respects as instructed.