15 Best Temples and Shrines in Kyoto: From Famous Spots to Hidden Gems

Ah, the old capital. Romantic yet cultural. Bustling yet zen. Kyoto is a real gem in Japan with the thousands of temples and shrines scattered across the city.

However, with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, especially since many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Do you go to the popular temples? Or do you take a step back and explore the off-the-beaten-path spots?

Here, in our opinion, are the most beautiful temples in Kyoto. Get ready to be in awe.

Top Temples in Kyoto for Temple Hopping

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto’s Most Famous Shrine

Think of Kyoto, and chances are Fushimi Inari Taisha comes to mind.

Its thousands of bright red torii gates are iconic—but trust us, it’s so much more than a glorified selfie spot. After all visiting Kyoto just isn’t complete without stopping by this shrine, which is actually older than the city itself.

Getting there is easy: just hop on the JR Nara Line (local train) and get off at Inari Station. The ride takes only 5 minutes.

And more good news—there’s no need to worry about Fushimi Inari Taisha tickets. The shrine is free to enter and there's no admission fee.

That said, joining a guided tour is worth considering. It gives you a deeper understanding of the shrine’s history and hidden spots. The Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour, for example, takes you off the main path to a secluded shrine that most visitors miss.

Planning to visit in winter? Even better. The shrine takes on a mystical, almost ethereal quality under a light dusting of snow.

Pro tip: Climb Fushimi Inari Taisha’s 12,000 steps and pass through over 10,000 torii gates at night. The shrine is open 24/7, and the crowds thin out after dark. Just be cautious—while the path is well-lit, you might encounter wild boars and other wildlife along the way.

2. Kiyomizu-dera – The Temple With the Best Views

When it comes to famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-see.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has over 1,200 years of history and is known for its iconic 13-metre-high wooden stage perched on a hillside.

From here, you'll get jaw-dropping views of fiery maple trees in autumn. Come spring, it’s one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots.

Unsurprisingly, it gets really crowded - like shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. So, the best time to visit Kiyomizu-dera is either super early (around 6 am) or late afternoon when most visitors have left for dinner.

As for the Kiyomizu Dera temple entrance fee, it’s 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for junior high and elementary school students.

A great way to experience it? Join a traditional Kyoto tea ceremony that includes a visit to Kiyomizu-dera.

Pro tip: Or, you can consider a kimono rental before you go to Kiyomizu Dera. Sure, it’s a bit touristy - but the photos? Totally Insta-worthy.

3. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A Temple Covered in Gold

With its top floors completely covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of those must-see temples in Kyoto.

Astonishingly beautiful, it’s one of the postcard images of the city. You know, that epic Golden Pavilion shot reflected perfectly across the pond?

And as if this Zen Buddhist temple couldn’t get any more stunning, winter takes it to another level. That iconic golden façade looks even more eye-catching against the white snow blanketing the temple grounds.

The Kinkaku-ji entrance fee is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for students. But for a deeper understanding, we recommend booking a 90-minute guided tour. A guide will give you way more context and help you appreciate the place properly.

4. Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) – Tranquility in the East

Ginkaku-ji, or Higashiyama Jisho-ji, is a bit of an oddity. Despite its name, this temple isn’t actually silver.

But its mossy pond gardens and perfectly raked sand sculptures make it a peaceful retreat in Kyoto’s northern Higashiyama district.

Silver or not, this temple is definitely worth the detour. It can get crowded though, so plan ahead. The best time to visit? Just before closing, when the crowds thin out.

Pro tip: There are accessible stairs at the Observation Deck, Benzaiten, Ruins of Sosen-tei, and Ochano, making it easier for wheelchair users to explore.

5. Ryoan-ji – Kyoto’s Zen Rock Garden Masterpiece

When it comes to beautiful gardens, you might picture intricately landscaped bushes trimmed to perfection.

Well, Kyoto’s Ryoan-ji flips that idea on its head.

This Zen temple is best known for its minimalist rock garden—Japan’s most famous, by the way—and offers a more contemplative, offbeat experience compared to the city’s more popular temples.

Fun fact: the temple was originally built as a villa for an aristocrat during the Heian period.

Pro tip: If you’ve got time to spare after visiting this serene spot, treat yourself to a private tea ceremony at Camellia Garden Teahouse, just a short walk away.

6. Sanjūsangen-dō – Home of 1,001 Kannon Statues

It might not be as well-known as some of Kyoto’s more famous temples.

But don’t let that fool you. Sanjūsangen-dō is seriously impressive.

Inside, you’ll find 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, all lined up in one massive, awe-inspiring hall that stretches 120 metres long.

And that’s not all. There are also 500 human-sized statues of the thousand-armed Kannon, arranged in neat rows of ten.

And don’t forget to check out the massive wooden statue of the Senju Kannon (the 1,000-armed Kannon) standing proudly in the centre of the hall.

7. Tenryū-ji – Arashiyama’s Spiritual Heart

Arashiyama is, for better or worse, famously crowded. But there's so much more to the area than just the iconic bamboo grove.

Enter Tenryū-ji. This peaceful temple is a great place to slow down and soak in the calm. It’s home to one of Kyoto’s oldest - and prettiest - landscape gardens.

Oh, and the views are especially stunning during cherry blossom season and when the autumn leaves turn fiery red.

Given that it’s been rebuilt several times due to wars, the fact that it’s still standing today? Pretty incredible.

Getting here is easy: just take a train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it's less than a 10-minute walk to the temple.

Afterward, why not hop on a rickshaw tour through the Sagano Bamboo Forest? Or take a scenic Hozu River boat ride to round out your Arashiyama adventure?

8. Hōkan-ji (Yasaka Pagoda) – A Kyoto Photography Icon

If travel videos dominate your TikTok or Instagram feed, chances are you’ve seen Hōkan-ji - also known as Yasaka Pagoda.

And even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve probably spotted photos of its 46-metre-tall, five-storey pagoda rising between old wooden houses in Gion.

It’s a must-visit, especially around sunset. You can go inside for a fee of 400 yen, but only when staff are present — and honestly, it’s closed most of the time.

Still, when it comes to iconic Kyoto temples, this one's high on the list. Want to level up your visit? Hop on a Kyoto Higashiyama rickshaw tour. Sure, it’s a bit touristy - but the experience is all part of the charm.

9. Chion-in – Grand Scale and Imposing Gates

Looking for temples in Kyoto that really make a statement? Chion-in is the place.

As the head temple of the Jōdo sect of Buddhism, this spot in Southern Higashiyama is steeped in history. And you’ll feel it the moment you arrive at the main gate.

The Sanmon Gate, its towering entrance, is one of the largest wooden gates in Japan. It's seriously impressive, especially when you imagine monks walking through it centuries ago.

Once inside the temple precincts, follow the quiet path behind the Mieidō Hall. It winds gently up the hillside, leading you to a few peaceful, hidden buildings that many visitors miss.

Be sure to pop by Amidado Hall too. It’s where the Amida Buddha (the central figure in the Jōdo sect) is enshrined.

10. Nanzen-ji – Historic Zen Headquarters

When it comes to Zen temples in Kyoto, Nanzen-ji has to be on your bucket list.

With its grand aqueduct and peaceful gardens, this place strikes the perfect balance between architecture and nature.

Fun fact: the aqueduct is part of the Lake Biwa Canal system, built during the Meiji Era to transport goods.

Nanzen-ji was originally a retirement villa, constructed in the late 1200s by Emperor Kameyama.

Today, it’s home to some of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan - plus traditional works of art to admire.

One of the best ways to experience the temple is by joining the Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind private tour. You’ll get to explore the sub-temples of Nanzen-ji, as well as the head temple itself.

Pro tip: For visitors using wheelchairs, note that access is limited to the Hojo Garden only.

11. Daitoku-ji – A Zen Lover’s Paradise

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting temples in Kyoto.

But if you’ve already ticked off the main spots, then Daitoku-ji — a lesser-known gem — might be right up your alley.

Daitoku-ji is actually a complex of sub-temples, each offering its own flavour of Zen philosophy and beautifully kept gardens. Just note that you’ll need to pay separate entry fees for each temple.

One bonus of coming here is that, since it’s a little off the beaten path, there are fewer visitors.

And if you’ve got time to spare, you can enjoy a tea ceremony while wearing a kimono. And even take part in a photoshoot at the Murasakino Guesthouse. It’s a rustic and charming spot, just a 2-minute walk from Daitoku-ji, where you can really immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

12. Kurama-dera – A Mystical Mountain Temple Retreat

One of the best temples to visit in Kyoto is actually pretty far out of the city centre.

Nature lovers — this one’s for you.

Want to see the real Japan beyond all the typical touristy spots? Then make a beeline for Kyoto’s northern mountains.

Tucked away there is Kurama-dera, a stunning temple with incredible views to match. It’s the perfect — and seriously peaceful — escape from the crowds.

Mt. Kurama is also believed to be the birthplace of reiki, an energy healing therapy. So if you’re looking to unwind and reconnect with your body and soul, this is truly the place to do it.

13. Yasaka-jinja – Shrine of the Gion Festival

Now, let’s talk about one of the most important temples in Kyoto — Yasaka-jinja (formerly known as Gion Shrine).

Located at the edge of the Gion district, this iconic shrine is known for its bright vermillion gates.

It also hosts the legendary Gion Matsuri every July — probably the most famous festival in Japan.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during that time, you’ll be blown away by the massive floats and the hundreds of participants in traditional attire.

Pro tip: Yasaka Shrine is also a cherry blossom hotspot, so if you’re planning a spring vacation, be sure to factor that into your itinerary.

14. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji – Kyoto’s Quirkiest Temple

When it comes to temples in Arashiyama, Kyoto has several to offer.

But the most fascinating has to be Otagi Nenbutsu-ji.

Hidden in the Arashiyama hills, this offbeat gem is home to over 1,200 unique stone statues.

These are called Rakan statues, each with its own unique – and often whimsical – expression. What’s cool is that they represent the disciples of Buddha.

Natural disasters like floods and typhoons may have affected the temple time and again in the past, but it's still standing strong today – and definitely worth a visit if you're after something less touristy.

15. Kennin-ji Temple – the Oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto

Other temples may be more famous. But they can’t lay claim to one thing: being the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

That honoured title belongs to Kennin-ji Temple. It’s a beautiful space with several large halls and gates, along with a few tranquil moss and stone gardens to wander through.

Getting there is simple — the temple is located just south of Kyoto’s famous Gion entertainment district, about a six-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station.

Just a heads-up: you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the main buildings.

So, How Many Temples Are in Kyoto Exactly?

Kyoto is packed with over 1,600 temples, so it’s no surprise the city is steeped in Buddhist history and culture. And if that’s not enough, there are also around 400 shrines dotted in and around the city!

Want More Than Temples?

If you're looking for things to do in Kyoto that aren’t temples, why not check out our one-day itinerary? And if you're up for a little adventure, we've also got some awesome day trip ideas from Kyoto!