Temples and shrines in Lake Biwa

Temples and Shrines of Kyoto

Kyoto's religious landscape is defined by its concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient Shinto sanctuaries. This collection features architectural landmarks like the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the hillside wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, and the minimalist Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji. Historical highlights include the 1,001 Kannon statues at Sanjusangen-do and the 7th-century foundations of Kamigamo and Yasaka Shrines. These locations showcase diverse styles, from the silver-themed Ginkaku-ji to the towering pagoda of To-ji, reflecting over a millennium of Buddhist and Shinto traditions.

Temples and Shrines of Kyoto — Map

A

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple)

Zen Buddhist temple featuring a gold-leaf-covered pavilion and historic gardens. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance.

Jordy Meow / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Historic Buddhist temple known for its large wooden stage and scenic views, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Oilstreet / CC BY 2.5

C

Ginkakuji Temple

A Zen temple from the 15th century AD. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with famous decorative sand patterns, trees, and ponds, said…

Kanchi1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is one of the Kanpei-taisha, which means that it is highly supported by the government. Its history dates back to 656.

Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Ryōan-ji

Ryōan-ji is a Zen temple located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. It belongs to the Myōshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism.

ERIC SALARD / CC BY-SA 2.0

F

Sanjūsangen-dō or Rengeō-in-hon-dō

Sanjūsangen-dō is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan.

Atelier Verde / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

To-ji Temple

Tō-ji Temple, also known as Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in the Minami-ku ward of Kyoto, Japan.

Brian Jeffery Beggerly (beggs) from… / CC BY 2.0

H

Heian-jingu Shrine

A striking Shinto shrine and a favorite sight of many tourists in Kyoto.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

I

Ninna-ji temple

A head temple of Omuro school of Buddhism consists of impressive buildings and tranquil gardens.

Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Nishi-Honganji Temple

Nishi Hongan-ji is a Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist temple in the Shimogyō ward of Kyoto, Japan.

Tomomarusan / CC BY 2.5

K

Shimogamo-jinga Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is an important Shinto sanctuary in the Shimogamo district of Kyoto city's Sakyō ward. Its formal name is Kamo-mioya-jinja.

Fg2 / Public domain

L

Kamigamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine is an important Shinto sanctuary on the banks of the Kamo River in north Kyoto, first founded in 678.

M

Kurama-dera Temple

Kurama-dera is a temple in the far north of Kyoto, Japan which houses some National Treasures of Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

N

Chion-in

Chion-in in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan is the headquarters of the Jōdo-shū founded by Hōnen, who proclaimed that sentient beings are…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

O

Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine

A Buddhist Shinto shrine that is over 1000 years old. In this very shrine, an actual person was proclaimed god a long time ago.

Other Lists

Lake Biwa Essentials Historic Sites and Castles Scenic Viewpoints and Nature