Must See Buddhist Monuments in Japan
- A
Senso-ji
Historic Buddhist temple featuring traditional Japanese architecture and the iconic Kaminarimon gate. It serves as a major cultural and spiritual site with an adjacent vibrant shopping street.
- B
Kinkaku-ji
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.
- C
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Historic Buddhist temple known for its large wooden stage and scenic views, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- D
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…
- E
Zojo-ji temple
This Buddhist temple served as the family shrine to the Tokugawas - one of Japan's most famous families.
- F
Tōshō-gū shrine
Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
- G
Rinnō-ji Temple Complex
Rinnō-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
- H
Mitaki-dera
Set on a hill surrounded by a forested valley, this stunning temple and its surroundings make for a great escape from the city.
- I
Daishoin Temple
Located at the foot of Mount Misen, Daisho-in temple is worth the stop on your way up.
- J
Chūson-ji
Chūson-ji is a Buddhist temple in the town of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
- K
Mōtsū-ji
Mōtsū-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect in the town of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture, Japan, and also refers to the…
- L
Sōfuku-ji
Sōfuku-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Yokodakezan.
- M
Daiganji Temple
Visit this small temple which dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. Marvel at the splendid Buddha statues.
- N
Entsu-in
Entsū-in is a Buddhist temple located in the town of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
- O
Chikurinji Temple (Temple 31)
Chikurin-ji is a Shingon temple in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Temple 31 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, the main image is of Monju…
- P
Zenkoji temple
Zenkō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century.
- Q
Zuiryū-ji
Zuiryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The temple belongs to the Sōtō-school of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
- R
Zuigan-ji Temple
Seiryuzan Zuigan-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in located in the town of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
- S
Enpuku-ji
Enpuku-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Chōshi in Chiba Prefecture.
- T
Gokoku Temple
Gokoku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Naha, Okinawa. Established in 1367, the temple served as a major national temple for the Okinawan…
- U
Sendai Daikannon Statue
Sendai Daikannon, officially known as the Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon, is a large statue located in Sendai, Japan.
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Tours & Activities
Bestseller 4.2 (1.7k) From Osaka/Kyoto: Kinkakuji, Arashiyama, FushimiInari, Nara
Bestseller 4.5 (1.3k) Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour
4.9 (517) Tokyo: Asakusa and Tokyo’s Oldest Temple Senso-ji Tour
4.7 (41) Tokyo: Asakusa & Tokyo’s Oldest Temple Senso-ji Walking Tour
4.8 (1.8k) Tokyo: Asakusa Walking Tour with Sensoji Temple Visit
4.8 (84) Tokyo: Asakusa & Sensoji ー Oldest Temple Walking Tour (2hrs)
Plan Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Create a detailed travel itinerary with smart routing, time estimates, and everything you need for a perfect trip.