Kyoto UNESCO Heritage Sites

This collection of sixteen sites forms part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,' spanning the 8th to 17th centuries. The list features architectural landmarks such as the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji, the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, and the fortified Nijō Castle with its 'nightingale' floors. It includes significant religious centers like the Zen rock garden at Ryōan-ji and Ujigami Shrine, home to Japan’s oldest original Shinto shrine building. These sites collectively demonstrate the evolution of Japanese wooden architecture and garden design.

Kyoto UNESCO Heritage Sites — 지도

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.

BriYYZ / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Former Imperial Villa Nijō Castle

Built in 1603, this castle belongs to one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World…

Oilstreet / CC BY 2.5

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…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

E

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryū-ji, formally known as Tenryū Shiseizen-ji, is the head temple of the Tenryū-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, located in…

Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

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.

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.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

H

Ninna-ji temple

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

663highland / CC BY 2.5

I

Byodoin

Byōdō-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, built in the late Heian period.

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.

Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Daigoji Temple

A Buddhist temple that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique and breathtaking sight to behold.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Saihoji Temple

Saihō-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Matsuo, Nishikyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

M

Kouzanji Temple

Kōzan-ji, officially Toganōsan Kōsan-ji, is a Buddhist temple of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism in Umegahata Toganōchō, Ukyō Ward,…

Jim G / CC BY 2.0

N

Ujigami Shrine

The Ujigami Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Shimo Daigo

Daigo-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its main devotion is Yakushi.

P

Kami Daigo

The upper precinct of the Daigo-ji temple complex, situated atop Mount Daigo. This original 9th-century site is reached via a steep hiking trail and houses significant structures including the Yakushi-do and Godai-do halls.