Kyoto Temples and Shrines
Kyoto Temples and Shrines
Kyoto is said to have between two and three thousand temples and shrines.
Of these, an elite group of twenty to thirty are where the majority of visitors head. In particular, the World Heritage Sites see huge traffic, year-round.
Of these UNESCO World Heritage listed temples, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu, and Ginkakuji are among the best-known.
What really sets Kyoto apart from most other areas of Japan is not just the sheer number of religious buildings; it is also the variety.
During certain times of year - when the cherry trees come into bloom (late March to early April) and the fall colors (mid-October to early November), Kyoto gets very crowded.
In general, temples close around 4pm, though there are some that stay open twenty-four hours a day.
Below is an arbitrary list of temples and shrines worth a visit.
Higashiyama Area
Nanzenji Temple
Eikando Temple
Kodaiji Temple
Chionin Temple
Philosopher's Walk Area
Ginkakuji Temple
Honenin Temple
Kyoto Central
Nishi and Higashi Honganji Temples
Kyoto South
Tofukuji Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Arashiyama Area
Adashino Nenbutsu
Daikakuji Temple
Kokedera (Moss) Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Kyoto North
Enryakuji Temple
Kamigamo Shrine
Shimogamo Temple
Kyoto Northeast
Shisendo Temple
Manpukuji Temple
Entsuji Temple
Kyoto West
Kinkakuji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
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