Kyoto’s best temples and shrines

On my recent trip to Kyoto I was faced with a common conundrum; which temples and shrines to visit in a short trip to Japan’s historic capital.

Kyoto is a city of approximately 1.5 million people and 2,000 temples and shrines. It was the national capital for almost one thousand years until the “Imperial Restoration” to Tokyo in 1869.

Much of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and 20% of Japan’s National Treasures (a Japanese heritage classification) are in Kyoto. The heritage sites date back as far as the seventh century, and several of them are not simply symbols of the city but national icons too.

I was in Kyoto for just two days – nowhere near enough to see everything or experience the serene beauty of this centre of Japanese culture – but enough to pack in some of the best sights in Japan! Here’s my list of the best temples and shrines which I visited in my two days in Kyoto!

Kinkaku-ji (“The Golden Temple”)

Kinkaku-ji, “The Golden Temple”

Dating back to 1397, this sublime Zen buddhist temple is one of the most visited spots in Kyoto. It was originally a villa built by a local political leader, but was converted into a temple upon his death. The lake and surrounding gardens are, despite the huge crowds, still wonderfully peaceful.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine

One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine was built in 656 AD. It stands at the eastern end of the historic entertainment district of Gion, and every July hosts thereon Matsuri cultural festival.

Nazen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple

Completed in 1291, this Zen Buddhist temple stands on the city fringe near some really pretty forests and mountains. It’s huge, and the grounds stretch over several acres, with a stream and viaduct in the small valley at the back. In autumn the Japanese maple trees turn the gardens into an unforgettable pastiche of reds, oranges and yellows.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of Kyoto’s largest and most iconic religious sites, this Buddhist temple was completed in 778 AD and sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most touristed temples, but it’s still worth the trip – the views from the verandah, the cherry blossoms in late March, and the stunning architecture all make this a wonderful experience.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

One of Kyoto’s most striking sights, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto shrine (completed 711 AD) is way out to the south east of the city – accessible by local bus or train. The shrine is actually at the base of the hill, but what most visitors are interested in are the thousands of bright orange torii (gates) leading up the hill to smaller shrines. There are said to be around 10,000 torii on the hill weaving on and out of the lush forest.

Nonomiya Shrine (in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)

Nonomiya Shrine

Taken alone, the Nonomiya Shrine is not especially distinctive, but its setting near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove makes it a wonderful stopping point. The calm at this small Shinto shrine, especially in the early morning, is heavenly; stop and listen as the breeze jangles the chimes, and the lanterns flutter. This is the place where, for several centuries in the middle ages, unmarried princesses used to ‘purify’ themselves (abstinence) before moving to the holy Ise Grand Shrine in southern Japan.

Have you been to Kyoto? What was your favourite temple or shrine? Did I miss your favourite out? Comment below!