Imagine a place where history lingers in the air like the scent of incense and where every stone tells a story hundreds of years old. Welcome to Kyoto, a city whose temples and shrines are living witnesses to Japan's spiritual tradition. In this article, we will introduce you to the most remarkable religious structures of the former imperial capital, from majestic Buddhist temples to serene Shinto shrines.
When it comes to temples to visit in Kyoto, most people immediately think of Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion. This architectural gem, which reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond, was originally built as the summer residence of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and after his death, it was transformed into a Zen temple.
Although the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1950, the current reconstruction faithfully replicates the original design. The temple’s three floors represent three distinct architectural styles, making it a unique example of Japanese craftsmanship.
The top two floors are actually covered in gold leaf. So, it’s no wonder that Kyoto’s temples at night look like something out of a fairy tale—under the moonlight, Kinkaku-ji literally shines like a beacon of spirituality.
If Kyoto’s shrines were an army, Fushimi Inari Taisha would be its general. This impressive Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity Inari, is renowned for its thousands of red torii gates, creating mesmerizing tunnels that lead to the top of Mount Inari.
Founded in the 8th century, it is the most important of around 30,000 shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan. Inari is associated with rice, sake, and prosperity, which explains why this shrine is so popular among merchants and business people.
It's often said that as many torii gates exist in Fushimi Inari as there are temples in Kyoto. While that’s not literally true, the estimated number of gates exceeds 10,000. Walking through them all would take several hours, but the view from the mountain's peak is well worth the effort.
When it comes to the best temples in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera definitely deserves a spot on the list. This Buddhist temple, whose name translates to "Temple of Pure Water," stands on the eastern edge of the city as a guardian of ancient traditions.
Founded in 780, it is a masterpiece of Japanese wooden architecture. Its main hall boasts an impressive terrace supported by massive wooden pillars, soaring 13 meters above the foothills of the mountain. Believe it or not, not a single nail was used in the construction of this platform!
In the past, it was even popular to jump from the Kiyomizu-dera balcony. It was said that if you survived the jump, your wish would be granted. Fortunately for today's visitors (and local rescuers), this practice has long been banned.
Our final stop on this spiritual journey is Ryōan-ji, a Kyoto temple renowned for its minimalist Zen garden. This Kyoto sanctuary is a textbook example of how sometimes less is more.
The garden, created in the 15th century, consists of only 15 stones arranged in white gravel. At first glance, it appears simple, but upon closer inspection, you'll find that it’s impossible to see all 15 stones at once from any angle. This fact has led to many philosophical interpretations—some, for example, view the garden as a metaphor for the imperfection of human understanding.
Thus, Ryōan-ji is like a Zen koan in stone form. While other temples in Kyoto dazzle with gold and color, this garden compels you to seek beauty in emptiness. It's akin to trying to hear the sound of one hand clapping—impossible yet utterly fascinating.
