Discover Japan's Hidden Gems
Explore temples, shrines, castles, parks, and more
Byodo-in
Byodo-in Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its Phoenix Hall, depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin.
Chion-in
Monumental Head Temple of Pure Land Buddhism
The head temple of Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism, featuring Japan's largest temple gate at 24 meters ...
Chusonji Temple
Golden Hall of the Northern Fujiwara
A UNESCO World Heritage temple complex featuring the stunning Konjikido, a hall covered entirely ...
Daigo-ji
Hideyoshi's Cherry Blossom Temple on the Mountainside
A sprawling World Heritage Site famous for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary 1598 cherry blossom vie...
Daitoku-ji
Vast Zen Complex of Exquisite Rock Gardens
A vast Rinzai Zen temple complex in northern Kyoto with over 20 sub-temples, many featuring excep...
Eiheiji Temple
Eiheiji Zen Temple
One of two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism, Eiheiji is an active monastery where over 100 monks...
Eikan-do
The Temple of Autumn Leaves with a Looking-Back Buddha
Celebrated as the premier autumn foliage temple in Kyoto, housing a uniquely expressive Amida Bud...
Engaku-ji
A Grand Zen Temple with a National Treasure Reliquary
Ranked second of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, founded in 1282 to honor soldiers from the Mo...
Enryakuji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and headquarters of Tendai Buddhism, Enryakuji Temple sprawls across...
Gangoji
Japan's Oldest Temple with 1,400-Year-Old Roof Tiles
A World Heritage temple and one of Japan's oldest, where remarkably some original roof tiles from...
Ginkaku-ji
Silver Pavilion
A Zen temple famed for its elegant Silver Pavilion and meticulously raked sand garden reflecting ...
Hase-dera
Hase-dera Temple
A hillside temple in Kamakura celebrated for its towering gilded Kannon statue, lush hydrangea ga...
Hokoku-ji
Kamakura's Enchanting Bamboo Temple
Known as the Bamboo Temple for its stunning grove of over 2,000 moso bamboo stalks behind the mai...
Horyu-ji
Horyu-ji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage site containing the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, dating ba...
Ishite-ji
Shikoku's Most Visited Pilgrimage Temple
Temple #51 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and the most visited temple on the entire route, l...
Kencho-ji
Japan's First Zen Training Monastery
The first Zen training monastery in Japan, founded in 1253, and ranked first among Kamakura's Fiv...
Kennin-ji
Kyoto's Oldest Zen Temple in the Heart of Gion
Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202 by Eisai who introduced Zen and tea to Japan, home to ...
Kinkaku-ji
Golden Pavilion Temple
Zen temple famous for its gold leaf-covered pavilion reflected in a serene mirror pond in norther...
Kiyomizu-dera
Pure Water Temple
Historic temple famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, especially stunnin...
Kofuku-ji
Nara's Iconic Five-Story Pagoda and National Treasure Hall
A World Heritage temple and one of Nara's most prominent landmarks, home to an iconic five-story ...