Heritage Sites

One of Kyoto’s most famous temples, Kiyomizu-dera is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over a hillside, offering views of the city. Founded in 778, it is celebrated for its seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage.

Kinkaku-ji dazzles with its gold-leaf exterior reflecting in a serene pond, creating one of Japan’s most iconic views. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, it embodies the harmony of architecture and garden design.

Although never covered in silver, Ginkaku-ji symbolizes refined simplicity and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi. Its moss gardens and sand landscapes influenced Japan’s artistic culture, from tea ceremony to garden design.

Famous for its Zen rock garden of raked gravel and carefully placed stones, Ryoan-ji epitomizes minimalist beauty. The garden invites endless interpretation, making it a symbol of Japanese contemplative aesthetics.

Originally built as an imperial palace, Ninna-ji later became the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism. It is also famous for its late-blooming Omuro cherry blossoms, which draw crowds every spring.

Located in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple known for its landscaped garden designed to harmonize with the surrounding mountains. It was the first temple designated as a UNESCO site in Kyoto and reflects Zen ideals of nature integration.

Saiho-ji is renowned for its moss-covered gardens, where over 120 species of moss create a lush, otherworldly landscape. Entry requires advance reservations and participation in sutra copying, offering a meditative experience.

This expansive temple complex features a five-story pagoda—the oldest building in Kyoto—and beautiful seasonal gardens. It played a central role in Japanese Buddhism and was a retreat for emperors and shoguns.

Byodo-in’s Phoenix Hall, immortalized on the 10-yen coin, is a masterpiece of Heian-era architecture. The hall and surrounding gardens symbolize the Buddhist vision of paradise.

Recognized as Japan’s oldest surviving Shinto shrine, Ujigami Shrine was built as a guardian shrine for Byodo-in. Its simple wooden architecture reflects early Shinto traditions.

Located in Takao, Kozan-ji is famed for its collection of cultural treasures, including the “Choju-giga” animal caricature scrolls, often called Japan’s first manga. The temple is also celebrated for its tranquil natural setting.

Dedicated to the god of water and rain, Kifune Shrine is nestled in the forested mountains north of Kyoto. It has long been a spiritual site for prayers related to agriculture, safe travel, and matchmaking.

One of Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrines, Kamigamo Shrine is closely tied to purification rituals and nature worship. Its large grounds and sacred forest preserve ancient traditions dating back over a millennium.

Together with Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine is part of the Kamo Shrines UNESCO listing. Surrounded by the sacred Tadasu no Mori forest, it embodies the integration of Shinto spirituality and natural preservation.

To-ji’s five-story pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in Japan, dominates Kyoto’s skyline. Founded in the 8th century, it remains an important center of Shingon Buddhism.

Perched on Mt. Hiei overlooking Kyoto, Enryaku-ji is the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. It trained many influential monks who shaped Japanese religion and politics.

Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, Nijo Castle is famed for its ornate interiors and “nightingale floors” that chirp when walked upon. Its gardens and fortifications reflect Edo-period power and aesthetics.