Brief History: Founded in 780, it overlooks the Gion district. Originally a retirement villa, it became a Zen temple. The iconic wooden stage offers panoramic views.

What to Look At: The impressive wooden stage, the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu statues, and the serene surroundings.

Brief History: Originally a shogun’s retirement villa, it became a Zen temple after his death in 1408. The top two floors are covered in gold leaf.

What to Look At: The stunning golden pavilion, the rock garden, and the serene pond.

Brief History: Founded in the 13th century, it’s a significant Zen temple. Destroyed during civil wars, the current buildings date back to later periods.

What to Look At: The Sanmon entrance gate, the Hojo rock garden, and the aqueduct passing through the temple grounds.

Brief History: Established in 711, it was relocated in 816. The main hall was built in 1499. It has a 55-meter-high pagoda.

What to Look At: The five-story pagoda, the rock garden, and the beautiful temple grounds.

Brief History: Founded in the 8th century, it’s dedicated to the god Inari. The iconic Senbon Torii path winds through thousands of vermilion torii gates.

What to Look At: The torii gates, the mountain trails, and the unique rock garden.

Brief History: Founded in the late 15th century, it’s a Zen temple famous for its rock garden. Originally a villa, it became a temple in 1450.

What to Look At: The iconic karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden, the Hojo (abbot’s residence), and the tranquil pond.

Brief History: Originally a villa, it became a temple in the 17th century. It’s known for its exquisite autumn foliage.

What to Look At: The stunning autumn colors, the moss garden, and the serene tea room.

Brief History: Founded in 1202 by Eisai, it’s the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. Known for its dragon paintings and tea culture.

What to Look At: The impressive dragon ceiling painting, the serene gardens, and the tea rooms.

Brief History: Founded in 1229 by the priest Seiki. During the Edo Period, artists from the Kano School painted sliding doors (fusuma) within the temple.

What to Look At: lovely garden, especially during the autumn leaf viewing season. A standing image of Fudo Myo-o from the Kamakura Period and the Kano School’s exquisite fusuma paintings.

Brief History: Dedicated to the water deity, it’s surrounded by lush forests. Visitors pray for safety from water-related disasters.

What to Look At: The mystical atmosphere, the stone steps, and the divine waterfall.

Brief History: Sansenin is a sub-temple of Daikakuji Temple. It’s nestled in the western outskirts of Kyoto, near Arashiyama. The temple has a fascinating story associated with it.

What to Look At: The serene mossy compound, the thatched roofs, and the beautiful gardens. 

Brief History:Founded over 1350 years ago, it stands between the popular Gion and Higashiyama districts.

What to Look At: The shrine’s main hall combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building.

Brief History: Founded in the late 15th century, Enkoji is a Zen temple famous for its rock garden. Originally a villa, it became a temple in 1450.

What to Look At: The iconic karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden, the Hojo (abbot’s residence), and the tranquil pond.

Brief History: Byodoin is a striking example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. Initially built in 998 as a countryside retreat villa, it later became a temple.

What to Look At: The impressive architecture, the beautiful garden, and the serene surroundings. It represents the Pure Land Paradise.

Brief History: Gioji is a small sub-temple of Daikakuji Temple. It has a poignant story related to a dancer named Gio. The mossy compound and thatched roofs add to its charm.

What to Look At: The simple thatched hall, the mossy gardens, and the serene atmosphere. A delightful spot for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

Brief History: Unryuin was built in 1372 by Chikugan Shoko, a Buddhist monk, upon the wishes of Emperor Gokougon, the 4th emperor during the Nanbokucho period.

What to Look At: Window Views from the Study (Shoin): Unryuin is known for its two special windows called “Windows of Enlightenment and Delusion”. These windows embody Zen teachings and are found in only two places in Kyoto: one at Unryuin and the other at Genkoan.

Brief History: Ginkakuji, officially named Jishō-ji, is a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto. It was built as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimasa, inspired by the golden Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Although it was intended to be covered in silver foil, this plan was never realized. The temple is associated with the Shokoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen.

What to Look At: The serene gardens, the iconic two-storied Kannon-den (Kannon hall), and the tranquil surroundings.

Brief History: Established in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s greatest historical figures, by Hideyoshi’s wife Nene (who is also enshrined at the temple). Its main buildings were constructed in the lavish style of the era of Japan’s unification with the financial support of Hideyoshi’s successor Tokugawa Ieyasu.

What to Look At: Rock Garden, Tsukiyama-style Garden, Tea Houses: Designed by the tea master Sen no Rikyu, as Hideyoshi was a fervent tea ceremony practitioner.

Brief History: Established at the end of the 16th century, is a Nichiren temple perched on the slopes of Mount Kokura in Arashiyama, Kyoto. This hidden gem offers expansive views across the city and is particularly renowned for its vibrant autumn leaves. 

What to Look At: The Tahoto pagoda, an Important Cultural Property, provides a spectacular vista of Kyoto.

Brief History: Murin-an, a private villa originally built by the Taisho Period statesman Yamagata Aritomo. Donated to Kyoto City in 1941. The villa boasts an enchanting stroll-type garden designed by the acclaimed Ogawa Jihei VII, incorporating the Higashiyama mountain range as borrowed scenery.

What to Look At: Murin-an’s sprawling garden features wide open spaces, a meandering stream, a waterfall, and a charming teahouse. Step into the late 19th-century ambiance of the stateroom, adorned with velvet chairs and paintings, offering a fascinating contrast to the serene garden outside.

Brief History: A Zen Buddhist temple nestled in Matsuo, Kyoto, Japan. Its name, “Moss Temple,” stems from the 120 different moss varieties that adorn its enchanting garden. Originally Prince Shotoku’s villa, it transformed into a temple during the Nara Period. 

What to Look At: Strolling Garden: Over 120 moss varieties create a mesmerizing landscape. Western Stateroom: Step into history and admire 20th-century paintings in this elegant room.

Brief History: Hōnen-in, a serene Buddhist temple in Kyoto, traces its origins to the Kamakura period. Initially a hermitage for monk Hōnen and his disciples, it gained temple status in 1680. The thatched-roof main gate and the Byakusadan sand gardens are highlights. These sand patches, adorned with changing seasonal designs, symbolize water for purification. The temple’s peaceful ambiance invites contemplation and respite. Don’t miss the stone stupa and the modern art installation. The temple buildings open to the public only twice a year, but the grounds offer tranquility year-round.

What to Look At: Thatched Gate (Sanmon): Covered in moss and ferns, this gate exudes serenity. Byakusadan Sand Gardens: Seasonal designs etched in raised sand create a unique visual experience. Hōnen-in “Sanga”: Engage in cultural events and gatherings, although they are conducted in Japanese.

Brief History: Sanzenin Temple, located in the rural town of Ohara, north of Kyoto, is a serene Tendai Buddhist temple. Founded by the revered monk Saicho in 804, it boasts large temple grounds, gardens, and walking paths. The Shuhekien Garden, with its pond and hill, leads to the Shinden Hall, offering a famous view of the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall across a moss garden. Don’t miss the oldest temple building, the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall, housing the treasured Amida Buddha statue.

What to Look At: Strolling Garden: Explore the tranquil moss garden adorned with amusing stone statues. Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall: Admire the ancient Amida Buddha statue and the serene view through maple and cedar trees.

Brief History: Komyoin, a serene Zen temple in Kyoto, was established in 1391 as a sub-temple of Tofukuji. Its main garden, known as Hashin-tei, was meticulously crafted by landscape architect Shigemori Mirei in 1939. The garden features a harmonious blend of thick green moss and white sand, earning it the nickname “rainbow moss temple”. Visitors can also appreciate cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage of Tofuku-ji Temple.

What to Look At: Explore the dry landscape garden at Komyoin, where raked sand and rocks create a stunning composition. Don’t miss the bird and dragon patterned tatami mats inside.