Article(s) for the theme Temples and Shrines

Articles

Sanctuaire Yasaka-jinja

Yasaka Shrine

The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.

Pond and exterior of Tenryuji Temple Kyoto

Tenryuji

Tenryuji is the most important temple in the Arashiyama area of west Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera, 'Pure Water Temple' in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is a very popular place to visit for visitors who want to discover Kyoto's history.

Phoenix Hall Byodoin Temple Uji

Byodoin Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Byodoin temple is considered the height of expression of the aristocratic art of the Heian Period (794-1185).

Bridge at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha, in southern Osaka, is claimed to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

Zen garden at Tofukuji Kyoto

Tofukuji

Located in the south-east of Kyoto, Tofukuji is a large open temple complex, with 23 sub temples. The temple is famous for its stone and moss gardens and has the largest Zen temple gate in Japan.

Red and white walls of sanjusangendo

Sanjusangendo

Sanjusangendo, in the Higashiyama district, is a Buddhist temple with a well guarded secret interior. Discover its celebrated works of art.

Pagoda at Toji Temple, Kyoto

Toji Temple

Steeped in history, the Toji complex spans the years from its expansion in the ninth century to its current collaboration with the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in France.

garden of Nanzen sub temple, Kyoto

Nanzenji, Kyoto

If you're looking for the quintessential Japan don't miss Nanzenji.

Exterior of Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu

The shrine is dedicated to the two most important Japanese emperors and built to celebrate the Kyoto 1100th anniversary and named Heian, the city's former name.

Exterior of Daitokuji, Kyoto

Daitokuji Temple Kyoto

Daitokuji is a functioning Rinzai Zen temple complex in northwest Kyoto.

Exterior of Sengaku-ji Temple

Sengakuji Temple

This Buddhist temple of the Edo era (1603 - 1868) was the scene for one of the most famous samurai stories, 47 Ronin. 

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine

At the heart of an arrangement of memorial buildings for soldiers who died whilst fighting for the Emperor. The shrine seems so peaceful yet Yasukuni Jinja became very controversial.

Door looking out to a crowded courtyard and torii

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Located in the heart of Tokyo in a wooded area of over 100,000 trees, Meiji-Jingu is one of Japan’s most famous shrines and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari Taisha

South of Kyoto, the torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha, traditional gates at the entrance to Shinto shrines, lined up in their thousands on the mountainside. This is a must-visit place in

Zen garden at Ryoanji in Kyoto

Ryoanji Temple Kyoto

Ryoanji Temple located in the northwest of Kyoto is home to Japan's best known stone garden. Now a World Heritage Site this a must see attraction in Kyoto.

Covered wooden platform looking out to a paved garden

Saihoji (Kokedera) Temple

Plants mark the passing of the seasons. Here, nearly 120 varieties of moss have created a color palette of infinite varieties of yellow and green. Welcome to the Kokedera Moss Temple.

Traditional wooden temple building

Daigoji Temple

Located in southeast Kyoto Daigoji Temple was founded by Shobo in 874. Now a World Heritage Site the temple is a great place to see the changing of the leaves.

Kodaiji temple and it's garden

Kodaiji Temple

Located in a beautiful part of Higashiyama Ward, Kodaiji sits atop a slight hill. The temple is a jewel of Momoyama Period architecture.

Todai-ji

Todai-ji, the temple to the great Buddha of Nara

The Todai-ji is an important Buddhist temple located in the heart of the city of Nara, in Kansai.

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The 'Married Couple Rocks' of Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa, literally "Married Couple Rocks" or "Husband and Wife Rocks," are sacred rocks located in the sea near Futami, a small town in Ise, Mie

The Byodo-in Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently renovate in 2014, the Byodo-in is located in the center of the small town of Uji, not far from Kyoto.

Kamakura: a Japanese Zen city

Kamakura is often called "the city of the samurai" because the former political capital of Japan was established and then controlled by warlords for nearly three centuries.

Great Buddha, Kamakura

Spiritual Retreats Near Tokyo

With its many buildings and bustling center, hectic Tokyo is not necessarily the city that we think of when we talk about spiritual retreats in Japan.

Construit en 1612 par le shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543-1616), le Sengaku-ji reste aujourd’hui un lieu religieux prisé des japonais

Sengakuji temple and its 47 samurai

This Buddhist temple from the Edo era (1603-1868) was the theater of one of the most famous samurai stories.

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Hokekyoji Temple Cherry Blossom

Hokekyoji Temple near Tokyo is an important Nichiren-sect temple famous for its cherry blossom in season and several historical temple halls and pagoda.

Le toit du Kurama-dera

The Kurama-dera temple

There is no doubt that Kyoto concentrates an unparalleled quantity of temples and shrines.

Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion Kyoto

In the shadow of Kyoto's northwestern hills, sits a jewel of the ancient capital: Rokuon-ji temple, better known as Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion.

sanctuaire d'Itsukushima

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima

The Shinto shrine of Itsukushima and its famous torii gate are located on the island of Miyajima, south of Hiroshima.

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Matsuo Kannonji Temple

In Ise, the Matsuo Kannon-ji dedicated to the goddess of mercy Kannon is the subject of several beliefs and legends that are particularly popular in Mie Prefecture.

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Hananoiwaya-jinja in Kumano, Japan's oldest shrine

Since the 8th century, the Hananoiwaya-jinja in Kumano has been recognized as a high place of Japanese cosmogony given the tombs it houses; that of Izanami, the co-creating deity of the world and o

Le sanctuaire Meiji-jingu à Tokyo

Top 5 unmissable Shinto shrines in Tokyo

Japanese shrines are places of worship for Shintoism, the original religion of Japan. During a trip to Japan, they are undoubtably among the most beautiful discoveries you'll make.

The Daibutsu temple Kotoku-in Kamakura

Kamakura Daibutsu

All that remains of the ancient Kotoku-in temple is its jewel which, for centuries, has marked its existence: the Great Bronze Buddha.

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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and is the head shrine of 10,000 Tenjin Shrines across Japan.

Senso-ji

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa

Located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, not far from the Sumida River, the Senso-ji Buddhist temple is particularly popular with the Japanese but also arouses the interest of tourists.

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Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Motonosumi Inari Shrine on the Sea of Japan coast in Yamaguchi Prefecture has a line of 123 vermilion torii gates in a beautiful setting.

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Yushima Seido

Located near Ochanomizu station, the astonishing Yushima Seido intrigues with its majestic and elegant black buildings.

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Seimei Shrine Nagoya

Seimei Shrine in Nagoya is dedicated to the Heian Period cosmologist Abeno Seimei and is a sister shrine of a Seimei Jinja in Kyoto.

Hiyoshi-taisha

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

In the prefecture of Shiga, not far from the famous Kyoto, is the city of Otsu and the Hiyoshi-Taisha shrine. This Shinto shrine is the counterpart of the nearby Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei.

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Jojakkoji Temple Arashiyama

Jojakkoji Temple, in Arashiyama, western Kyoto is a Nichiren sect temple dating from the late 16th century. It is known for its tranquility and autumn leaves.

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Arashiyama Temples Kyoto

Arashiyama in west Kyoto has several temples of great beauty: Tenryuji, Jojakkoji, Nison-in, Gioji, Adashino Nembutsiji, Otagi Nembutsuji and Daikakuji.

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The Ryôzen Kannon, a giant statue in Kyoto

With regard to the emblematic sites and monuments of the historic district of Higashiyama, literally "the mountain of the east", the Ryôzen Kannon temple is an outsider in the classic tourist itine

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Otagi Nembutsuji Temple

Otagi Nembutsuji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto is uncrowded and has thousands of unique moss-covered statues called Rakan each carved individually.

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Nagoya Temples & Shrines

Nagoya temples & shrines: see a listing of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture including Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple.

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Kaikoji Temple Mummies

Kaikoji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture is famous for two mummies or Sokushinbutsu of priests who fasted and meditated to self-mummification.

Ishiyama-dera

Ishiyama-dera, a temple near Lake Biwa

Ishiyama-dera Temple is one of the two major Buddhist temples in the coastal city of Otsu. It is the 13th temple of the Kannon pilgrimage in the Kansai region.

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Takayama Temples & Shrines

Takayama Temples & Shrines, Gifu Prefecture: see a listing of Takayama's most interesting Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

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Seimei Shrine

Seimei Shrine (晴明神社) in Kyoto is dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a Heian Period astrology and diviner who was a favorite of the Imperial Court.

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Chikurinji Temple Kochi

Chikurinji Temple in Kochi is the 31st temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and has a 5 story pagoda in the style of the Kamakura Period, though built in 1980.

Le Pavillon d’or (Kondō kaō-den) du temple Natadera

Natadera Temple

Near the city of Komatsu and the Sea of Japan, Natadera Temple worships the Buddhist goddess Kannon and Mount Hakusan.

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Meigetsu-in Temple Kamakura

Meigetsu-in Temple in Kamakura is an historic Rinzai Zen temple famous for its colorful hydrangea blossoms which flower in June.

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Kamakura Temples & Shrines

Kamakura Temples & Shrines: see a listing of the major Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.

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Anyoji & Chorakuji Temples Kyoto

Anyoji (安養寺) and Chorakuji (長楽寺) temples are two historic Buddhist temples in the hills above the Gion district of south east Kyoto.

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Otatsu Inari Shrine

Otatsu Inari Shrine (御辰稲荷神社) is a small Inari (fox) shrine just north of Heian Shrine in the Okazaki district of central Kyoto. It dates from the Edo Period.

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Ushimado jinja

Founded in the early 11th century, the Ushimado jinja shrine sits on top of a hill from where the view extends over the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding small islands.

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Kanchi-in Temple

Kanchi-in Temple (観智院) in Kyoto is a sub-temple of Toji. It dates from 1359 and contains two ink paintings by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.

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Shiofune Kannon Temple Ome

The Shiofune Kannon Temple in Ome, Tokyo is a Shingon sect temple known for its beautiful azaleas which bloom throughout April and May.

Iwashimizu Hachimangū Shrine, Kyoto

Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū Shrine

South of Kyoto is the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shinto shrine, built in the town of Yawata on Mount Otokoyama.

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Honpukuji Temple Water Temple

Honpukuji Temple aka the Water Temple on Awaji Island was designed by architect Ando Tadao. It creates different forms of light and shade at different times of the day.

Kosan-ji Temple

When they want to give their mother a gift, some children give flowers, write a poem or compose a song.

Ujigami-jinja-haiden

Ujigami-jinja Shrine

A few minutes from the famous Byôdô-in , on the other bank of the Uji River, a real treasure awaits, and above all, deserves your visit.

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Torigoe Shrine

Torigoe Shrine in Taito ward, Tokyo, is an ancient Shinto shrine over 1,300 years old, and a picturesque, photogenic spot to visit near Asakusabashi and Kuramae.

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World Peace Giant Kannon

The 80 meter tall World Peace Giant Kannon statue on Awaji Island was once one of the biggest statues in the world when constructed in 1982.

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Shoshasan Engyoji Temple

Shoshasan Engyoji Temple near Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture dates from 966 and has increased in popularity since being featured in the movie, The Last Samurai.

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Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Kameido Tenjin Shrine is a picturesque Shinto shrine in Kameido, Tokyo, famous mainly for its beautiful landscaping, springtime wisteria and turtle pond.

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Togo Shrine Harajuku

Togo Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the Harajuku district of Tokyo built less than a century ago to commemorate Japan's naval war hero, Heihachiro Togo.

The Port of Thunder, Kaminari-mon, marks the entrance to the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa (Tokyo).

The Senso-ji under the magnifying glass

The Senso-ji is one of the essential visits to the Japanese capital.

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Dainichiji Temple Kochi

Dainichiji Temple in Kochi Prefecture is the 28th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. According to legend it was founded by the priest Gyoki n the 8th century.

Sanctuaire Nezu

Nezu Shrine

The Nezu-Jinja is the main shrine of the Yanesen region, northwest of Ueno Park in Tokyo. It is also one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

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Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture is Japan's most sacred and important shrine. It is demolished and rebuilt every 20 years.

Gansenji Temple Kyoto Prefecture

Gansenji Temple in the south of Kyoto Prefecture dates from the 8th century and is known for its three story pagoda and lovely autumn colors.

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Hanazono Shrine Shinjuku Tokyo

Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo is an historic shrine connected with entertainers and known for its cherry blossom and Reitaisai festival.

Nonomiya Shrine, Kyoto.

Nonomiya Shrine: Heian Love & Zen Tea

Nonomiya Shrine in Arashiyama, Kyoto is a small shrine associated with the purification of imperial princesses before becoming priestesses at Ise Shrine.

Pour la nouvelle année, partez à la chasse aux sceaux du pèlerinage des 7 dieux de la chance !

Shichifukujin Meguri: The 7 Lucky Gods Pilgrimage in Tokyo

How about a little luck to start the year off right? In Tokyo, the Shichifukujin Meguri pilgrimage is a tradition followed by many locals.

Okamoto Otaki Shrine

Okamoti Otaki Shrine, located in the city of Echizen, is the only shrine in Japan to be dedicated to Kawakami Gozen, the goddess of paper.

Myojo-ji temple

Main temple of the Nichiren School in the region, the Myôjô-ji monastery is made up of a set of remarkable buildings, including a 5-storey pagoda with a tochibuki structure roof, the only one in Ja

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Togan-ji

The Togan-ji, a Buddhist temple with Indian inspirations, preserves an impressive bronze colossus 15 meters high: the Daibutsu of Nagoya.

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Yaegaki jinja

In Matsue in Shimane prefecture, you don't need to connect to a dating site to find love...

Jardin du temple Choryuji

Shika Choryuji Temple

Choryuji Temple is a Buddhist temple located northeast of Shika City. Built in 1449, it is best known for its traditional Japanese garden, classified as a “cultural asset of the city”.

Kenninji

A Zen temple tour of Kyoto

Kyoto, the city with 1,000 temples, is home to some of the most impressive Zen Buddhist complexes in the country.

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Hotsumisakiji Temple Kochi

Hotsumisakiji Temple Kochi: Hotsumisakiji Temple in Kochi is the 24th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, overlooking Cape Muroto.

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Oyaji Temple Utsunomiya

Oyaji Temple in Oya near Utsunomiya is a cave temple with Japan's oldest relief statues which are believed to date from the early Heian Period.

suwa taisha

Over 1,200 years old, the Suwa-taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It consists of four building complexes, all located around Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture.

Teisho Temple

The largest ancient temple in the city of Saku, in Nagano prefecture, the Teisho temple is renowned for having spread Zazen meditation outside the archipelago, as far as Europe.

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The Chiyobo Inari Shrine

In Kaizu, Gifu prefecture, the Chiyobo Inari Jinja, founded more than 1,000 years ago, is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to worshiping the Inari deity.

 

Kango-jinja_haiden

kango jinja

Let yourself be told the story of Join Rin, a confectioner of Chinese origin who arrived in Nara in 1349 and whose destiny was completely changed thanks to the extraordinary powers of his manjû

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Mount Mitoku Sanbutsuji & Nageiredo

Mount Mitoku Sanbutsuji & Nageiredo: Mitokusan, a 900 meter high mountain in Tottori is sacred to yamabushi, followers of Shugendo.

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Udo-jingu

During a visit to the Udo-jingu coastal sanctuary in Nichinan, immerse yourself in one of the founding myths of the archipelago. In addition, the landscape is exceptional.

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Saba Daishi Temple

Saba Daishi (Yasakaji) is one of the 20 extra temples of the 88 Temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage known as Bangai Temples.

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Byodoji Temple

Byodoji Temple: Byodoji Temple is the twenty second temple on the 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage dedicated to Kobo Daishi.

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Dojima Yakushido Temple

In the Kita district of Osaka, discover the astonishing Dojima Yakushido with its super-contemporary design, a temple founded 1,400 years ago!

 

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Kinryuzan Rinsai Kappa Temple

Kinryuzan Rinsai Temple in Oita is famous for its collection of kappa (water sprite) statues.

Pagode au temple Shinnyodo

Shinnyodo Temple

Atop a hill in northeast Kyoto, the thousand-year-old Temple of Shinnyodo is an ideal excursion between the Philosopher's Path and Heian Shrine!

Imado jinja shrine

The Imado-jinja shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Maneki-neko, the lucky cat. They also venerate Izanagi and Izanami supposed to bring good fortune to couples.

Les poupées du sanctuaire

Awashima jinja, the doll shrine in Wakayama

The Awashima Jinja Shrine houses a collection of several thousand dolls believed to bring good luck to those who come to deposit them there.

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Yufuin Temples & Shrines

Yufuin Temples & Shrines: see a guide to the shrines and temples of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture. These include Tenso Shrine, Bussanji Temple, Rokusho-gu (Unagihime Shrine) and Ogosha Shrine.

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Tentokuin Temple

Kyoto is known for its many temples, scattered throughout the city. Tentokuin Temple is one of a series of shrines near famous Tofukuji, southeast of Kyoto Station.

Toyokawa Inari Shrine

The Toyokawa Inari temple, located about fifty kilometers southeast of Nagoya in Aichi prefecture, is one of the three great Japanese temples (along with the Fushimi Inari temple in Kyoto and the Y

Monet Shrine, Gifu.

Monet Shrine Nemichi Shrine Gifu

Nemichi Shrine (根道神社), known as Monet Shrine, is located in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan and has become a tourist destination over the last few years.

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St. Mary's Cathedral

 

The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie has a unique architecture, far from our European Gothic cathedrals. Its construction dates back to 1964, but it could also come from the future!

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Seitenkyu Temple

Seitenkyu Temple in Sakado in Saitama Prefecture is Japan's largest Taoist temple. Seitenkyu Temple was part-financed and built by the Taiwanese businessman Kang Kuo Den.

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Miidera Temple Otsu

Miidera Temple (aka Onjoji), near Otsu in Shiga Prefecture was founded in 672 during the Nara Period of Japanese history. There are over 40 buildings in this large Tendai temple complex.

Asuka-dera temple

Asuka was the capital of the country in the Yamato period, when Japan first discovered writing and Buddhism, whose introduction into Japan led to a clash between the great feudal clans.

Hall principal Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin

Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple

Not far from the artists' studios of Itoshima is the Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Buddhist temple, which has a few surprises in store for you!

Zazen in Ryosoku-in temple

Ryosoku-in temple

Ryosoku-in Temple, in the historic Gion district in Kyoto, invites you for Zen meditation, under the precepts of Buddhist philosophy.

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Idoji Temple Tokushima

Idoji Temple (井戸寺) is the 17th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is the last of a cluster of 5 temples near Tokushima city center.

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Sôgen-ji, the temple of the kappa

 

Sôgen-ji is a very modern looking temple. However, any lover of legends must visit it: it is dedicated to Japan's most famous folkloric character, the kappa.

 

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Kannonji Temple

Kannonji Temple in Tokushima is the 16th temple on the 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. There is a second temple on the pilgrimage named Kannonji, number 69 in Kagawa.

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Ube Shrine Tottori

Ube Shrine is very popular shrine in Tottori having been the Ichinomiya, the highest ranked shrine in the province in historical times.

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Hongan-ji temples

In Kyoto, the Nishi Hongan-Ji and Higashi Hongan-Ji temples represent the Jodo branch of Buddhism.

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Hakuto Shrine

Hakuto Shrine (白兎神社) in Tottori is associated with two famous stories: the White Rabbit of Inaba and the wani and the Yasogami brothers and the White Rabbit.

La pagode à 5 étages du temple Muro-ji.

Muro-ji Temple

Built at the end of the 8th century in Uda, in the north of Nara prefecture, the Muro-ji is home to the smallest 5-storey pagoda in Japan.

Le sanctuaire Tamaki-jinja, au sud de la préfecture de Nara.

Tamaki-jinja shrine

Nestled at altitude, in the heart of the Kii peninsula, in the south of Nara prefecture, the Tamaki-jinja sanctuary is part of a site of more than 500 hectares classified as a UNESCO World Heritage

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Kokubunji Temple Tokushima

Kokubunji Temple (国分寺) in Tokushima, is the fifteenth temple of the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.

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Shoden Eigen-in Temple

Shoden Eigen-in Temple (正伝永源院) is a small sub-temple of Kenninji, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

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Shinganji Temple

Shinganji Temple, in the free and easy youth hangout that is Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, is a four-century year old temple dominated by a giant ginkgo tree dating from its founding.

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Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine

Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine is a large Shinto shrine in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, that has numerous small shrines on its grounds, and a big festival every September.

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Tomioka Hachiman-gu Shrine

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is the largest Hachiman Shrine in Tokyo, and is adjacent to the the most famous Buddhist temple in the Fukagawa district of Tokyo.

Gessho-ji

Not far from Matsue Castle, Gessho-ji is both the family temple and burial place of the Matsue daimyo, lords of the Matsudaira clan.

Tanzan Shrine

Tanzan Shrine, located in the mountains bordering the historic town of Sakurai, east of Asuka in Nara Prefecture, is famous for its beauty and autumn foliage.

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Rokuharamitsuji Temple

Rokuharamitsuji Temple (六波羅蜜寺) in Gion, Kyoto was founded in the 10th century by the monk, Kuya.

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Dainichiji Temple & Ichinomiya Shrine

Dainichiji Temple is the 13th temple on the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage and shares its name with the 4th temple. Ichinomiya Shrine is adjacent.

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Isshinji Temple Osaka

Isshinji Temple, 一心寺, in Tennoji, Osaka is remarkable for its modern architecture.

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Shosanji Temple

Shosanji Temple is the twelfth temple of the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage and is located a tough climb up a mountain 800 meters above sea level.

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Kotokuji Temple Tottori

Kotokuji Temple in Tottori City has a unique French-inspired garden and a cemetery with a rich sumo-related history.

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Ujigami Shrine

Ujigami Shrine in Uji, south of Kyoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Shrine, and has the oldest shrine building in Japan dating from the 11th century.

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Kosokuji Temple

Kosokuji Temple in Kamakura is associated with the 13th century priest Nichiren and is famous for its seasonal flowers.

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Kotoku-in Temple

Kotoku-in Temple (高徳院) in Kamakura is home to the famous 11.4 meter (37 ft), 121 ton copper statue of the Buddha, constructed in 1252.

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Hasedera Temple Kamakura

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura is famous for having one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, that of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.

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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is dedicated to the Minamoto clan's deity, Hachiman, the god of war.

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Fujiidera Temple

Fujiidera Temple: Fujiidera Temple is the 11th temple along the famous 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.

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Saishoji Temple

Saishoji Temple (西生寺) in Niigata is home to a 600 year-old mummified priest who put himself on a fat-eliminating diet of nuts and limited his water intake for years to prevent natural decay after d

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Kirihataji Temple

Kirihataji Temple in Awa city, Tokushima, is the 10th temple on the world famous 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Sojiji Temple Yokohama

Sojiji Temple in Tsurumi ward, Yokohama, is a head temple of Zen Buddhism in Japan and has sprawling, green, park-like grounds.

Onoterusaki Shrine

Onoterusaki Shrine in Taito ward, east Tokyo, is a shrine with its own "Mt. Fuji" and is visited by entertainers and scholars to pray for success.

The sanctuary and its brightly colored pavilions

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, known as "The Place of Resurrection", is an unmissable stop on the pilgrimage route of the Kumano Kodo.

Kumano Sanzan

Kumano Sanzan is the collective name of the three shrines of the Kii Peninsula, one of the most sacred places in Japan and an unmissable place of pilgrimage.

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Asuka Shrine Shingu

Asuka Shrine (阿須賀神社) in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture is an ancient Shinto shrine on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route.

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Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha (Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine) in Shingu is one of the hree Kumano Sanzan shrines along with Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.

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Shohoji Temple Gifu Daibutsu

Shohoji Temple Gifu Daibutsu: The Gifu Daibutsu at Shohoji Temple in Gifu is the largest dry lacquer statue in Japan at over 13 meters tall.

Azaleas

Mimurotoji Temple Uji

Mimurotoji Temple, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture 三室戸寺: In the wide garden of Mimurotoji Temple in Uji there are 30 different kinds of hydrangea some of which seem to have the shape of a heart.

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Horinji Temple Shikoku

Horinji Temple in Tokushima is the 9th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. Horinji Temple is set in a walled compound among rice paddies.

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Saihoji Temple Application

Saihoji Temple Application: use a proxy service to have JapanVisitor complete the application process to visit Saihoji Temple (Moss Temple) in Kyoto.

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Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Nachi is one of the three Kumano Sanzan shrines and sits in beautiful scenery near Nachi Falls, Japan's highest waterfall.

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Kimiidera Temple

Kimiidera Temple in Wakayama is famous for its cherry blossom that signs the official start of the cherry blossom season in Kansai (western Japan).

Bledisloe Cup in Tokyo

Shimogamo Shrine & Rugby History in Japan

Shimogamo Shrine & Rugby History 下鴨神社: The draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup to be held in Japan was made earlier this month on May 10 in Kyoto.

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Kawai Shrine

Kawai Shrine: women of all ages flock to Kawai Shrine with Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto to pray for beauty and good looks.

Torii Kanda Myojin

Kanda Myôjin

Located in a relatively un-touristy district of Tokyo, Kanda Myôjin can easily be overlooked by travelers.

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Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple

Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple in Okayama is the venue for the annual Hadaka matsuri (Naked Festival) in February when 10,000 men compete to catch two wooden charms thrown into the throng.

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Toyokuni Shrine Nagoya

Toyokuni Shrine in Nakamura Park in Nagoya was built in 1885 at the birthplace of Hideyoshi Toyotomi and enshrines the spirits of Hideyoshi and his general Kato Kiyomasa.

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Nison-in Temple

Nison-in Temple (二尊院) is located in the Sagano Arashiyama district of western Kyoto and is known for the beauty of its autumn foliage.

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Gioji Temple

Gioji Temple is a tiny sub-temple of Daitokuji in the Saga-Arashiyama district of western Kyoto famous for its moss garden and its association with a love affair gone wrong.

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Jakko-in Temple Kyoto

Jakko-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto has been a nunnery since 1186 and is associated with the classic feud between the rival Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) clans.

Raigo-in Temple, Ohara, Kyoto

Raigo-in Temple Ohara

Raigo-in Temple Ohara 来迎院: Raigo-in Temple is one of several Tendai-sect temples in the pretty, farming village of Ohara in the hills north east of Kyoto.Raigo-in like its more famous neighbor, San

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Anrakuji Temple Kyoto

Anrakuji Temple in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto on the Philosopher's Path is a quiet Jodo-shu sect temple known for its brilliant autumn leaves.

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Okazaki Shrine

Okazaki Shrine in Kyoto is associated with the gods of fertility and easy child birth. Statues and motifs of rabbits dominant this pleasant shrine's grounds.

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Anrakuji Temple Shikoku

Anrakuji Temple (安楽寺) is number six on the 88 temple, 1400 kilometer Shikoku Pilgrimage. The current main hall was built in 1966, replacing the one that burned down in 1955.

Sugawarain Tenmangu Shrine

Sugawarain Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto near the south west corner of the Gosho is believed to be the birthplace and home of Michizane Sugawara, the noted Heian era poet and court official.

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Oharano Shrine

Oharano Shrine in the Oharano district of south west Kyoto is an ancient shrine connected with the tutelary deity of the Fujiwara clan and mentioned in the Tale of Genji.

Hosen-in Temple Ohara

Hosen-in Temple in Ohara, north east Kyoto, is known for its exquisite gardens and its bloody ceilings brought from Fushimi Castle.

Shorin-in Temple

Shorin-in Temple in Ohara, north east Kyoto is a Tendai-sect temple seen as a well-spring of shomyo or Buddhist chant.

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Kongoji Temple

Kongoji Temple is a small Jodo-shu sect temple in the Okazaki district of Kyoto with its main hall dating from the Edo Period.

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Chionji Temple

Chionji Temple at the Hyakumanben intersection in Kyoto is known for its monthly tezukuri ichi crafts market held on the 15th of each month.

Shogoin Temple

Shogoin Temple in Kyoto is monzeki temple with priceless fusuma paintings by the Kano School of artists. A monzeki temple it served as a temporary residence for two emperors.

Dojoji Temple

Dojoji Temple, in the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, is a very old temple, founded in the early 8th century, with some highly ranked statues and artworks connected with the Anchin and K

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Jyomyoin Temple

Jyomyoin Temple in the Yanaka district of Tokyo is known for its vast collection of 25,000 statues of Jizo.

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Shiseibyo Confucian Temple

The Shiseibyo Confucian Temple in Naha, Okinawa was first built in the 17th century and reconstructed in 1975.

Naminoue Shrine

Naminoue Shrine in Naha is the most important shrine on Okinawa Island dedicated to nirai kanai, the source of all life in Okinawan mythology and to the sea.

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Yamadera Temple

Yamadera Temple (Risshaku-ji), in Yamagata Prefecture, is a Tendai-sect temple located deep in the mountains and is known for its spectacular fall colors.

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Yoshiminedera Temple

Yoshiminedera is a Tendai sect temple located in the mountains south west of central known for its superb autumn leaves and historic, elongated pine tree.

Hosenji Temple Seto.

Hosenji Temple Seto Aichi Prefecture

Hosenji Temple is located in the east of Seto in the quiet Kamagaki district of the city close to Kamagaki-no-komichi and the Seto Hongyo Kiln.

Bukkoji Temple Kyoto

Bukkoji is a Jodo Shinshu sect temple in the Gion district of central Kyoto and was founded by the priest Ryogen (1295-1336), a disciple of Shinran in 1324.

Koetsuji Temple

Koetsuji Temple in the Takagamine district of north west Kyoto was once the artist colony of the noted Edo period artists and tea master, Honami Koetsu (1558-1637).

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Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine

Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine in Gion, Kyoto is known for its power stone said to end bad relationships or initiate good ones as well as an annual comb festival.

Pilgrims at the entrance of a temple

The Shikoku pilgrimage

On the island of Shikoku, the pilgrimage of the 88 Buddhist temples is one of the most famous paths in the world.

Joshoji Temple

Joshoji Temple in north west Kyoto is a Nichiren temple associated with the Edo Period courtesan Yoshino Tayu, who is buried here.

Yanagimori Shrine

Tranquil Yanagimori Shrine near Akihabara in Tokyo is a fascinating mixture of Japanese history and folklore, and home to no less than seven Japanese gods.

Komagatado Hall

Komagatado Hall is a tiny Buddhist temple on a street corner, a short walk from the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, and is intimately connected with Sensoji's history.

Sumo Shrine Sakurai

Sumo Shrine is an ancient shrine that is claimed to be the birthplace of sumo in Japan after the first bout between Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kuehaya.

Tokudaiji Marishi-ten

Tokudaiji Marishi-ten Temple is a Hindu-inspired Buddhist temple squeezed into the bustling market of Okachimachi in Tokyo.

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Usuki Stone Buddhas

The Usuki Stone Buddhas (magaibutsu) are a collection of ancient Buddhist statues that are carved directly into exposed rock, in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu.

Jingoji Temple

Jingoji Temple: Jingoji Temple, famous for its fall leaves, is located in the Takao district of north west Kyoto close to Kozanji Temple.

Saihoji Moss Temple (Kokedera) あppぃかちおn

Making A Reservation At Saihoji Temple

Making A Reservation At Saihoji Temple 西芳寺 - Advance reservations are needed to visit Saihoji Temple (aka Kokedera - the "Moss Temple") in Kyoto.

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Arako Kannon Temple

Arako Kannon Temple in Arako, south west of Nagoya Station, has the oldest building in the city, a two story wooden pagoda dating from 1536.

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Jindaiji Temple Chofu

Jindaiji in Chofu is Tokyo's second oldest temple, and combines ancient Buddhist history with a sylvan setting, soba restaurants and a pet cemetery.

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Kyoto Top Ten Free Admission Temples and Shrines

Kyoto top ten free admission temples and shrines: see a listing of the best temples and shrines in Kyoto that are free to enter.

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Kyoto Top Ten Quirky Temples & Shrines

Kyoto top ten quirky temples: see a listing of ten quirky, strange and fun temples and shrines in and around Kyoto.

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Kyoto Top Ten Temples & Shrines

Kyoto top 10 temples & shrines: see a listing of Kyoto's best Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines including Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Nanzenji and Heian Jingu.

Ryozenji Temple Naruto

Ryozenji Temple in Naruto near Tokushima is temple number 1 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Yashimaji Temple

Yashimaji Temple on the summit of the Yashima plateau near Takamatsu was founded in the 8th century by the Chinese monk, Ganjin.

Oharame

Oharame - the peddler maidens of Ohara Kyoto

Oharame 大原女 The Oharame (maiden of Ohara) is a historical female peddler of firewood (kindling rather than big blocks of it) from the town of Ohara.

Jissoin Temple

Jissoin Temple in Iwakura in north east Kyoto is a Monzeki temple known for its superb garden and Kano School painted sliding doors.

Mountain Cave Temples of Shodoshima

The Shodoshima Temple Pilgrimage on Shodoshima Island in the Inland Sea includes a number of temples built in caves high up in the mountains.

Gokurakuji Temple

Kinosaki is an ancient water town that was already active during the Edo period. Among its prestigious onsen are ancient streets and temples, including Gokurakuji temple.

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Kashihara Jingu

Kashihara Jingu (Kashihara Shrine) dates from 1889 and enshrines the mythical emperor Jinmu, the first emperor of japan.

Sugimoto-dera Kamakura

Sugimoto-dera Temple

With its mossy steps, thatched roof, and pennants, the oldest temple in Kamakura is reminiscent of the temples lost in the countryside or in the Japanese mountains.

Osu Kannon Temple

The Osu Kannon temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect, houses fabulous treasures despite a turbulent history!

Tachibanadera Temple

Tachibanadera Temple, in the Asuka district of Nara Prefecture, is said to be the birthplace of Prince Shotoku Taishi in 572.

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Takaoka Daibutsu

The Takaoka Daibutsu in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture is proclaimed as one of the three great Buddha statues of Japan.

Taiyuin Temple

In the shadow of the brilliant Toshogu shrine lies Taiyuin temple, mausoleum of shogun Iemitsu. A discreet temple hiding architectural treasures that have nothing to envy of its grandfather.

Hasedera Temple Nara

Hasedera Temple is located on a wooded hillside overlooking the valley of the Hase River in Sakurai city in the center of Nara Prefecture.

Yusuhara Hachimangu

Yusuhara Hachimangu Shrine in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, was founded in 827 as a branch of Usa Hachiman Shrine.

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Zuiryuji Temple Takaoka

Zuiryuji Temple, in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, is a large Soto Zen temple with a number of buildings classified as National Treasures.

Nakayama-dera

Around Osaka is the Nakayama-dera Temple of Kannon, the Buddhist figure of compassion and pillar of the Buddhist religion loved by all.

Asukadera Temple

Asukadera Temple in Nara Prefecture is the oldest large scale temple in Japan and contains the country's oldest bronze statue.

Heirinji Temple

Heirinji Temple is an active Zen temple in Saitama Prefecture and dates from 1375; it is famous for its spectacular fall colors.

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Nigatsudo & Sangatsudo Temples

Nigatsudo & Sangatsudo Temples are both sub-temples of Todaiji in Nara; Nigatsudo is the venue of the ancient Omizutori ceremony, while Sangatsudo holds many important Buddhist statues.

Nikko Futarasan Shrine

Futarasan is not the most impressive shrine in Nikko, but is the source of its religious importance. Futarasan, a place where the religions of Japan meet ...

Meoto Daikokusha Shrine, Nara.

Meoto Daikokusha Kasuga Taisha Nara

Meoto Daikokusha 夫婦大国社 is a sub-shrine of Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine) in Nara. Meoto (夫婦) translates as husband and wife or married couple.

Uji-bashi Bridge

The famous cypress bridge marks the entrance into the magical world of Ise.

Izumo Taisha

Known throughout Japan, Izumo Taisha shrine (literally Izumo Grand Shrine) is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Japan.

A statue of Kukai

Ishite-ji

This was built temple in honor of the monk Kukai, Otherwise Known As Kobo Daishi, the Buddhist monk Most Famous in Japan.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

In Shizuoka prefecture lies the last residence of the Edo era shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who won the civil wars of Sengoku.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Imagine: 8000 small stone statues for 8,000 abandoned souls.

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Horinji Temple Nara

Horinji Temple in Nara is believed to have been built by Shotoku Taishi's oldest son to pray for his health.

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Chuguji Temple

Chuguji Temple, a nunnery, next door to Horyuji Temple in Nara, contains two National Treasures: a sitting image of Buddha and an historic, embroidered mandala.

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Saidaiji Temple

Saidaiji Temple (西大寺) in Nara was one of the original Seven Great Temples of Nara and is the headquarters of the Shingon Risshu sect of Japanese Buddhism.

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Yakushiji

Yakushiji Temple in Nara was founded in 680 by the Emperor Tenmu and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient East Pagoda.

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Toshodaiji Temple Nara

Toshodaiji Temple, in Nara, was founded in 759 by the Chinese monk, Ganjin, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site.

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Kairyuoji Temple

Kairyuoji Temple in Nara dates from 731 and served as a guardian temple of the north east where evil was thought to originate.

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Hokkeji Temple

Hokkeji Temple in Nara was converted into a nunnery in 782 by the Empress Komyo (701-760) on the grounds of the residence of her father, Fujiwara Fubito.

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Kaidan-in Nara

Kaidan-in, in Nara, in the grounds of Todaiji Temple, was the original ordination hall for priests in Japan established by Ganjin in 754.

Gangoji Temple

Gangojii Temple in the Naramachi district of Nara can lay claim to being one of the most ancient temples in Japan.

Myogi Shrine Gunma

Myogi Shrine on Mount Myogi in Gunma Prefecture is an historic shrine with buildings dating from the Edo Period.

Mount Hiei

North of Kyoto is the Enryakuji temple of Mount Hiei, which was one of the most powerful temples of Japan. A visit to one of the great places of Japanese Buddhism.

The Urakami Cathedral, north of Nagasaki.

Urakami Cathedral

Hiroshima has its dome, survivor of the atomic bomb. Nagasaki has Urakami Cathedral, tragic testimony of an entire segment of the history of this multicultural city.

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Horyuji Temple Nara

Horyuji Temple in Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the world's oldest surviving wooden buildings including a Five-Story Pagoda.

Ninna-ji Temple

Among the many temples of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ninna-ji Temple is one of the largest. It has become famous throughout Japan for its cherry blossoms.

Eko-in Temple Ryogoku

Eko-in Temple in the Ryogoku area of Tokyo is the spiritual home of sumo and a place where the victims of disasters, criminals and animals are laid to rest.

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Fudo-in Temple Hiroshima

Fudo-in Temple in Hiroshima survived the atomic bomb in 1945 and is an historic Shingon sect temple with its buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Isolated in a dense cedar forest in the center of the regional Pilgrimage route network, Hongu shrine commands respect.

Zeniarai Benzaiten, the Hidden Temple

Hidden in the wooded area around the Great Buddha , accessible by one of the many hiking paths of Kamakura , is Zeniarai Benzaiten, the temple of the miraculous source and carrier of wealth.

Kanda Myojin Shrine

Kanda Myojin is an historic shrine close to Akihabara which is the home shrine of the Kanda matsuri, one of Tokyo's top festivals.

Sofukuji - China in Japan

Among all Japanese temples, Sofukuji temple holds a particularly special place. It is considered a national treasure, and is among Nagasaki's major attractions.

Kotohiragu Kompirasan Shrine

The island of Shikoku is a land of pilgrimage. One of them ends in the locality of Kotohira, in direction of Kotohiragu Kompirasan shrine. A popular pilgrimage despite its difficult walk.

Hiroshima Peace Pagoda

The Hiroshima Peace Pagoda was built on a hill overlooking Hiroshima city in 1966 by followers of the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Buddhism.

Hokokuji - The Bamboo Temple

Also nicknamed Takedera (bamboo temple), Hokokuji is one of the many Zen temples of Kamakura. A temple rarely visited by foreign tourists, but rich in wonder.

Takachiho Shrine

At this famous shrine, the dance ritual known as kagura is still performed, the origins of which are shrouded in myth.

The Seigando-ji temple and the Nachi no taki waterfall.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

The paved route from Daimonzaka winds through a cedar forest before reaching Nachi, culminating in an encounter between Buddhism, Shintoism, and nature.

Chion-in Temple

Chion-in Temple

Everything is big, stupefying and remarkable in Chion-in. To believe that it was solely built to amaze visitors.

Shorenji Temple

Shorenji

Inside the Shiroyama Park is a small temple, which seems to have been put there by chance. After having traveled in the area, the Shorenji settled in the city of Takayama.

Mahikari-kyo

Mahikari-kyo

Nothing seems to disturb the serenity of the emerald mountains that surround Takayama.

A temple under the yellow leaves of autumn in Kukubunji in Takayama.

Hida Kokubunji

Built in 746 by the Emperor Shomu (701-756), the oldest temple in Takayama proudly at the heart of its enclosure an imposing tree, old thousand two hundred years.

Zenrin-ji

Zenrin-ji

Also called 'the maple leaf temple"; Zenrinji is nestled in the Higashiyama mountains to the east of the ancient capital.

Night view of the pagoda from Yasaka Shrine Jinja

Yasaka Jinja

Of modest appearance, Yasaka-jinja still charms with its pale lanterns that warm hearts when evening comes.

Temple Shoren-in

Shoren-in

Trees tower over the entrance, towering trees, some over seven hundred years old, guarding the temple. The sound of birds calling, wind in the leaves, silence.

Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji

A major figure of Zen Buddhism, Tofukuji especially delights enthusiasts of momiji, the red foliage that the maple trees adorn in the fall.

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Higashi Betsuin Temple

Higashi Betsuin Temple in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, is a large sub-temple of Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto.

Shisen-do Temple

Shisen-do

Kyoto in its hunger for land has long since swallowed the village of Ichijo-ji. And yet, the neighborhood has never lost its village spirit.

Nanzenin

Nanzenin

Small and lost amongst a dozen similar temples, the large Nanzenji Temple only stands out thanks to its garden.

Myoshinji

Myoshin-ji

A city within a city. Myoshin-ji and its maze of cobblestone pavements lead visitors on the path to Zen.

Shimogamo-jinja

Shimogamo Jinja

The Todasu-no-mori forest embraces and encercles the Shimogamo Jinja like a treasure. The latter is close to another shrine like a brother, the Kamigamo Jinja.

Sanzen-in

Sanzen-in

The village of Ohara seems lost amid the rice fields and mountains.

A wooden fish to Manpukuji Temple (Kyoto).

Manpukuji

The headquarters of the Obaku branch of zen, the third school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, smaller and less known than the Rinzai and Soto schools, the Ôbakusan Manpukuji remains one of the few enclos

Rokkakudo Temple Kyoto

Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto is considered the spiritual home of ikebana (flower arranging) in Japan.

Kodaiji

Kodaiji

In ancient Japan, widowers built grandiose mausoleums in honor of their deceased other-half and deified them within dedicated temples.

Koryu-ji temple still houses many national treasures of Japan.

Koryuji

A Buddhist building that despite the marks of time, has been able to keep many works of art, which now belong to Japanese National Treasure.

Honen-in Temple

Honen-in

Not far from Ginkakuji or the Silver Pavilion, above the Philosopher's Path, Honen-in Temple merits special attention. Not to be missed.

Tenryuji

Tenryuji

Discover Arashiyama, its walks, the Tenryuji and its sea of bamboo and the village where locals still cultivate the slow life.

Kofukuji Temple Nagasaki

Kofukuji Temple, is located in the Teramachi district of the city and is one of the most important Chinese temples in Nagasaki, Kyushu.

Kennin temple

Kennin-ji temple

Around a street corner in Gion, the Kenninji invites you to meditate. A temple with beautiful gardens, in April it hosts a celebration in in honor of a Zen master.

Kamigamo Jinja

Kamigamo Shrine

What a strange paradox that this place dedicated to Kamo Wake-Ikazuchi, the Shinto  god of thunder, is so peaceful. Yet the nearby town seems to be so far away.

Nanzenji

Nanzenji

Surrounded by greenery, nestled in the Higashiyama district, this temple, dating from 1264, which had originally served as a secondary villa to the Emperor Kameyama (1249-1305)  is now c

Facade of Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto.

Kitano Tenmangu

A cow, examinations successfully completed and a thousand-year-old curse...

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple - Introduction

Narita-san temple is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple situated in Narita, Chiba Prefecture and was founded in 940 by Kancho Daisojo, a disciple of Kukai.

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Yogen-in

Yougenin (養源院) is a small temple that was built for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's last concubine, who bore him a son. It is not far from JR Kyoto Station.

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Shodenji

Shodenji Temple (正伝寺) is one of several temples in Kyoto that retain blood-stained floorboards from Fushimi Castle.

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Genko-an

Genko-an Temple in the north west of Kyoto is known for its garden and lovely autumn leaves and the bloody footprints visible on its ceiling.

Hanazono Jinja Shrine

Hidden between the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and close to the nightlife district of Kabukicho, the discreet sanctuary Hanazono Jinja Shrine invites for full meditation in the metropolis.

The Buddhist temple Koganji of the Soto Zen sect in the district of Sugamo in Tokyo is particularly famous for its statue of Jizo Togenuki.

Koganji Temple

On Jizôdori street, Koganji temple attracts lots of Obachan - grandmothers - for symbolic healing powers.

Beside the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno, the Kanei-ji Buddhist temple holds the graves of six shoguns.

Kanei-ji Temple

Notable for its five-story pagoda, the Kanei-ji watches over the graves of six Tokugawa Shoguns.

The Jomyo-in at Toyko gathers over eighty-four thousand idols in the image of Jizo, god of pilgrims and children.

Jomyo-in Temple

Tucked between the Yanaka cemetery and Kaneiji temple in Ueno Park, Jomyo-in's plot is recognizable by its thousands of stone statuettes.

The sanctuaireHie-Jinja is dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami, the guardian of the mountain and protector of the city of Tokyo.

Hie-Jinja Shrine

Leaning against a hill between the buildings of Akasaka, Hie Jinja has an soothing atmosphere for overworked employees and disoriented travelers.

Located in Ueno Park since 1627 sancutaire Tosho-gu is dedicated to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616).

Tosho-gu Shrine

A discreet Shinto Shrine in Ueno Park, Toshogu has the distinction of having resisted the multiple upheavals Tokyo has suffered over the centuries.

Senjokaku flag

Senjokaku Pavilion

In Miyajima, the sea and sky mix together in an old wooden building.

Daisho-in

Thousands of statues lost in nature and some old buildings scattered here and there: This is what the start of the ascent of Mount Misen looks like.

Oyama Jinja Shrine

Oyama Jinja

On a small piece of wood a little girl is writing her wish. "Winning the next gymnastics competition!".

Daijoji Temple

Daijoji

The home of Zen in Kanazawa is Daijoji. This temple, a faithful refuge of the Soto sect, gladly welcomes the curious to participate in religious services. Tempted by introspection?

Ninja Dera Temple

Ninja-Dera Temple (Myoryuji)

Located in Kanazawa, Ninja-Dera temple's normal appearance doesn't give the impression of anything ninja-like. But under its ordinary outside hides a castle filled with traps.

Tentokuin Temple

Tentokuin

Treasure is not always what we think it is. At Tentokuin temple, the wonder is not in the place of worship, but in its door, opening to a princess's destiny.

Circuit temples Higashiyama Teramachi

Tour of the Higashiyama Teramachi Temples

The walk from Higashiyama Teramachi to Takayama looks just like a miniature city tour of Kyoto. To the delight of visitors, temples and shrines are plentiful.

Tenmangû shrine in Osaka

Tenmangû Shrine

Tenmangû Shrine plays an important role for the people of Osaka. Beyond being the gathering place for the Tenjin Matsuri, it captures the attention as a large Tenjin place of worship.

Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple

Once upon a time there was a prince. Seduced by a new religion, Buddhism from China, he defended it body and soul during a war that shook the country.

Isshinji Temple

Isshinji

Steel pipes and cement blocks intertwine to mark the entrance to the eight hundred year old temple.

Tenjin Shrine Ohatsu

Ohatsu Tenjin

The Ohatsu Tenjin, also called Tsuyunoten, stands as one of the most popular shrines of Osaka . A place with a symbolic past linked to a dramatic love story.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

With an architecture free of any continental influence, the buildings of the Sumiyoshi Taisha illustrate the religious of old, a time when Buddhism from China had not yet influenced the Japanese s

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Suwa Taisha Shrine

Suwa Taisha Shrine in Nagano Prefecture near Lake Suwa is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan dating back over 1200 years.

Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji

The tutelary temple of the powerful Fujiwara family is considered one of the finest museums of sacred Japanese sculpture from the seventh to the thirteenth century. Its name: Kofukuji.

The temple Toshodaiji

Toshodaiji

Symbol of the reforms initiated by Emperor Shomu (699-756), a devout Buddhist, Toshodaiji figures amongst the great monasteries of the former imperial capital.

Gamagori

Kongoji Temple and Statue of Kobo Daishi Gamagori

Just a little west of Laguna Ten Bosch in Gamagori on the coast of Aichi Prefecture is Kongoji Temple and its giant statue of Kobo Daishi.

Horyuji Temple

Horyuji

Nara's Horyuji, located in Ikaruga, is a vast place of worship amid the pine trees, and houses the oldest recorded wooden buildings in the world. It remains the oldest temple in Japan!