The picturesque city of Kyoto, Japan, is known for its beautiful gardens, temples, palaces and other traditional buildings. We’ve narrowed down the list of our favorite temples in Kyoto.
Kinkakuji
The Zen Buddhist temple is one of the most popular and most visited in Japan. The three-story building is decorated in gold leaf for a stunning appearance. The temple is also known as Rokuon-ji, which translates to “deer garden temple.”
Nanzenji
This Zen Buddhist temple features sprawling grounds, with numerous smaller temples separated by beautiful gardens, streams, waterfalls, trees and marked trails. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, and the trees boast red and orange leaves in the fall.
Saiho-ji
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Zen Buddhist temple is partially hidden by a moss garden. It’s commonly referred to as Koke-dera, or “moss temple.”
Sanjusangen-do
The temple features more than 1,000 statues of goddesses in the halls. Photography is not permitted inside the temple, open daily for visitors.
Tenryu-ji
One of the most iconic temples in Kyoto, Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The picturesque temple interacts with the surrounding natural landscapes. There are numerous buildings on the grounds.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedNorth America
Sep 9, 2026Why You Should Make This Hotel Your Base for Fall Travel to Nashville, Tennessee
Travelers booking a fall trip to Nashville should make Noelle their homebase. The hotel was built inside a restored 1930s landmark on Fourth Avenue in the heart of downtown, just blocks from Broadway, Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy its rooftop bar, a Mexican restaurant from Chef Richard Sandoval, an underground speakeasy, coffee shop and Keep Shop.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Sep 9, 2026Discover Crystal River Florida Launches Nature Coast Pour Tour
Discover Crystal River Florida now offers visitors and locals a new way to sip across Citrus County with its new Nature Coast Pour Tour, a passport program linking 12 local coffee, tea and smoothie spots; breweries; distilleries; wine shops; and other beverage destinations.
Destinations / North America
Sep 9, 2026Changes Coming to Washington Dulles International Airport
If you keep your eye on the D.C. headlines, you’re probably aware there are some changes coming to Washington Dulles International Airport. So, what can you expect?
Sponsored Content
12 Reasons to Visit Gozo, Malta’s Slower Sister Island
Gozo may be small in size, but Malta’s charming sister island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, deep-rooted history, rich culture and adventure. Gozo offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. From picturesque villages and cliffside views to ancient temples and festive celebrations, the island invites visitors to slow down and savor the true Mediterranean lifestyle.
Destinations / North America
Sep 8, 2026Visit Ontario’s First B Corp Certified Winery
If you’re a fan of both wineries and sustainability, you’re likely keeping an eye on how your favorite vineyards put eco-friendly measures at the forefront of their operations — and now, if you live in the general vicinity of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, (or are planning a nearby trip soon) you’ll have an excellent excuse to visit Stratus Vineyards.
ShareThis