Top 20 Shrines and Temples in Japan

Japan has a lot of temples and shrines from Shinto's and Buddhist's culture. You can find one easily in Japan especially in the heart of Kyoto. These shrines have been registered as World Heritage Sites, so you might want to visit when you are in Japan. However, these beautiful shrines are not always in big cities, so if you are in small cities, you still have a chance to visit shrines.

You can also learn and experience Japanese culture such as learn how to pray at shrine, strolling around the shrines with Kimono or Yukata, and many more while you visiting popuar spiritual spots! Here is a list of 20 shrines and temples in Japan!

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Shrine is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. A large number of visitors from all over Japan come for “hatsumode” or the first shrine visit of the New Year. On the day of your visit, you can catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding ceremony if you’re lucky.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the headquarters of all the Inari shrines. It has served as a place of worship for the common people over 1,300 years. The tunnel consisting of 10,000 torii gates is something to see. Enjoy a stroll through the rolling land on the spacious grounds of the shrine.

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji was established in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji is known for the dazzling appearance of its reliquary hall in the middle of the pond, decorated with gold leaf.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple. Surrounding the main temple is a 5-story pagoda, as well as various shops along Nakamise-dori street leading up to the temple. The famous Sanja Festival, which spreads its way through the temple grounds, and the Hozuki Festival are held annually at Sensoji Temple.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a Kannon temple where the goddess Kannon is worshipped. Kiyomizu-dera has a particularly long history among the temples of Kyoto and it is a registered World Heritage site. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.

Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu enshrines Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first Shogun who established the Edo Shogunate. There are many highlights including the extravagantly decorated Yomemon gate, and the decorative carvings known as the Sleeping Cat and the Three Wise Monkeys.

Yahiko Shrine

Yahiko Shrine, with a beautiful and authoritative presence, stands in Yahiko Village in the middle of nature. Many people from all over the country flock to the shrine, a power spot granting wishes.

Hakone Shrine

This spiritual spot representing Hakone, is popular all year round. Many women come to pray there as it is famous as a shrine of marriage.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Nachi Taisha is one of the red lacquer-painted temples that glisten among the trees. It appears out of the forest along the beautiful stone steps of the Kumano Kodo route. Here, close to Nachi Falls, you will experience the impressive nature of Kumano.

Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangen-do was rebuilt in 1266 and has been maintained, repeatedly undergoing repairs, for more than 700 years. 1001 statues of Kannon are enshrined in the 120-meter long temple, made entirely of Japanese cypress.

Zuigan-ji Temple

The dazzling main hall constructed by the first feudal lord of the Sendai clan, Masamune Date, cannot be missed. Experience art from Japan’s Middle Ages at Zuigan-ji Temple, where many Important Cultural Properties including National Treasures are maintained.

Ise Jingu Naiku (Kotaijingu)

Naiku (Inner Shrine) is officially known as Kotajingu and is a prestigious shrine venerated by generations of Emperors. Within its 93 hectare grounds, an ancient forest spreads out and there is a majestic air in the atmosphere.

Ninjadera

Myoryuji Temple is known by the nickname Ninjadera. The tense historical background of this valuable building can be felt in the unique traps and mechanisms set for the Shogunate army.

Kasuga Taisha

The World Heritage site of Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine) was established to enshrine the local deity. This was 1300 years ago, at around the time of the relocation of the capital. The brilliant vermilion shrine standing in the primeval forest is magnificent and mysterious sight.

Mitaki-dera Temple

Here, you become one with nature, enveloped by the serenity of stone Buddha statues on the mountainside. It is known as a famous place for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. An old residence has been refurbished as a popular teahouse with a peaceful atmosphere.

Seisui-ji Temple

A truly secluded temple. The vermilion Guze-den Hall built to resemble Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto has a grand appearance as it stands tall amid the trees. The sound of the river off in the distance further deepens the tranquility of the temple.

Tocho-ji Temple

A temple with many highlights such as the country’s largest wooden seated statue of Buddha, the “Rokkaku-do” building (only open to the public once a month), and the recently built 5 story pagoda.

Engaku-ji Temple

Even among the Zen temples of the Kamakura Era when the samurai class flourished, Engaku-ji is a historic temple that has been ranked as the second of Kamakura’s Five Mountains. The gently-sloping vista is first-rate and the changing colors in the fall are especially splendid.

Natadera Temple

Countless numbers of caves exist on the exposed rock wall. Natadera Temple is infused with a mysterious beauty, surrounded by the nature of the mountains, with features such as a garden with tall strangely shaped rocks and a main hall situated inside a cave.

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