Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Kyōto, Japan

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Thousands of vermilion torii gates lead through forests to the sacred Mount Inari.

Endless Torii Gates: Uniquely, there are over 10,000 torii gates making it one of the most iconic sites in Japan.
Hiking Opportunities: Offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Inari Shinto Religion: Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and foxes.

A historic temple perched precariously on a hillside overlooking Kyoto.

Unique Architecture: Known for its wooden construction without nails.
Nature and Views: Offers stunning views of cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and the city below.
Foundation Story: Legend says it was founded in 798 AD after a dream about a miraculous spring.

Houses a thousand life-size statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

One Thousand Statues: Unparalleled in its collection of wooden Kannon statues.
Longest Wooden Building: The world's longest wooden building at 120 meters long.
Zen-style Architecture: Features an elegant Zen-style architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

A beautiful golden temple surrounded by a serene reflecting pond.

Golden Architecture: Famous for its gold-plated architecture.
Historical Significance: Originally a retirement villa, it was converted into a temple after the owner's death.
Stunning Reflections: The pond reflects the Golden Pavilion creating a breathtaking sight.

A temple complex known for its beautiful autumn leaves and historic architecture.

Autumn Leaves Spectacle: One of the best spots in Kyoto to see stunning autumn foliage.
Tofuku-ji's Zen Garden: Features a unique, undulating moss garden.
Historic Architecture: Known for its impressive Nio-mon gate and National Treasure Hokke-do hall.

A grand temple dedicated to Amida Buddha with a massive wooden gate.

Impressive Gate: Home to the Yomeimon Gate, one of the largest gates in Japan.
Giant Bell: Houses a massive bell that is rung at midnight on New Year's Eve.
Amida Buddha Worship: Dedicated to Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.

A sprawling temple complex with various sub-temples and beautiful gardens.

Sprawling Complex: One of the five mountain temples of Kyoto.
Iconic Tahoto Pond: Features a pond with an island housing a magnificent stone pagoda.
Historical Significance: Established in the Heian period and has been rebuilt multiple times.

A historic street lined with traditional machiya houses and temples.

Traditional Architecture: Showcases well-preserved Machiya houses from the Edo period.
Temple and Shrine Cluster: Features several important temples and shrines like Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in Temple.
Historic Walking Tour: Offers a glimpse into the historic Higashiyama district.

A beautiful temple with a Zen garden and an elegant teahouse.

Zen Garden: Features a tranquil dry sand and rock garden.
Teahouse: Houses the elegant Jishu Shoin teahouse, popular for tea ceremonies.
Silver Misnomer: Originally intended to be coated in silver but was never finished.

A temple complex with a beautiful garden and the World Heritage Site, Omuro-jiko.

World Heritage Site: Home to the World Heritage Site, Omuro-jiko, an ancient kitchen.
Beautiful Garden: Features a stunning garden with over 300 cherry trees.
Historic Significance: Originally built as the residence of Emperor Uda's consort, Princess Shotoku.

A temple complex on Mount Hiei with a long history and scenic views.

Mountain Retreat: Set on Mount Hiei, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
Historic Importance: Has a long history dating back to the 8th century as the center of Tendai Buddhism.
Scenic Cable Car Ride: Reach the temple by taking a scenic cable car ride.

A villa built for an Emperor with intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.

Imperial Residence: One of the few remaining imperial residences open to the public.
Beautiful Gardens: Features stunning gardens with ponds, bridges, and tea houses.
Intricate Architecture: Known for its intricate design and use of camouflage architecture.

A beautiful temple famous for its golden Phoenix Hall and peaceful gardens.

Golden Phoenix Hall: Famous for its golden phoenix hall with stunning architecture.
Serene Gardens: Features a tranquil lake and beautiful gardens.
Associated with Horyu-ji Temple: Linked to the Horyu-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples.

A temple complex with impressive architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Impressive Architecture: Features one of Japan's largest wooden buildings.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Tendai Buddhism Center: Serves as the main temple of Jodo-shu, the Pure Land sect of Buddhism.

A shrine dedicated to the deities of love and matchmaking.

Love Deities: Dedicated to Okuninushi, the god of marriage, and his messenger, the fox deity.
Matchmaking Power: Believed to grant wishes related to love and relationships.
Historic Significance: One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, dating back to the 6th century.