11 Most Beautiful Temples To Visit In Japan

Religion has always been a major influence on the culture of Japan. Elements of the two most popular religions in the country, Shintoism, the indigenous religion of the country, and Buddhism, have had an impact on everything from art in Japan (you’ll notice countless pieces of religious artwork on your travels around the many shrines and temples of Japan) to Japanese politics. Indeed, during the heyday of the Japanese Empire, people believed that the emperor at the time was divine, himself a living god. This is an idea that is deeply connected to Shintoism.

To experience such a religious site on a Japan tour is to experience the real cultural center of classic Japan. If you plan to visit one or more Japanese temples, monasteries or shrines, you’re in luck, for below is a list of the top 10 temples in Japan.

# Choho-ji

This temple in Kainan, Wakayama has three sections, namely a Tahoto, Daimon, and the Main Hall, which were erected in 1357, 1388, and 1311 respectively. The first two were built during the early stages of the Muromachi era while the last one was in the later period of the Kamakura era.

# Horyu-ji

This temple is divided into the East Corridor (700), the Golden Hall (693), the Scripture House (Nara era), a five-storied pagoda (703), Kofuzo (Heian era), a Three Sutra Hall (1231), Belfry (1005-1020), and eleven other sub-sections.

# Kimpusen-ji

Located in Yoshino, Nara, this temple is divided into the Nio Gate and the Main/Zao Hall, which were erected in 1456 and 1591 respectively. This feature is the main temple of a religion known as Kimpusen-Shugendo.

# Todai-ji

Divided into eight sections, this temple in Nara includes features a Scripture House (Nara era), Nigatsu-do (1669), the Great Buddha Hall (1705), Nandaimon (1199), and others. It was once among the Seven Great Temples.

# Kakurin-ji

Located in Kakogawa, Hyogo, it is divided into two sub-sections known as Taishido and the Main Hall. These two were constructed in 1112 and 1397 respectively. Founded by Prince Shotoku, it is a meeting place for the Tendai sect.

# Toshodai-ji

The five sections of this temple, which is in Nara, include the Lecture Hall (763), a Treasure House (Nara era), a Scripture House (8th century), the famous Golden Hall (8th century), and Koro (1240).

# Daigo-ji

This temple has three main parts, namely the Yakushi Hall (1121), a five-storied pagoda (952), and the Golden Hall, which was built in the later stages of the Heian period. Located in Kyoto, the temple’s name signifies the deepest part of Buddhist feelings.

# Muro-ji

Located in Uda, Nara, this temple has a Golden Hall, a five-storied pagoda, and the Main/Kanjo Hall, which were erected in the early Heian era (the first two) while the last one was built in 1308.

# Joruri-ji

Located in Kizugawa, Kyoto, the temple is among the few temples with a Paradise Garden from the early stages of the Heian era. The temple has a three-storied pagoda built in 1178 and the Main Hall, which was built in 1157.

# Gango-ji

Three subsections make up this historic Buddha temple in Nara that was among the Sven Great Temples. These sections are a five-storied pagoda (8th century), the Zen Room (early Kamakura era), and the Main Hall (1244).

# Koryu-ji

Located in Kyoto, this Shingon temple could be the oldest in Kyoto. The main feature is the Keigu-in Main Hall, which was erected before 1251 during the early stages of the Kamakura era. Other names include Uzumasa-dera and Hatanokimi-der.