Ten Most Famous Shrines and Temples

We all know that Japan is famous for its shrines and temples. Here are some of the best in Japan. Come and feel what is like to live in a country where they were building these temples and worshipping gods before western civilization was even getting started.

1) Kokedera

Kokedera litterally means “moss temple” and its gardens are blanketed in moss. You must make reservations far in advance to get into this temple but it is really worth the wait. Apparently there are over 120 varieties of moss in the gardens.These moss gardens have had a huge influence on subsequent garden design in Japan. Kokedera was converted to its current state as a zen temple from its previous itteration as a shinto shrine in 1339.

2) Sanjusangendo

Located in Kyoto, this is Japan’s longest wooden structure at just over 100 meters. Inside is a large statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. She is accompanied by 500 statuettes of Kannon which are in apposing groups of 250 carvings. Each carving is slightly different as they are obviously all hand carved. There is a beautiful if not small garden outside. This temple has a lovely serene, and peaceful energy. Definitely worth a look.

3) Kiyomizu Temple

This temple was built in 780 and is one of the most famous temples in Japan. Located in Kyoto it stands on wooded hills and overlooks the city. It is a large wooden structure, beautifully constructed, and in stunning harmony with the the trees that surround it. It has a huge balcony area where you can look out over the hills and Kyoto city. There is also a pagoda shrine in the back which is also nesteled beautifully amoung the surrounding flora. The pathway leading to shrine is in Higashiyama, one of the older areas of Kyoto and is bustling with vendors selling their wares. The walk to the temple is extremely interesting in its own right.

4) Kinkakuji

This was built in the 14th Century. The building is a three-storied pavillion and is covered in gold leaf. The building was rebuilt in 1955 as it was burned down by a monk in 1950. The golden building sits amongst trees and on the edge of a lake and reflects the golden evening light beautifully.

5) Horyuuji

Horyuuji is an important place for buddists in Japan as it is one of the world’s oldest wooden structures and one of the first buddest temples established in Japan. The temple was established by Prince Shotoku who is generally said to have brought buddism to Japan. The temple itself is intricately constructed from wood. There is another wooden pagoda which sits over the back should er of the temple itself. These beautiful wooden structures all date back to the 7th Century.

6) Todaiji

Todaiji is located in Nara and is widely considered one of Japans most important temples. It was constructed in 752 as the head of all buddist temples in Japan and became so powerful that the capital of Japan was moved to Nara. Todaiji habors Japan’s largest bronze buddah and the wooden structure that houses it is the largest wooden structure in the world. Todaiji is impressive in its size and cuts an imposing impression on the surrounding landscape. Well worth a visit.

7) Ise Grand Shrines

These are the most famous and venerated of the Shinto shrines. Over six million visitors come to these shrines each year, many of them Shinto followers on a pilgramage. The Outer (Geku) and Inner (Naiku) Shrines are actually located several kilometers apart, each at the foot of a hill with thick woods. Both are burnt to the ground every 20 years and rebuilt according to tradition.The Ise shrines have a very stark austerity, and are built in a strictly Japanese style. Many of the shrines in Japan are influenced by other mainland Asian shrins and temples. The Ise Grand Shrines are not extravagant in their design and are almost minimalist in their simplicity. While these qualities represent some of the ideals of purity and simplicity within the religion, to the untrained eye, they are not the most exciting shrines to visit.

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima is perhaps one of the most photographed and is extremely well recognized as a symbol of Japan. The shrine itself is beautiful as it is built over the seawater and, at high tide, looks like it is floating on the water. Perhaps even more famous than the shrine itself is the Torii or red gate to the shrine which sits in the sea.

This torii is absolutely stunning and is a beautiful example of a man-made structure in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.The shrine was build under the patrongage of Taira no Kiyomori who was the most powerful man in Japan when it was built in 1168. There are trails around the waterfront that lead up to the temple and they are very picturesque to walk. Try to time your visit for a full tide so you get the true “floating” effect with the temple and torii.

9) Yudono Shrine

Yudono is one of the three mountains of the Dewa Sanzan. Each mountain has its own shrine with the other two being called Haguro San and Gasu San. Each of the mountains is said to represent Birth, Life, and Death. Yudono shrine is the most famous and venerated of the three. There is a certain degree of mystery which surrounds the shrine as it is forbidden to talk of, or hear what happens within its inner sanctum. Photographs of the shrine are also forbidden. These three shrines are in a breathtaking mountain setting and have beautiful long walks with a myriad of steps running up to them. Of course you can always cheat and drive up the toll road to Yudono if you are not up to the walk. Recommended.

10) Fushimi Inari Shrine

This is the most famous of the shrines dedicated to the god of rice, Inari. His messengers are said to be foxes and thus statues of foxes are often found at Inari shrines. There is a long trail that takes about two hours to walk on the mountain (Inari-san) behind the main shrine. The trail is covered by countless torii gates lined one after the other along the way. Inari is two stops out of Kyoto on the JR Nara line.