Kyoto, Japan: On the Trail of Temples
Discovering a Cultural Treasure Trove
Story and Photos by John Penisten
Magnificent Temples
One of the most meaningful travel experiences in Japan’s tradition-rich culture is visiting some of the numerous historic Buddhist and Shinto temples and religious shrines. And one of the best places to do this is the old imperial capital of Kyoto where many of the country’s most magnificent and majestic temples and shrines are located.
Situated in the south-central area of Honshu Island, Kyoto is a vibrant modern city imbued with an air of ancient Japanese culture. Kyoto’s colorful heritage is easily seen in the many temples and shrines that are a reflection of the city’s past. The following are among the more popular and significant of Kyoto’s temples. Many of the temples and shrines are open free to the public, but some do charge nominal admission fees.
A Cloud Dragon
Located in the Sagano district of Kyoto, Tenryu-ji Temple (Temple of the Heavenly Dragon) has a long history and its landscaped garden is a designated United Nations World Cultural Heritage site.
The Sogenchi Garden is one of Japan’s oldest. The temple was established in 1339 and has undergone several reconstructions. The present buildings date to the Meiji period of 1868–1912. However, the site was originally occupied by the first Zen temple in Japan dating back to the ninth century. Stroll the lovely gardens and be sure to take in the magnificent ceiling painting of the “Cloud Dragon” in the Dharma Hall.
Peaceful Dragon
Ryoanji Temple (Temple of the Peaceful Dragon) was established in 1473 in the Ryoanji area of Kyoto. This Zen temple is most famous for its rectangular (100 ft. x 33 ft.) rock garden created in the 16th century. The garden is composed of 15 rocks set into a field of raked white gravel and is considered a masterpiece of Japanese culture.
Foot paths lead throughout the temple grounds and around the Kyoyochi Pond providing varied views of the beautiful gardens and carefully landscaped grounds.
Pure Water Temple
Kiyomizudera Temple is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. Known as the “Pure Water Temple,” it was founded in the 8th century by a Buddhist priest. The temple buildings are spread over a steep hillside offering panoramic views of the Kyoto metro area. Most of the present buildings and towering pagoda were constructed in the early 17th century.
Visitors seek out the temple waterfall for its pure water which is said to have curative powers for all illnesses.
An Emperor’s Palace
Daikakuji Temple was originally a palace of the Emperor Saga during the 9th century. It was later converted to a Shingon Buddhist Temple. The temple buildings are noted for their exquisite traditional sliding door and paneled paintings depicting scenes of early Japan. Fronting the main building is an imperial court-styled garden flanked with orange and plum trees. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with Osawa Pond adding to the serene atmosphere. Daikukuji Temple is in the Sagano area of Kyoto city.
Temple of Gold
Located in Kyoto’s Kita-ku district, the Kinkakuji Temple boasts the famed Golden Pavilion. The World Cultural Heritage site features meandering pathways through extensive gardens and landscaped grounds. The temple dates from the 1300’s but the elegant Golden Pavilion is the only original building. The handsome three-level pagoda tower is covered with gold-leaf on lacquer, providing a shining reflection over the tranquil waters of Kyoko-chi Pond. The Golden Pavilion is one of Kyoto’s major attractions.
Fox Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto’s suburban Fushimi-ku district is a large temple complex spread over a wooded hillside. This large shrine complex is one of Japan’s most important and its deity is associated with foxes.
Pathways through wooded slopes pass through tunnels of bright red-orange torii gateways, the temple’s most noted feature. There are numerous small shrines devoted to various other deities throughout the complex. Many locals come here to pray, make offerings, and ask for the blessings of the gods for the success of business endeavors.
Great Buddha Temple
Todai-ji Temple is located in Nara, an hour train ride southeast of Kyoto. This temple complex dates from the 8th century. Due to wars, fires, and natural disasters over the years, many of the current buildings date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Hall of the Great Buddha rates as one of the world’s largest wooden structures. It measures 187 ft. wide by 164 ft. deep and 157 ft. high.
It had to be big in order to house the magnificent bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha, the largest bronze statue in the world at 53 ft. high and weighing 550 tons.
Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan doesn’t disappoint. Thoroughly modern in every way, the city reflects the fast-paced urban environment of today’s Japan, And yet, Kyoto retains its reputation as a treasure trove of Japanese culture and heritage with its magnificent temples and shrines.
Kyoto Details
Kyoto boasts numerous hotels and lodging options for all budgets. Staying at or near the main train station has advantages if you’re traveling by train. One option is the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, 17 Nishikujo-Inmachi, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601–8412, Japan; Web: https://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/kyoto-hachijo/
The hotel is conveniently located across the street from the main Kyoto train station (Hachijo Exit), providing easy access to all of Kyoto’s attractions. The hotel has well-maintained rooms, varied restaurants, and a full western/Asian-style buffet breakfast is available.
Another good choice is the Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku, Karasuma-dori, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Kyoto 600–8216, Japan; Web: https://www.granvia-kyoto.co.jp
The Granvia is conveniently located in the Kyoto train station and is one of Japan Rail’s luxurious well-maintained hotels. The property features several restaurants and easy access to all the shopping, dining and attractions that the train station and Kyoto metro area offers. The train station has numerous shops and restaurants in addition to an underground mall and the well known Isetan Department Store.
The Japan National Tourism Organization website has lots of detailed information on travel in Japan, activities, attractions, hotel/lodging reservations and other travel arrangements by destination/area. For information on Kyoto, see: https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/kyoto/
If you have limited time in Kyoto and want to see as many temples, shrines and other attractions as possible, consider hiring a private English-speaking taxi guide for one day rather than to rely on busses, subways, etc. to get around. This option makes it easy to take in several of Kyoto’s major temples and shrines quickly and comfortably and with excellent English narration on Kyoto’s culture and history.
A previous version of this story appeared in International Travel News and GoNomad.com.
Other Japan stories:
Wandering Around: Takayama, Japan | by John Penisten | May, 2024 | Hawai’i TraveLog| Medium
Finding Winter Fun in Japan’s Far North | by John Penisten | BATW Travel Stories| Feb, 2024| Medium
Sumo : Japan’s Revered Ancient Sport | by John Penisten | BATW Travel Stories | Jan, 2023| Medium
About the Writer
John Penisten is a photojournalist and longtime resident of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i. He has authored the guidebooks Hawai’i the Big Island, Kaua’i the Garden Island, Adventure Guide to Hawai’i, and Experience the Big Island: The Road to Adventure. His personal adventure book Green Hills and Blue Lagoons: A Peace Corps Memoir covers his travels and experiences as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Fiji Islands, South Pacific. His travel stories and photos have appeared in a variety of print and online publications.
# # #
