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Kiyomizu-dera and its pagoda above the trees in Kyoto

Shrines & temples

Shrines and temples in Kyoto

Japan's former capital has more famous shrines and temples than anywhere else in the country, from torii-lined mountain paths to a pavilion covered in gold.

61 places · 21 nationally protected

Kyoto was Japan's capital for more than a thousand years, and it shows. Seventeen of its shrines, temples and its castle are listed together by UNESCO as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and hundreds more sit in quiet side streets. A shrine is Shinto (look for the torii gate at the entrance); a temple is Buddhist, usually with a main hall, a gate with guardian figures and often a garden.

You can't see everything, so pick by area. Fushimi Inari is south of the center, on its own train line. Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine and Sanjusangen-do are in Higashiyama, walkable from each other. Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji are in the northwest, 20 minutes apart on foot. Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji sit at either end of the Philosopher's Path, and Byodo-in is a half-day trip south to Uji.

Good to know

  • Go to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera first thing in the morning; by 10 a.m. both are crowded.
  • City buses get packed. The subway, the Keihan line and the JR Nara line cover most big sites, and Higashiyama is best on foot.
  • Most temples charge a small entry fee and some take cash only, so keep coins and small bills on you.
  • You take your shoes off in many halls: wear shoes that slip on and off easily, and clean socks.

Start with these

The ones worth planning a day around.

More Shrines & temples in Kyoto

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Questions

What is the difference between a shrine and a temple in Japan?

Shrines are Shinto and have a torii gate at the entrance; you rinse your hands, bow twice, clap twice and bow once. Temples are Buddhist, often with incense burners and a main hall with a Buddha statue, and you pray quietly without clapping.

Which Kyoto shrines and temples are free?

Shrine grounds are usually free, including Fushimi Inari, Yasaka Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine. Most temples, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, charge an entry fee.

How many days do I need for Kyoto's temples?

Two full days covers the highlights if you go area by area: one day for Fushimi Inari and Higashiyama, one for the northwest and Arashiyama. Add half a day for Uji.

Sources

We checked the facts on this page against these sources.

Shrines & temples elsewhere in Kansai

More to see in Kyoto