Religious Sites in Kyoto

Religious Sites in Kyoto, Japan

Religious Sites in Kyoto

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Showing results 1-30 of 1,101

What travellers are saying

  • July H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a special place to visit! Walking through the red torii gates felt magical, and the trail up the mountain was so peaceful. The views of Kyoto along the way were beautiful, and I loved how calm and relaxing the whole area felt.
    Written 25 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zach B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The meticulously landscaped gardens and serene atmosphere make for a peaceful and inspiring visit. While entry inside the temple is not allowed, the scenic walking path provides excellent views and photo opportunities!
    Written 29 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Celina R
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The building is famous for its large wooden stage, which juts out over the hillside, supported by massive wooden beams.
    Written 31 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 649001
    Springfield361 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a magical place.
    The main hall contains a big Buddha sitting on a lotus flower surrounding 1001 (!) standing golden Kannons (Goddess of Mercy) about human height made from cypress wood almost 1000 years ago. It's a shining army! The statues have 21 pairs of arms which symbolizes 1000 arms. There are different objects in the statues' hands. The statues have many faces (there are 11 small heads attached to the Main head). There are many other statues: G-d of Wind, G-d of Thunder, Heavenly Kings, etc. Some are playing musical instruments, some have wings, some have horse head on their head, some have fin-like brows, etc.
    Unfortunately, you cannot take a picture there.
    There is also a nice small garden outside.
    Allow at least an hour.
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LVV
    Takatsuki, Japan69 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I wasn't familiar with this temple but I had seen it recommended in a travel guide. It was on the way from the silver pavilion so we dropped by. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this temple was. It's very spacious so you will need some time to explore everything. Unlike Ginkakuji, this temple was almost empty, so we could really enjoy the serene atmosphere.
    Written 8 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HonestTel
    Leicester, UK264 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bit of a walk from our hotel but worth it in the end.

    The temple is stunning and the park is beautiful. There is so much to walk around and see.

    It was a very popular spot and there was a good mix of westerners and locals.
    Written 26 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Soko37
    Budapest, Hungary14,409 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice park area with historical buildings, we have few visits of different religious places and I started to be confused. Nice wooden temple with position walk around
    Written 13 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 649001
    Springfield361 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is nice but not a must. It has a five-story Pagoda (the tallest in Japan), Kondo (main hall with 3 Buddhas), Kodo (a hall with 21 Buddhas, one of them is riding an elephant - no pictures of Buddha image is allowed), a small garden, and Kanchi-in Temple (house interior consisting of almost empty rooms with tatami mats, sliding doors, and an ink painting of attacking eagles on the wall - take off your shoes at the entrance).
    Allow at least an hour.
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paulo P
    Manila, Philippines8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Crowded but worth waking up early for just to see the stunning views of autumn foliage (from above!!) while crossing Tsutenkyo Bridge. Enjoy the whole color spectrum of maple & other ornamental leaves in the late fall - from fiery red-orange to yellows & soft pinks. The Tofuku-ji Temples and rock gardens are worth a visit by themselves but are outshone by the autumn foliage at this time of the year. Gardens are compactly designed even cozy feeling - don't miss the views from below the bridge and the impressive but overlooked San-mon Gate on your way out (the oldest among the existing Zen Temples- 13th century). Temple is just a few minutes away from Kyoto Station on the South City Bus. Entry ticket is 1000 Yen during peak hoyo season - no re-entry so stay as long as you can.
    Written 29 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julia M
    Indianapolis, Indiana502 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are walking around the Gion district, be sure to see this Buddhist temple complex (closes at 5pm). It's large and pretty standard as far as features with the dry garden, pond, bridges, bamboo grove, etc, but if you don't have time to go up to Kinkakuji, Ryoanji or Ninnaji seeing this will give you an idea of what this type of temple is all about. You can also walk about .25 miles to see the Kodai-ji temple, which is similar, or you can just stick with this one that is closer to the main part of Gion.

    This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kannon (Kuan-yin in Chinese) and there is a very lovely central shrine. This site also has livestreamed Buddhist ceremonies, which are performed out of public view, so be sure to stop and watch the monitor if one is going on. You will see monks walking around. We came on Coming of Age Day so it was awesome to see young people in kimono walking around.

    And if you enjoyed this, also walk 5 min north to the Yasaka shrine, which is Shinto and has a very different, more lively and participatory vibe. It is open and lit up at night.
    Written 14 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alex B
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visiting Tenryu-ji was a serene experience. The temple’s beautiful gardens, with their tranquil ponds and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, provided a peaceful retreat. The Zen atmosphere and intricate architecture make it a must-see for anyone exploring Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
    Written 8 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicole W
    61 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The temple is one of a kind, it was very quiet when we were there early afternoon late August, There are some larger statues, the numerous raken (~1200) make this place special, none is the same and they are spread over the hills of the temple. Not explained: visitor’s leave money with some of the raken, one even wore jewelry.
    It is a very special place to visit, keep it that way.
    Written 30 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • flo220
    New York City, NY430 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful zen temple with a beautiful zen garden and various exhibits. The area around the garden is peaceful but there are a lot of crowds to contend with. Worth a visit for the garden and the nature.
    Written 11 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • happyyoggi
    Sydney, Australia187 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A compact and serene temple with its own bamboo grove. Visited twice, once in 2023 and recently during late November 2024. Their night illumination event is one of the best in Kyoto in my opinion.

    The light reflection in front of the pond is absolutely stunning and the firefly illumination against the bamboo grove was just magical. There are less crowds than other temples. Entrance fee is 600 yen.
    Written 8 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stanley
    Hong Kong, China72 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is very beautiful, flowers, rocks, trees everywhere. Very beautiful. It was pretty hot, basically why I put this rating down a star is because too hot. If today is a good weather then it would probably be a 5star
    Written 7 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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