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25 Nov 2019

Home > Japan Guide > Japanese Shrines and Temples

Japanese Shrines and Temples

Japanese Shinto Shrines and Buddhism temples are one of the major sightseeing spots for the travellers. Here are some of the best Japanese Shinto Shrines and Buddhism temples to visit when you are visiting Japan.

Temples↓

Ise Jingu Shrine, Mie

The Ise Jingu is the focal point of Shintoism and is regarded as one of the most important and holiest sites in Japan. It has two main shrines, the Naiku (Inner Shrine)- devoted to Amaterasu-ōmikami (Solar Goddess and ancestral deity of the Imperial family) and Geku (Outer Shrine)-devoted to Toyouke (the deity of food, housing and clothing).One of the three sacred treasures of Japan, the Sacred Mirror is preserved in Naiku. During the Edo period, the Ise Jingu shrine was a popular pilgrimage destination. The Shikinen sengu is the name of the ritual that happens every 20 years. During the ceremonyThe buildings of the two main shrines and bridges are rebuilt. The deities of the two main shrines are relocated to the new buildings. The last ceremony was held in 2013.

Access:: Outer Shrine – 5 min walk from nearest station Ise-shi, Inner Shrine – 15minutes by bus from Ise-shi station
Opening hours:: Daily Outer and Inner Shrines 5:00 to 18:00 (January to April, September) 5:00 to 19:00 (May to August) 5:00 to 17:00 (October to December)
Admission:: Outer and inner shrines, free

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Tokyo

The Meiji-Jingu (Meiji Shrine) was built over 11 years from 1915 to 1926 and it was dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. It is Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine.

Access:: Nearest station to the shrine’s approach is Harajuku station, JR Yamanote line
Admission:: Free

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

The Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima Island are recognized as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan and is designated a World Heritage Site. The shrine is in honour of the Shinto god of the sea and storms. One of the main attractions of the shrine is the submerged Torii.

Access:: Take the JR train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi station then take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island. The Itsukushima shrine is a ten minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier
Opening hours:: Daily 6:30 to 18:00 (closing time depending on the season)
Admission:: 300 yen

Nikko Toshugu Shrine, Tochigi

Toshogu Shrine was built to enshrine the founder of Tokugawa Shogunate that governed Japan for over 250 years, Tokugawa Leyasu. He is enshrined as the deity Tosho Daigongen which means "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". The Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, with explicit wood carvings and intricate décor. It is one of the World Heritage sites in Nikko.

Access:: Take the bus from Nikko station (travel time approx. 10 minutes)
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November through March)
Admission:: Adult 1300 yen, child 450 yen
Information:: Festivals and events

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kanagawa

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, established by Yoriyoshi Minamoto is dedicated to the patron god of the Minamoto family, Hachiman. The Emperor Ojin, Hime-gami, and the Empress Jingu were deitified and are all enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.The shrine’s complex is large with gardens, ponds and trees. It’s one of the most visited shrines during the New Year’s Day celebrations.

Access:: 10-15min walk from Kamakura station
Opening hours:: Daily 5:00 to 21:00 (from 6:00 October to March), Open 24 hours from January 1 to 3
Admission:: Free

Kumano Nachi Taisha, Wakayama

Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located at Mt.Nachisan, where monks practice Shugendo (a mixed religion incorporating both foreign and native beliefs). It is also one of the major pilgrimage destinations of the Kumano Kodo, and a sacred site on the Kii Peninsula together with the Hayatama Taisha and the Hongu Taisha. All three are World Heritage sites. A few metres from the shrine; you can see the Nachi-no-Otaki, the highest waterfall in Japan. The Japanese ancestors long before idolised the Nachi-no-Otaki and considered it a holy and sacred site.

Access:: From Kii Katsuura station, take the Kumano Kotsu bus (25min) to Nachizan station. The shrine is approx. 15 minutes’ walk. Bus timetable
Opening hours:: 7:00 to 17:00
Admission:: Adult 300 yen, child 200 yen Shrine Grounds: Free admission, opening hours: 6:00 to 16:30

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is the main shrine of all the Inari shrines in Japan and is devoted to the deity Inari-Okami . The Shinto deity here is called Inari-Okami and the shrine was dedicated to this deity in 711 AD. The entire mountain called the O-Inarisan, has a combination of large and small Toriis and pathways leading to small shrines. Upon getting off at JR Inari station, it is 5 min walk, the shrine’s approach is met by a Torii gate, leading to the shrine’s complex.

Access:: 5 minutes on foot from JR Inari station (Nara Line)
Opening hours:: 8:30 to 16:30 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Free

Kotohira-gu Shrine, Kagawa

The Kotohira-gu Shrine is located in the Kotohira Town of the Shikoku Region (Kagawa Prefecture). It is one of the largest Shrine complexes in Japan and hardest to reach as it is located on the summit of Mount Zouzu, 1500 Ft. above sea level. It is also called Konpira-san, guardian of the sea diety and is enshrined at Kotohira-gu. It has been a famous pilgrimage stop from ancient times right up to the present day.

Access:: Nagato Furuichi station, then 15-20 mins by taxi from the station to the shrine.
Opening hours:: Daily 9:00 to 17:00
Admission:: Free

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine, Yamaguchi

Motonosumi Inari-jinja has 123 Torii gates that span from the shrine to the cliff, overlooking the sea. It was established in 1955, according to the legend, a god appeared, in the form of a white fox, asking a local fisherman if he could be enshrined.

Access:: Nagato Furuichi station, then 15-20 mins by taxi from the station to the shrine.
Opening hours:: Daily 9:00 to 17:00
Admission:: Free

Usa Shrine, Oita

The Usa Shrine (Usa Jingu), dates from 8th century, and is the leading shrine in Japan devoted to Hachiman (god of archery and war). It is located on the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture. The shrine has a long important history and its complex is grand, surrounded by buildings, bridges, ponds, tress and long pathways where you can take a stroll and enjoy the tranquillity. It is regarded as a national treasure.

Access:: From Usa station, take Oita Kotsu bus to Nakatsu for less than minutes, get off at Usa Hachiman stop. 
Opening hours:: 9:00 to 16:00
Admission:: Temple grounds free

Taikodani Inari Shrine, Shimane

The Taikodani Inari built in the 18th century near the Tsuwano Castle, serves as a protection against evil spirits. Even in the present day, people pay thier respects and pray for good harvest, health and good luck. The shrine is in the hills of Tsuwano Town in Shimane, where you can see a long and large number of Torii gates going uphill towards the main shrine. The Taikodani Inari shrine is one of the greatest Inari shrines in Japan.

Access:: From Tsuwano Station, about 15-20 minutes on foot to the bottom of the stairway leading up to the shrine. It takes about 15 minutes to walk up the stairs to the shrine and its grounds.   
Opening hours:: Daily
Admission:: Free

Heian Shrine, Kyoto

The Heian Jingu was built for the foundation of Kyoto in honour of two late emperors, Emperor Kammu(737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867).

Access:: 30 minutes by bus (No.5 or No.100) from JR Kyoto station
Opening hours:: 6:00 to 17:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Free *Shinen adult 600 yen, child 300 yen

Atsuta Shrine, Aichi

The Atsuta Jingu is an important shrine devoted to Amaterasu (The Sun goddess). It is where one of the three sacred treasures of Japan, the Kusanaga sword, is kept and hidden from public display.

Access:: From Nagoya station take the train to Meitetsu Jingu-mae, the temple is less than 5 min walk form the station.
Opening hours:: Daily
Admission:: Free

Izumo Taisha, Shimane

The Izumo Taisha grand shrine also known as Izumo Oyashiro where the deity Okuninshi (according to legend, the creator of Japan) is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It is also known for the largest shimenawa (a rope made of straw used for purification in Shinto religion), usually found at all shrines. Before the Izumo Taisha, like the Ise shrines, they were rebuilt, maintained and renovated.

Access:: 30 minutes by bus (Ichibata bus) from JR Izumo Station
Opening hours:: 6:30 to 20:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Free

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka

The Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a devoted and well- known scholar, loyal and a high ranking government official. Initially, he served the Emperor loyally but in later years was exiled in Dazaifu due to his involvement in a conspiracy. After Michizane died, the country experienced natural calamities, which the people thought was his wrath brought on by the injustice he experienced. The shrine was built near his grave. The Dazaifu Tenmangu has many visitors especially students praying for good luck in exams.

Access:: 5 min walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu station
Opening hours:: 6:30 to 19:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Free

Yutoku Inari Shrine, Saga

The Yutoki Inari shrine built in 1687 by Nabeshima Naotomo, is one of the three largest Inari shrines in Japan alongside Fushimi Inari and Toyokawa Inari. The main shrine is impressive and has impeccable architecture, built as it is on the slopes of a mountain. The shrine was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 1949 and the work was completed in 1957. The Thai movie “Timeline” and Thai drama “Kol Kimono” were filmed at Yutoku Inari which is a popular destination for Thai tourists.

Access:: Access: 10 misn by car from JR Kashima station
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 16:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Free

Shrines↑

Sensoji, Asakusa Tokyo

The oldest known Buddhist temple in Tokyo dates back to 628 AD and is where the Bodhisattva Kannon deity (Goddess of Mercy and Compassion) is enshrined. The Sensoji Temple is one of the most important temples in Tokyo and the most visited temple during New Year’s Day.

Address:: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku 111-0032, Japan
Access:: 5 mins walk from Asakusa station.
Main hall:: 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March)
Temple grounds:: always open
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 16:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Free

The Rinno-ji Sanbutsudo, Tochigi

The largest and most valued temple founded by monk Shodo Shonin, who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. It’s a place for pilgrimage for devotees of Japanese mountain worship.Gohan-shiki, an age-old custom at the temple was established by Shodo Shonin. He obliged the people to eat rice for good health and prosperity and this tradition is still being observed to this day and happens on 2nd April every year

Access:: 10 minutes by bus (Nikko Sekaiisan-meguri) from JR Nikko station
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 16:00 (last admission 15:30 / depending on the season)
Admission:: Adult 900 yen, child 400 yen

Kotoku-in, Kanagawa

The Kotoku-in, also known as Daii-san Kotoku-in Shojosen-ji, is owned by the Jodo sect (followers of Pure Land Buddhism teachings founded by Honen). It is famous for being one of Japan’s national treasures which is of course, The Great Buddha. The statue stands 11.3 meters tall and weighs 121 tonnes. According to ancient records, due to typhoons and severe earthquakes, the Great Buddha has undergone extensive restoration over the years. Buddhists sects from Japan and around the world visit the statue to offer prayers the Great Buddha.

Address:: 2-28 Hase 4-chome, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0015
Access:: 10 minutes by bus (Keihin kyuko bus) from JR Kamakura station
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 17:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Adult 200 yen, child 100 yen

Kaikozan Jishoin Hase-dera, Kanagawa

The Kamakura Hasedera was built in 736 AD. There are various temples in the complex. In the main hall you will find a statue of the Hase Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) with has 11 different faces each with a different expression. You can also find statues of Jizo Bodhisattva, one of the most beloved deities, who is believed to lighten the suffering of the living and the dead. For this reason, It is one of the most popular temples of the Kanto region and the fourth temple in the Bando (33 Kannon temples of Kanto region) pilgrimage circuit.

Access:: 10 mins walk from the Daibutsu (The Great Buddha)
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 17:00 March to September, 8:00 to 16:30 October to February
Admission:: Adult 300 yen, child 100 yen

Myoryuji (Ninja-dera), Ishikawa

The Myoryuji temple was constructed by Maeda Toshitsune, the third Lord of the Kaga clan during the 16th century. It is a Buddhist temple and a place of worship made for the Maeda family and also served as a place for defense should it be attacked. During the feudal era, there was a restriction of buildings over 3 floors. Ninja-dera from the outside appears to be in line with this law and seems to have only two floors. However, on entering, it has in fact 4 floors. The temple is uniquely built with secret stairways, doors, and, traps, passages and secret exits. If, in the event of an assault and the battle was lost there would always be a means of escape and thus it acquired its name; the Ninja Temple. Reservations 3 months before the day of arrival by telephone only: contact 076-241-0888.

Address:: 1-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa 921-8031, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access:: Take the Kanazawa loop bus, the temple is 5 minutes’ walk from (bus stop number LL5) Hirokoji bus stop.
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 17:00 March to September, 8:00 to 16:30 October to February
Admission:: Adult 1000 yen, child 700 yen

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

The Kinkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple and listed as a UNESCO World heritage site. It serves as a leading symbol of Kitayama culture during the Muromachi period. Did you know that the formal name of the temple is Rokuonji? It is famously called Kinkakuji because of its pavilion’s second and third floors which are covered in gold leaf. The temple was built in 1397 by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

Address:: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Access:: 1 minute walk from Kinkakuji-mae bus stop (by 12, 59 buses)
Opening hours:: Everyday 9:00 to 17:00
Admission:: 400 yen

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera (The Pure Water Temple), founded in 778 is one of the most popular and celebrated temples in Kyoto. The main part of the temple is the Kiyomizu stage, where the Eleven Headed and Thousand Armed Kannon Bodhisattva are enshrined. The main hall, bell tower, Nio gate, three story pagoda, and west gate are national treasures.

Access:: 15 minutes by bus (No.100 or No.206) from JR Kyoto station
Opening hours:: 6:00 to 18:00 (depending on the season)
Admission:: Adult 400 yen, child 200 yen

Nanzen-ji, Kyoto

The Nanzenji is a Zen Buddhism temple and one of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. It belongs to the Rinzai Sect-Nanzenji School of Zen Buddhism. This temple is located in the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountains and has extensive grounds. The Nanzenji has a huge Sanmon gate, apart from the main temple; there are 13 small temples inside this complex. At the Hojo, you will find a classic example of a dry garden style (karesansui) which is called The Leaping Tiger.

Opening hours:: 9:00 to 17:00, most temples are closed from 28th -31st December.
Admission:: Free (grounds) Sanmon gate, Hojo, other sub temples with entrances fees from 300 yen to 500 yen

Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavillion), Kyoto

The Jisho-ji temple is a Zen Buddhist temple, also known as the Ginkakuji Temple, and it was once a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Later, after his death, it was converted into a temple. The temple is well-known for its silver pagoda Ginkaku, Togu-do (a national treasure) and its dry sand gardens Ginshadan (Sea of Silver Sand) and Kogetsudai which represents Mt. Fuji. It is a temple and its gardens are a good example of Japanese aesthetic, Wabi-sabi , which translates as ‘a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete’. There is also a small pathway along the hill overlooking the temple, where you can find an observation deck to see the picturesque view of the temple grounds.

Address:: 2 Ginkakuji-cho Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access:: 5-minute walk from City Bus Stop Ginkakuji-mae
Opening hours:: Open year round
March to November 8:30 to 17:00
December to February 9:00 to 16:30
Admission:: Adults 500 yen , child 300 yen

Sanjusangen-do, Kyoto

The official name of Sanjusangen-do is Rengeo-in temple. It was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164. The temple is well-known for its 1001 statues of the Buddhist diety, Juichimen-senju sengen kanzeon, or the Thousand-hand Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). Many of the temple’s items are regarded as a national treasure. It has a 120 metre long (394 feet) wooden hall, the longest in Japan.

Address::  657, Kaimachi, Sanjusangendo, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access:: Less than 5 min. walk from Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae Bus Stop
Opening hours:: Every day from 8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:00 from November 16 through March)
Admission::  600 yen

Tofukuji, Kyoto

Tofukuji is also called Enichizan, one of the five great Zen Temples of Kyoto. It is the chief temple Tofukuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. This temple is specially known for its brightly coloured autumn foliage. Its name is a combination of the two great temples of Nara “Todaiji" and "Kofukuji".

Access:: 10 minute walk from JR Tofukuji station.
Opening hours:: Open all year 9:00 to 16:00
Admission:: Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall 400 yen, Hojo and gardens, 400 yen

Ninnaji, Kyoto

The Ninnaji temple was completed by Emperor Uda (59th Emperor of Japan), after his father’s (Emperor Kohkoh) death. Later, he renounced his throne and became the head priest of Ninna-ji in 899. Emperor Uda became the first imperial leader of Buddhism (Monzeki). Ninna-ji is the highest ranked Monzeki temple with sons and grandsons of the Imperial lineage becoming priests. The Ninnaji temple is the headquarters of Shingon-shu Omuro-ha Buddhist sect.

Access:: Less than 5 min walk from Omuro Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line
Opening hours:: Every day 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)
Admission:: The grounds are free (Cherry blossom season: 500 yen)
Goten palace buildings: 500 yen

Ryoanji, Kyoto

The Ryoan-ji is famous for its Japanese dry landscape rock garden. It was originally built as a residence for the ruling clan, the Tokudaiji family in Kyoto during the year 1450 and then later converted into a temple. The temple belongs to the Myoshin-ji Group of Rinzai Zen sect.

Access:: Nearest station is Ryoan-ji Michi station of Keifuku Railway
Opening hours:: March to November: 8:00 to 17:00, December to February 8:30 to 16:30
Admission:: Adult 500 yen, child 300 yen

Daigoji, Kyoto

The Daigo-ji Temple (listed as a World Heritage site) is the main temple of the Shingon-Daigo sect founded by Rigen-daishi (Shōbō) during 874AD. The grounds cover the whole of Mt. Daigo-san. The oldest structure in Kyoto which is the temple’s 38-metre-tall, five-storied pagoda (dated 951AD), several other national treasures such as the Kondo and wall paintings are in Daigo-ji temple.

Access:: Nearest station is Daigo station, take the bus to the temple or take a 15 minute walk.
Opening hours:: Sanboin, Shimo Daigo and Reihokan Museum (lower grounds): 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from early December through February) 
Admission:: Sanboin, Shimo Daigo and Reihokan Museum (lower grounds) 600 yen each 1000 yen combination ticket for two out of the three attractions 1500 yen combination ticket for all three attractions
Opening hours:: Kami Daigo (upper grounds) : 9:00 to 16:00 (until 15:00 from December through February) 
Admission:: Kami Daigo (upper grounds) : 600 yen

Byodo-in, Kyoto

The Byodo-in temple was established by Kanpaku (chief adviser to the Emperor) Fujiwara Yorimichi in 1052 AD.  The most famous structure in the Byodo-in temple precinct is the Phoenix Hall. It is designed for the worship of Amida Buddha. There are other national treasures which can be found at the Byodo-in temple such as the seated statue of Amitabha Tathagata which has 52 wooden worshiping Bodhisattvas on clouds, a wooden canopy, a temple bell and 14 paintings on wooden doors.

Access:: Nearest station is 10-15 min walk from JR Uji station Keihan line Uji Station
Opening hours:: Every day 8:30 to 17:30 (entry until 17:15), the treasure house from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:45)
Admission:: 600 yen (additional 300 yen tour of the Phoenix Hall)

Tenryuji, Kyoto

The Tenryuji (Heavenly Dragon Temple) was established by Ashikaga Takauji and dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple played an important role in Japan’s trade history with China, allowing it to raise funds for its completion. The Tenryuji temple is one of the five greatest Zen temples of Kyoto, recognised as a World Heritage site and is the main headquarters of the Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism. After visiting the temple, you can also take a stroll near the Arashiyama’s Bamboo grove.

Access:: Less than 15 min. walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Nearest station is Arashiyama station, Keifuku Arashiyama line.
Opening hours:: Daily 8:30 to 17:30, October 21 to March 20 8:30 to 17:00
Admission:: Garden and pond, adult 500 yen,  child 300 yen, temple halls an additional 100 yen

Toji, Kyoto

The temple Toji (Eastern Temple) is the remaining part of two guardian temples of Heiankyo’s Imperial City (Kyoto) built in the year 794. Toji was given by Emperor Sagai to Monk Kukusai, a famous religious figure in Japanese history. Monk Kukusai (Kobo Daishi) introduced the teachings of Shingon Buddhism and established a religious community in Koyasan. The tallest wooden five story pagoda in Japan is the main attraction of this temple. The Toji Temple is listed as a World Heritage Site. Every first Sunday of the month, there is an antique market held in Toji temple grounds along with stalls of food, pottery and clothes (Kimonos).

Access:: Nearest station is Kintetsu Line Toji Station (a 10-minute walk) JR Kyoto Station Hachijo-Exit (a 15-minute walk)
Bus:: 'Toji Minamimon-mae', 'Toji Higashimon-mae', 'Kujo Omiya' and 'Toji Nishimon-mae'
Opening hours:: Daily 8:30 to 17:30, mid-September to mid-March until 16:30
Admission:: Adult 500 yen, child 300 yen

Enryakuji, Shiga

Enryakuji is based at the summit of Mt. Hiei (the sacred mountain) and is considered the most sacred sites for Buddhists alongside the temples in Koyasan. The temple was established by priest Saicho in 788 AD, who introduced Tendai Buddhism. It has a rich and captivating history and is listed as a World Heritage site. It is the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. There are three main areas, namely the To-do, Sai-to, and Yokawa. Before an invasion by the warlord Oda Nobunaga 1571, there were said to be more than 3000 buildings in the temple complex with several thousand monks residing. After the invasion, the temple was rebuilt and served as a place for study and training of many distinguished priests in the history of Japanese Buddhism. The Konpon-chudo (main hall) is the main sanctuary of Enryaku-ji. The Enryakuji is listed as World Cultural Heritage Site containing national treasures and important cultural properties.

Access:: Take the bus bound Mt. Hiei, the temple is 10-minute walk from Enryaku-ji bus station
Opening hours:: 8:30 to 16:30 (March to November) 9:00 to 16:00 (December) 9:00 to 16:30 (January and February)
Admission:: Adult 700 yen, child 300 yen Kokuho-den (treasure hall): adult 500 yen, child 300 yen

Horyuji, Nara

The Horyuji (Hōryū Gakumonji) is one of the great temples of Nara and is regarded as a landmark in Japanese history. It is the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Japan, built by Prince Shotoku Taishi (founder of Japanese Buddhism) during the 8th century in order to fulfil his late father’s wish Emperor Yomei. The Horyuji became the first national treasure listed as a World Heritage site in 1993. The western part of the temple, contains the Kondo (main hall), Goju-no-To (a five storied pagoda) – the oldest wooden building in the world. The eastern part’s most remarkable building is the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams), dedicated to Prince Shotoku.

Access:: From Nara station, take the JR train to Horyuji. Take the bus to the temple and alight at the Horyujimon-mae bus stop.
Opening hours:: Daily 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from early November to late February)
Admission:: Adult 1000 yen, child 500 yen

Todaiji, Nara

The Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple) is a historically symbolic and distinguished Buddhist temple. It is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, established by Emperor Shomu in the 8th century. Over the years, the Todaiji became the leading temple over all other provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. The main worship hall, known as Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden structure in the world where you can find the Daibutsu (Great Buddha). The Great Buddha is one of the largest Buddha’s in Japan. Made of copper and bronze weighing 500 tonnes, it stands over 15 metres tall. The temple is a World Heritage Site.

Access:: From JR Nara station, take the bus to Todaiji Daibutsuden station (5 min. walk from the bus stop)
Opening hours:: 8:00 to 16:30 (November to February) 8:00 to 17:00 (March) 7:30 to 17:30 (April to September) 7:30 to 17:00 (October)
Admission:: Daibutsuden Hall 500 yen

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Japanese Shrines and Temples

Ise Jingu Shrine, Mie

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Tokyo

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

Nikko Toshugu Shrine, Tochigi

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kanagawa

Kumano Nachi Taisha, Wakayama

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

Kotohira-gu Shrine, Kagawa

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine, Yamaguchi

Usa Shrine, Oita

Taikodani Inari Shrine, Shimane

Heian Shrine, Kyoto

Atsuta Shrine, Aichi

Izumo Taisha, Shimane

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka

Yutoku Inari Shrine, Saga

Sensoji, Asakusa Tokyo

The Rinno-ji Sanbutsudo, Tochigi

Kotoku-in, Kanagawa

Kaikozan Jishoin Hase-dera, Kanagawa

Myoryuji (Ninja-dera), Ishikawa

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Nanzen-ji, Kyoto

Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavillion), Kyoto

Sanjusangen-do, Kyoto

Tofukuji, Kyoto

Ninnaji, Kyoto

Ryoanji, Kyoto

Daigoji, Kyoto

Byodo-in, Kyoto

Tenryuji, Kyoto

Toji, Kyoto

Enryakuji, Shiga

Horyuji, Nara

Todaiji, Nara

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