25 temples and shrines in Japan

During my recent trip to Japan, I visited a total of twenty-five temples and shrines. Religion in Japan is characterized by a harmonious blend of Shinto and Buddhism, the two main faiths practised throughout the country. Shinto, an indigenous belief system, focuses on kami (spirits) and rituals tied to nature and ancestors, while Buddhism, introduced from China and Korea, emphasizes spiritual enlightenment and the afterlife. Many Japanese people practice both religions simultaneously, participating in Shinto ceremonies for life events like births and weddings, and Buddhist rituals for funerals and memorials. Despite a low rate of formal religious affiliation, religious traditions remain deeply woven into Japanese culture and daily life.

At Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the 25 temples and shrines I visited

Every time I visited a place of worship, I collected a goshuin. These are traditional temple and shrine stamps, collected by visitors as a form of spiritual memento and pilgrimage record. Each goshuin is hand-inscribed by a monk or shrine attendant, featuring elegant calligraphy that typically includes the temple or shrine’s name, the date of the visit, and sometimes a short blessing or deity’s name. These inscriptions are often accompanied by unique red seals and are collected in a special notebook called a goshuin-chō. Beyond their artistic beauty, goshuin reflect a respectful engagement with Japan’s religious culture and offer a meaningful way to commemorate visits to sacred sites.

Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple

Temples and Shrines in Tokyo

In Tokyo, I visited a total of six temples and shrines. Gōtoku-ji was my favourite.

Gōtoku-ji

Colloquially known as ‘the lucky cat temple’, Gōtoku-ji is considered the birthplace of the iconic “maneki-neko,” the beckoning cat figurine believed to bring good luck. This peaceful Buddhist temple, located in Setagaya and affiliated with the Soto Zen sect, features a charming atmosphere with traditional wooden buildings and a cemetery where the Ii family, feudal lords of the Hikone domain, are buried. The temple grounds are filled with hundreds of white maneki-neko statues left by visitors as offerings, creating a unique and memorable sight that draws both spiritual seekers and curious tourists.

An ailourophile, I loved wandering the grounds of this temple and taking dozens of photographs of those small figurines of different sizes, but always of a white cat with red ears and a red collar with a bell (to ward off evil spirits), and with a paw raised. Unfortunately, I did not manage to meet Tama-san, the temple’s real-life cat, an Instagram celebrity, named after a legendary cat who saved a traveller from a lightning strike some 400 years ago.

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the historic Asakusa district. Founded in 645 AD, the temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and has long been a spiritual and cultural center for both locals and visitors. Its iconic Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” with a giant red lantern, leads to a lively shopping street called Nakamise, filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. Despite being damaged during World War II, Senso-ji was rebuilt and continues to attract millions of people each year, blending rich history with vibrant modern-day worship.

Meiji Jingū

Meiji Jingū is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, the shrine honors their role in modernizing Japan during the Meiji Restoration. Surrounded by a peaceful forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across the country, Meiji Jingu offers a tranquil escape from the busy city. It is located close to Harajuku, the epicenter of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Although it was raining heavily that morning, this did not deter me from visiting. The shrine is a popular site for traditional Shinto weddings and New Year’s visits, reflecting its deep cultural and spiritual significance in modern Japan.

Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo. Dating back to the 17th century, it has long been considered the guardian shrine of the area, especially for merchants and entertainers. Despite being surrounded by modern buildings, Hanazono Shrine remains a vibrant spiritual spot, known for its colorful festivals, including the lively Tori-no-Ichi fair held in November. Its bright red torii gates and traditional architecture offer a striking contrast to the urban landscape, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple

Tsukiji Hongan-ji is a unique Buddhist temple located near Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market. Unlike traditional Japanese temples, it features an eye-catching architectural style inspired by ancient Indian and Western designs, making it stand out in the city. Affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, the temple serves as a place for worship, reflection, and cultural events. Inside, visitors can find a serene atmosphere, beautiful stained-glass windows, and even a pipe organ, blending spiritual tradition with modern touches.

Zōjō-ji Temple

Zōjō-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located near Tokyo Tower in the Shiba district. Founded in 1393, it became the family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate, with several Tokugawa shoguns buried on its grounds. The temple belongs to the Jodo sect of Buddhism and is known for its grand main gate, Sangedatsumon, which dates back to 1622. Zojo-ji offers a peaceful atmosphere and a striking contrast between its traditional architecture and the modern skyline, making it a popular spot for both spiritual reflection and sightseeing.

Temples and Shrines in Kamakura

Whilst staying in Tokyo, I decided to visit Kamakura on a day trip. Nowadays, Kamakura is a small city close to the capital, but once upon a time it used to be the capital. I visited a total of three temples and shrines.

Hase-dera

Hase-dera is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Kamakura, known for its stunning views, seasonal flowers, and the impressive statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple belongs to the Jodo sect and dates back to the 8th century. Its main attraction is the eleven-headed Kannon statue, carved from camphor wood and standing over 9 meters tall. Hase-dera is also famous for its hydrangea path in early summer and a tranquil garden with ponds and walking trails, offering a peaceful retreat and spiritual experience close to the sea.

Kōtoku-in (Shōjōsen-ji)

Kōtoku-in (also known as Shōjōsen-ji) was my next stop. This is a renowned Buddhist temple in Kamakura, famous for housing the Great Buddha, or Daibutsu—a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha standing over 13 meters tall. Originally cast in the 13th century, the statue has survived earthquakes and tsunamis, now sitting peacefully in the open air after its original temple building was destroyed. The serene expression of the Great Buddha and the temple’s historical significance make Kōtoku-in a popular destination for visitors seeking both cultural insight and quiet reflection. Interestingly, the statue is hollow, and visitors can pay a few extra yen to view the interior. I was no exception.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū

Afterwards, I continued to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū. This is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, dedicated to Hachiman, the patron deity of samurai and protector of Japan. Founded in the 11th century by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and later expanded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, the shrine played a central role in Japan’s medieval political and spiritual life. Located at the heart of the city, it features a grand staircase, scenic ponds, and seasonal cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for both worship and sightseeing.

A shrine overlooking Mount Fuji

When I visited Lake Kawaguchi, one of the best places to view Mount Fuji, I stayed overnight. On my way there, I stopped at Fujiyoshida, a small city at the northern base of Mount Fuji, built upon an old lava flow.

Sangoku Daiichisan Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

After walking on the Instagram-famous Fuji Michi (also known as Honcho Street), I made my way to the Sangoku Daiichisan Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, another photogenic spot. This is a picturesque Shinto shrine famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji. Founded in 705, the shrine is dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the deity of Mount Fuji. It’s best known for the iconic five-story Chureito Pagoda, which, when framed with cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in the background, creates one of Japan’s most photographed scenes. Visitors climb nearly 400 steps to reach the pagoda, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Although the cherry trees were not in blossom when I visited, the sky was clear and the iconic mountain was clearly visible behind the red five-story pagoda.

Temples and Shrines in Nara

Nara, once the capital of Japan, is nowadays home to fewer than four hundred thousand inhabitants. Human inhabitants that is, for Nara is also home to over a thousand deer roaming the city’s parks and open spaces. Nara can be visited as a day trip from either Kyoto or Osaka. I visited a total of four temples and shrines.

Kōfuku-ji

Kōfuku-ji is a historic Buddhist temple located in Nara, and is one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of the ancient capital. Originally founded in 669, it served as the family temple of the influential Fujiwara clan. Kōfuku-ji is renowned for its elegant five-story pagoda, a symbol of Nara, and its impressive collection of Buddhist art, including national treasures housed in the temple’s museum. Unfortunately, the five-story pagoda was being restored at the time of my visit. Despite damage and reconstructions over the centuries, the temple remains a significant cultural and religious site, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of Japan’s early Buddhism.

Tōdai-ji

Tōdai-ji is one of Japan’s most iconic and historically significant temples, located in Nara. Founded in the 8th century, it was constructed as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan and played a key role in the spread of Buddhism. Tōdai-ji is best known for its massive Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), which houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)—one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha Vairocana in the world. Needless to say, I paid my respects to the Buddha (placing the palms together, bowing in front of the statue, looking at the face of the statue and separating the palms). Surrounded by deer in Nara Park and steeped in history, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nara, known for its centuries-old tradition and stunning atmosphere. Founded in 768 by the powerful Fujiwara family, the shrine is dedicated to the deities of protection, prosperity, and harmony. It is especially renowned for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, which are lit during the Lantern Festivals in February and August, creating a magical, glowing scene. Nestled at the edge of the ancient Nara forest and near freely roaming deer, Kasuga Taisha offers a blend of natural beauty, spiritual serenity, and cultural history.

Gangō-ji

Gangō-ji is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, located in Nara and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally established in Asuka as Asuka-dera in the 6th century, it was relocated to Nara in the 8th century and renamed Gango-ji. The temple played a central role in the early development of Buddhism in Japan. Though much of the original complex has been lost to time, the preserved structures—such as the main hall and Zen room—retain their ancient charm with traditional tiled roofs and wooden architecture. Gango-ji offers a quiet, reflective atmosphere and a deep connection to Japan’s spiritual and architectural beginnings.

Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

As well as Nara, nearby Kyoto has also been a capital city; in fact, it remained one until the capital was relocated to Tokyo after the Meiji Restoration in the second half of the nineteenth century. Nowadays, it is a major tourist destination, thanks to the large number of temples and shrines found around the city. I stayed there for four days and I visited a total of six temples and shrines.

Tenryū-ji

Tenryū-ji was the first I visited, straight after a short walk in the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This is a historic Zen Buddhist temple located in the scenic Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, it is the head temple of the Tenryū branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The temple is renowned for its stunning landscape garden, designed by the famous monk Musō Soseki, which seamlessly blends with the surrounding mountains. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryū-ji is not only a spiritual site but also a masterpiece of Japanese garden design and architecture, reflecting centuries of cultural and religious heritage.

Rokuon-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)

Rokuon-ji, also known as Kinkaku-ji or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and quite possibly the temple that I liked the most. Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it later became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect. The top two floors of the pavilion are covered in gold leaf, creating a striking reflection in the pond that surrounds it. Set within a beautifully landscaped garden, Kinkaku-ji exemplifies the harmony between architecture and nature, making it a popular destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the fellow visitors, the temple evoked a sense of serene contemplation.

Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Originally built in the late 15th century as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it was later converted into a temple of the Rinzai sect. Unlike its counterpart Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji was never covered in silver, but its understated elegance reflects the refined aesthetics of the Higashiyama culture, emphasizing simplicity and harmony with nature. The temple is surrounded by a tranquil moss garden and a meticulously raked sand garden, making it a symbol of Japanese wabi-sabi beauty.

Also called Jishō-ji (Temple of Shining Mercy), this temple is located near the Philosopher’s Walk, a path along a cherry-tree-lined canal. Since the cherry trees were not in blossom at the time of my visit, the path was devoid of people.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in southern Kyoto, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and business. Established in the 8th century, it is best known for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that form winding paths up Mount Inari. Each gate is donated by individuals or businesses in gratitude for the blessings received. The shrine complex also features fox statues, considered messengers of Inari, and offers a serene yet awe-inspiring atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world for both spiritual reflection and scenic exploration.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a historic Buddhist temple located on the foothills of Mount Otowa, offering stunning views of the city below. Founded in 778 and affiliated with the Hosso sect, the temple is best known for its large wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, supported by tall wooden pillars without the use of nails. Surrounded by cherry and maple trees, it provides breathtaking scenery in every season. The temple’s name means “Pure Water Temple,” derived from the Otowa Waterfall that flows beneath it, believed to grant wishes and health to those who drink its waters.

Jōtoku-ji

Jōtoku-ji is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, dating back to 1603. It is renowned for hosting the Tea Ceremony Ju-An, offering visitors an authentic experience of the Japanese tea ceremony. This ritual, originally developed by Buddhist monks over 500 years ago to assist with meditation, has evolved into a refined cultural practice known as chanoyu.

Participants at Jōtoku-ji can engage in a 70-minute immersive session that includes a traditional purification ritual, a guided tour of the temple, and instruction in the meticulous preparation and enjoyment of matcha tea. The ceremony emphasizes mindfulness and tranquility, reflecting the Zen principles of harmony, respect, purity, and serenity. Our tea master, an elderly lady dressed in a traditional kimono, first meticulously cleaned the utensils, then prepared the tea in a kettle over a charcoal fire, and finally poured the tea into a bowl handed to the first guest on her right. We then took turns repeating the procedure ourselves.

Shrines in Osaka

In Osaka, I visited two more shrines: the Hōkoku Shrine, right next to the Osaka Castle, and Namba Jinja Shrine, not far from canalside Dōtonbori and the 90-year-old Glico running man. By now, I had learned how to pay respects (slightly more complex than that in the Buddhist temples): bow, clap your hands twice, say a prayer with the hands still together, and bow once again.

Hōkoku Shrine

Hōkoku Shrine, located next to the Osaka Castle, is dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s great unifiers during the late 16th century. Built in 1879, the shrine honors Hideyoshi’s legacy, along with his son and brother, and is known for its serene setting and a stately bronze statue of Hideyoshi at the entrance. Visitors come to pay respects, pray for success in business and academics, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings that contrast with the nearby bustling city. The shrine is especially popular during New Year celebrations and cherry blossom season.

Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine is a unique and striking Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka. It’s most famous for its massive lion-head-shaped stage, known as the Ema-den, which stands over 12 meters tall and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The shrine has ancient roots, but much of its current form was rebuilt after World War II. Despite its modern urban surroundings, Namba Yasaka Jinja offers a peaceful atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals seeking blessings for success, especially during the annual festivals held in January.

Temples in Kōyasan

From Osaka, I made my way to Kōyasan, one of the highlights of my Japan itinerary. After changing trains in Hashimoto, I continued to Gagurakubashi, where I took the cable car to Mount Koya (Kōyasan), a sacred site in Wakayama Prefecture and the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. I visited a total of three temples, including Fudō-in, the temple where I spent the night.

Fudō-in

Fudō-in is a serene temple dedicated to Fudō Myō-ō, the powerful guardian deity known for cutting through ignorance and evil, and offers a peaceful retreat for pilgrims and visitors. It is part of the Koyasan temple complex, which is home to many historic temples and spiritual sites. Fudō-in welcomes guests for temple stays (shukubō), providing a chance to experience traditional Buddhist practices, vegetarian cuisine, and the tranquil atmosphere of this deeply spiritual mountain.

Okunoin

Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan and one of the most sacred and awe-inspiring sites on Mount Koya (Kōyasan), serving as the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Surrounded by a vast forest and over 200,000 gravestones and memorials, the path to the mausoleum is lined with centuries-old cedar trees, creating a mystical and reverent atmosphere. It is believed that Kobo Daishi rests in eternal meditation within the mausoleum, and many pilgrims visit Okunoin to pay their respects and seek spiritual connection. The site is especially enchanting at dawn or dusk, when the lantern-lit pathways evoke a deep sense of peace and reflection.

Kongobu-ji (Temple of the Diamond Mountain Peak)

Kongobu-ji (Temple of the Diamond Mountain Peak) is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, located on the sacred Mount Koya (Kōyasan). Originally built in the 16th century, the temple is known for its elegant architecture, sliding screen paintings, and the stunning Banryūtei rock garden—the largest of its kind in Japan. As the spiritual and administrative center of Koyasan, Kongobu-ji plays a vital role in Buddhist rituals and teachings. Visitors can explore its peaceful halls, learn about Shingon traditions, and experience the deep spiritual heritage that permeates the temple and its surroundings.