Top 5 Temples in Kyoto

Do you like Asia? Do you like Japan? Are you interested in other cultures? In this new post I will show you the best temples in Japan. Are you ready? Here you have the TOP 5 Kyoto Temples.

KENNIN-JI: The Oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto

Kennin-ji is a temple of the Zen sect, one of the main branches of Japanese Buddhism. The Zen sect, dating back to sixth-century China, seeks the realization of the ideal that the inherent suffering of life can be transcended through equanimity, wisdom, and compassion through a strict training system stressing work and meditation. At present, there are three branches of Zen in Japan: the Rinzai, Sôtô, and Ôbaku schools. Kennin-ji belongs to the Rinzai tradition. The temple was founded in 1202 by the priest Yousai (1141-1215). Inside you will find one of the most famous paintings of Japan. The representation of the fight between the god of thunder and the god of wind.

KIYOMIZU-DERA

Kiyomizu-dera, which literally means “Pure Water Temple” is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. Located in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, on the site of Otowa Waterfall, and derives its name from the fall’s pure water. The present buildings were constructed in 1633, although the temple was founded in 778 in the early Heian period. This Kyoto temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism. However, they decided to form their own sect in 1965, the Kita Hosso. In 1994, the UNESCO added the temple to the world heritage sites list.

SENNYU-JI

Sennyu-ji temple originates from a temple built previously by St. Shinshu in the early Heian period. In 1219, Gachirindaishi Shunjyo, the founder of this temple, aimed to build a large temple here by incorporation the formality of the Sung dynasty in China. Based on the auspicious sign that a clear spring was gushing out from the corner of temple land, the main temple was almost completed in 1226. The temple structure on the grounds contrast favorably with fresh green in spring and colored leaves in autumn.

KINKAKU-JI (The Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku is a shariden, a Buddhist hall containing relics of Buddha. The pavilion is part of a temple that is formally named Rokoun-ji Temple, but commonly called Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Rokuon-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple, in the Shokokuji School of the Rinzai Sect. The garden and buildings, centered on the Golden Pavilion, were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The villa also functioned as an official guesthouse, welcoming Emperor Gokomatsu and others members of the nobility. Trade with China prospered during the Muromachi period, and the villa reached its height of glory as the heart of what became known as Kitayama Culture.

FUSHIMI INARI-TAISHA

Fushimi Inari-Taisha is the head shrine of Inari. The shrin is located 233 metres above the sea level, in a mountain also called Inari. It includes differents paths that lead to the peak of the hill. Be ready to walk because it can take up to 4 hours! Famous for its thousands vermilion gates (tori gates), Fushimi Inari is the most important of several shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Walking through the vast amount of different trails and taking picture in such iconic spot like the Yotsutsuji intersection will make you love this place. Stunning!

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