Sacred Destinations
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Kyoto

Kyoto Panorama
Colorful maple leaves at a Kyoto temple. Photo Creative Commons License Bryan Cole.

Nestled in the mountains of Western Honshu, Kyoto has earned a worldwide reputation as Japan's most beautiful city. Kyoto is known as "the city of a thousand temples," but it actually has more - an astonishing 1,600 Buddhist temples, plus 400 Shinto shrines, a trio of palaces, and dozens of gardens and museums! Kyoto boasts more World Heritage Sites per square inch than any other city.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. Kyoto thus spent a millennium as the center of Japanese power, culture, tradition, and religion. During this time Kyoto accumulated an unparalleled collection of palaces, temples and shrines, built for emperors, shoguns, geishas and monks. And Kyoto was one of the very few Japanese cities to escape Allied bombings during World War II. There is much to see in Kyoto - start your virtual explorations of its temples and shrines below.

Travel Resources for Kyoto

See our Kyoto Map for a closer view.
Kyoto Map
Our interactive city map of Kyoto, plus hand-picked links to the best maps elsewhere
Kyoto Hotels
Search availability, read reviews, browse photos, view a map and book at the guaranteed lowest price
Kyoto Guided Tours
Book sightseeing tours and excursions

Featured Religious Attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan
Thousands of stone Buddha statues mourn the dead at this unusual hilltop temple. The main hall contains a medieval Amida Buddha.
Kyoto, Japan
Founded in 1052, this Pure Land Temple includes a rare and beautiful Pure Land garden and the famous Phoenix Hall. A World Heritage Site.
Kyoto, Japan
The head temple of Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism, Chionin boasts the largest gate and the heaviest temple bell in Japan. It was built to represent the Pure Land on earth.
Kyoto, Japan
Founded in 874, this World Heritage Temple in Kyoto has a five-story pagoda dating from 951 and a beautiful garden.
Kyoto, Japan
This temple complex is considered one of the best places to experience Zen art, architecture and practice.
Kyoto, Japan
This ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, features a remarkable path through thousands of red torii.
Kyoto, Japan
Originally intended to be coated in silver, this harmonious temple ended up in simple wood. It houses an image of Kannon and includes lovely gardens.
Kyoto, Japan
An imperial Shinto shrine built in 1895 in honor of the founding of Kyoto.
Kyoto, Japan
This gold-leaf-covered temple is one of the most beautiful sights in Kyoto, nestled in the woods and reflected in the waters of its garden pond.
Kyoto, Japan
This popular Buddhist temple offers a healing waterfall and an incredible view over the city of Kyoto from its wooden terrace.
Kyoto, Japan
An important Rinzai Zen temple on the Path of Philosophy, Nanzenji has a beautiful Zen garden and extensive grounds.
Kyoto, Japan
A World Heritage Site famed for its Zen rock garden.
Kyoto, Japan
Sanjusangendo houses 1,001 statues of Kannon in Japan's longest wooden building.
Kyoto, Japan
A Shingon Buddhist temple in the center of the city, Toji includes a five-story pagoda that is the tallest wooden tower in Japan.
Kyoto, Japan
This Shinto shrine to the god of health and prosperity was the site of the first Gion Matsuri festival. It remains the spiritual heart of Kyoto.



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