An important Rinzai Zen temple on the Path of Philosophy, Nanzenji has a beautiful Zen garden and extensive grounds.

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.

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji is surrounded by lush forests that are a haven of peace in the big city.

An imperial Shinto shrine built in 1895 in honor of the founding of Kyoto.

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.

Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the god of war. Its peaceful and scenic grounds give no indication of its violent history of feudal warring.

An important Shinto shrine complex in southern Honshu, dedicated primarily to the sun goddess, Amaterasu.

The head temple of the Hosso sect, Yakushiji has a rare 7th-century pagoda and ancient statues of the Healing Buddha and Kannon.