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Home - Religion
Buddhist Temples

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Temples are the places of worship in Japanese Buddhism. Virtually every Japanese municipality has at least one temple, while large cultural centers like Kyoto have several thousands.

Temples store and display sacred Buddhist objects. Some temples used to be monasteries, and some still function as such. Structures typically found at Japanese temples are:

Main hall

The sacred objects of worship, such as statues, are displayed in the main hall. Main halls are called kondo, hondo, butsuden, amidado or hatto in Japanese.

Example: Main hall of Todaiji in Nara.

Lecture hall

Lecture halls are for meetings and lectures and often also display objects of worship. Lecture halls are called kodo.

Example: Lecture hall of Toji in Kyoto.

Pagoda

The pagoda, a structure that has evolved from the Indian stupa, usually comes with three (sanju no to) or five (goju no to) stories. Pagodas store remains of the Buddha such as a tooth, usually in form of a representation.

Example: 3-storied pagoda of Kofukuji in Nara.

Gates

Gates mark the entrance to the temple grounds. There is usually one main gate, and possibly several additional gates, along the temple's main approach.

Example: Sanmon Gate of Kenchoji in Kamakura.

Bell

On New Year's Eve, temple bells are rung 108 times, corresponding to the Buddhist concept of 108 worldly desires.

Example: Great Bell of Kenchoji in Kamakura.

Cemetery

Most cemeteries in Japan are Buddhist and are located at a temple. The Japanese visit their ancestors' graves on many occasions during the year, especially during the obon week, the equinoctial weeks and anniversaries.

The best cities to visit temples are Kyoto, Nara and Kamakura. One of the best places to overnight at temples is Mount Koya.

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

List of Famous Temples
Shimokita Peninsula
 1  Osorezan
Sacred mountain resembling Buddhist hell.
User rating: 95/100 (23 votes)
Visited by: 42 users
  
Hiraizumi
 1  Chusonji Temple
Hiraizumi's most famous temple.
User rating: 84/100 (78 votes)
Visited by: 196 users
 2  Motsuji Temple
Temple famous for its Pure Land Garden.
User rating: 78/100 (43 votes)
Visited by: 105 users
 3  Takkoku no Iwaya
Temple constructed at the foot of a cliff.
User rating: 88/100 (17 votes)
Visited by: 45 users
Yamadera
 1  Yamadera
Scenic temple on a steep mountainside.
User rating: 91/100 (63 votes)
Visited by: 127 users
  
Dewa Sanzan
 1  Churenji, Dainichibo
Temples known for Buddhist mummies.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 18 users
  
Sendai
 1  Rinnoji Temple
Date family temple with outstanding garden.
User rating: 75/100 (42 votes)
Visited by: 95 users
  
Matsushima
 1  Zuiganji Temple
One of Tohoku's most famous Zen temples.
User rating: 78/100 (105 votes)
Visited by: 196 users
 2  Entsuin Temple
Mausoleum of a lord's son, next to Zuiganji.
User rating: 75/100 (34 votes)
Visited by: 73 users
 3  Godaido
Small temple hall and symbol of Matsushima.
User rating: 70/100 (70 votes)
Visited by: 140 users
Nikko
 1  Rinnoji Temple
Nikko's most important temple.
User rating: 85/100 (420 votes)
Visited by: 761 users
  
Ikaho
 1  Mizusawa Temple
Temple famous for udon noodles.
User rating: 68/100 (13 votes)
Visited by: 30 users
  
Kawagoe
 1  Kitain Temple
Featuring a former building of Edo Castle.
User rating: 75/100 (78 votes)
Visited by: 174 users
  
Narita
 1  Naritasan Temple
Popular temple, not far from Narita Airport.
User rating: 80/100 (176 votes)
Visited by: 348 users
  
Tokyo
 1  Sensoji Temple
Large temple in the Asakusa district.
User rating: 87/100 (1135 votes)
Visited by: 2076 users
 2  Sengakuji Temple
Site of the 47 ronin's graveyard.
User rating: 81/100 (334 votes)
Visited by: 699 users
 3  Zojoji Temple
Buddhist temple at the base of Tokyo Tower.
User rating: 81/100 (383 votes)
Visited by: 752 users
Kawasaki
 1  Kawasaki Daishi
Large, popular temple in central Kawasaki.
User rating: 69/100 (18 votes)
Visited by: 45 users
 2  Kawasaki Daishi
Large, popular temple in central Kawasaki.
User rating: 69/100 (18 votes)
Visited by: 45 users
 
Kamakura
 1  Great Buddha
Large bronze Buddha Statue.
User rating: 88/100 (1001 votes)
Visited by: 1849 users
 2  Hasedera Temple
Attractive temple with views over Kamakura.
User rating: 87/100 (450 votes)
Visited by: 903 users
 3  Engakuji Temple
Second most important Zen temple.
User rating: 82/100 (310 votes)
Visited by: 687 users
 4  Kenchoji Temple
Kamakura's most important Zen temple.
User rating: 81/100 (242 votes)
Visited by: 539 users
 5  Ankokuronji Temple
Temple founded by Nichiren himself.
User rating: 82/100 (146 votes)
Visited by: 369 users
 6  Zuisenji Temple
Zen temple famous for its gardens.
User rating: 80/100 (123 votes)
Visited by: 323 users
 7  Myohonji Temple
Temple of the Nichiren sect.
User rating: 77/100 (115 votes)
Visited by: 282 users
 8  Tokeiji Temple
Former refuge for abused wives.
User rating: 77/100 (151 votes)
Visited by: 355 users
 9  Jochiji Temple
Fourth most important Zen temple.
User rating: 76/100 (146 votes)
Visited by: 347 users
 10  Jufukuji Temple
Third most important Zen temple.
User rating: 76/100 (129 votes)
Visited by: 321 users
  
Nagano
 1  Zenkoji Temple
Very popular temple in the center of Nagano.
User rating: 84/100 (202 votes)
Visited by: 425 users
  
Nagoya
 1  Osu Kannon Temple
Popular temple in central Nagoya.
User rating: 74/100 (193 votes)
Visited by: 384 users
  
Gujo
 1  Jionzenji Temple
Zen temple with beautiful garden.
User rating: 85/100 (8 votes)
Visited by: 16 users
  
Noto Peninsula
 1  Sojiji Temple
Former head temple of the Zen Soto sect.
User rating: 93/100 (6 votes)
Visited by: 18 users
 2  Myojoji Temple
Nice temple complex with a five storied pagoda.
User rating: 90/100 (6 votes)
Visited by: 19 users
 
Kaga Onsen
 1  Natadera Temple
Temple for the worship of holy Mount Hakusan.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 15 users
  
Fukui
 1  Eiheiji Temple
A center of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
User rating: 82/100 (69 votes)
Visited by: 147 users
  
Kyoto
 1  Kiyomizudera
Temple famous for its large wooden terrace.
User rating: 95/100 (1454 votes)
Visited by: 2556 users
 2  Kinkakuji
Temple building covered in gold.
User rating: 92/100 (1682 votes)
Visited by: 2957 users
 3  Ginkakuji
Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver.
User rating: 87/100 (1071 votes)
Visited by: 2028 users
 4  Kokedera
Called moss temple because of its garden.
User rating: 88/100 (92 votes)
Visited by: 215 users
 5  Sanjusangendo
Temple with 1001 human sized statues.
User rating: 88/100 (570 votes)
Visited by: 1002 users
 6  Ninnaji Temple
Temple turned former imperial residence.
User rating: 83/100 (273 votes)
Visited by: 571 users
 7  Nanzenji Temple
Zen temple with beautiful stone garden.
User rating: 82/100 (384 votes)
Visited by: 746 users
 8  Ryoanji Temple
Zen Temple with famous rock garden.
User rating: 86/100 (738 votes)
Visited by: 1330 users
 9  Myoshinji Temple
Zen temple complex with many subtemples.
User rating: 86/100 (49 votes)
Visited by: 108 users
 10  Yoshiminedera
Temple on Kyoto's western mountains.
User rating: 85/100 (39 votes)
Visited by: 102 users
 11  Sanzenin Temple
Popular Temple in rural Ohara north of Kyoto.
User rating: 85/100 (115 votes)
Visited by: 254 users
 12  Kodaiji Temple
Built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
User rating: 84/100 (481 votes)
Visited by: 948 users
 13  Hieizan
Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sect.
User rating: 83/100 (148 votes)
Visited by: 357 users
 14  Tofukuji Temple
Temple with spectacular autumn leaves.
User rating: 83/100 (311 votes)
Visited by: 599 users
 15  Daigoji Temple
Famous temple southeast of Kyoto.
User rating: 82/100 (237 votes)
Visited by: 529 users
 16  Tenryuji Temple
Zen Temple in the Arashiyama district.
User rating: 82/100 (327 votes)
Visited by: 657 users
 17  Takao
Wooded valley with temples north of Kyoto.
User rating: 82/100 (53 votes)
Visited by: 132 users
 18  Toji Temple
Large temple with Japan's tallest pagoda.
User rating: 81/100 (440 votes)
Visited by: 852 users
 19  Daitokuji Temple
Large Zen temple complex.
User rating: 81/100 (312 votes)
Visited by: 659 users
 20  Chionin Temple
Head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.
User rating: 80/100 (325 votes)
Visited by: 675 users
 21  Honganji Temples
Head temples of the Shin-Jodo sects.
User rating: 77/100 (333 votes)
Visited by: 701 users
Uji
 1  Byodoin Temple
Temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden.
User rating: 86/100 (406 votes)
Visited by: 871 users
 2  Mampukuji Temple
Headquarters of the Zen Obaku sect.
User rating: 80/100 (59 votes)
Visited by: 158 users
 3  Mimurotoji Temple
Temple known for its flower gardens.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 2 users
 4  Koshoji Temple
Zen temple on the other side of the river.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 1 user
  
Osaka
 1  Shitennoji Temple
One of the oldest temples in Japan.
User rating: 78/100 (217 votes)
Visited by: 437 users
  
Nara
 1  Todaiji Temple
Large temple with a big Buddha statue.
User rating: 93/100 (1232 votes)
Visited by: 2224 users
 2  Horyuji Temple
The world's oldest wooden buildings.
User rating: 88/100 (476 votes)
Visited by: 992 users
 3  Toshodaiji Temple
Large temple in western Nara.
User rating: 85/100 (279 votes)
Visited by: 591 users
 4  Yakushiji Temple
Large temple in western Nara.
User rating: 85/100 (235 votes)
Visited by: 547 users
 5  Shin-Yakushiji
With beautiful statues of Yakushi and guardians.
User rating: 81/100 (70 votes)
Visited by: 178 users
 6  Kofukuji Temple
Family temple of the Fujiwara Clan.
User rating: 81/100 (521 votes)
Visited by: 978 users
Asuka
 1  Hasedera Temple
Large temple complex on a hillside location.
User rating: 90/100 (29 votes)
Visited by: 69 users
 2  Muroji Temple
Remote temple surrounded by forest.
User rating: 86/100 (18 votes)
Visited by: 51 users
 3  Asukadera Temple
Considered Japan's oldest Buddhist temple.
User rating: 70/100 (26 votes)
Visited by: 82 users
Yoshino
 1  Kinpusenji Temple
The most important temple of Yoshino.
User rating: 78/100 (33 votes)
Visited by: 52 users
 2  Chikurin-in Temple
Temple ryokan with a beautiful garden.
User rating: 80/100 (24 votes)
Visited by: 44 users
 3  Sakuramotobo Temple
Temple of the Shugendo mountain worship.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 3 users
 4  Nyoirinji Temple
Site of Emperor Go-Daigo's mausoleum.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 1 user
  
Koyasan
 1  Okunoin Temple
Temple where Kobo Daishi is enshrined.
User rating: 92/100 (181 votes)
Visited by: 284 users
 2  Kongobuji Temple
Head monastery of the Shingon sect.
User rating: 82/100 (157 votes)
Visited by: 269 users
 3  Garan
Koyasan's central temple complex.
User rating: 81/100 (108 votes)
Visited by: 185 users
Himeji
 1  Mount Shosha
Temple mountain featured in Last Samurai.
User rating: 85/100 (74 votes)
Visited by: 137 users
  
Kinosaki Onsen
 1  Onsenji Temple
Dedicated to the founder of Kinosaki Onsen.
User rating: 63/100 (26 votes)
Visited by: 53 users
  
Tottori
 1  Kannonin Temple
Buddhist temple with a nice garden.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 15 users
  
Bitchu-Takahashi
 1  Raikyuji Temple
Zen temple with garden by local Kobori Enshu.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 12 users
  
Onomichi
 1  Kosanji Temple
Unique temple with various attractions.
User rating: 79/100 (26 votes)
Visited by: 53 users
  
Yamaguchi
 1  Rurikoji Temple
Features a very beautiful, five-storied pagoda.
User rating: 79/100 (33 votes)
Visited by: 70 users
 2  Joeiji Temple
Famous for the Zen garden Sesshutei.
User rating: 81/100 (28 votes)
Visited by: 57 users
 
Hagi
 1  Tokoji Temple
Half of the Mori lords are buried here.
User rating: 77/100 (26 votes)
Visited by: 58 users
 2  Daishoin Temple
Half of the Mori lords are buried here.
User rating: 79/100 (27 votes)
Visited by: 54 users
 
Matsuyama
 1  Ishiteji Temple
Temple No. 51 on the Shikoku pilgrimage.
User rating: 75/100 (49 votes)
Visited by: 101 users
  
Fukuoka
 1  Shofukuji Temple
Japan's first Zen temple.
User rating: 75/100 (136 votes)
Visited by: 267 users
  
Dazaifu
 1  Komyozenji Temple
Temple with a beautiful Zen garden.
User rating: 83/100 (65 votes)
Visited by: 133 users
 2  Kanzeonji Temple
The former center of Buddhism in Kyushu.
User rating: 78/100 (57 votes)
Visited by: 118 users
 
Nagasaki
 1  Sofukuji Temple
Chinese looking Obaku Zen temple.
User rating: 77/100 (80 votes)
Visited by: 178 users
 2  Kofukuji Temple
Buddhist temple in the Teramachi district.
User rating: 77/100 (94 votes)
Visited by: 210 users
 
Kunisaki Peninsula
 1  Rokugo Manzan
About the peninsula's atmospheric temples.
User rating: insufficient data
Visited by: 1 user
  

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