Japan is often described as the country of contrasts: from its highly-modernized technology in Tokyo to the depth of their historical culture in Kyoto. In a traditional sense, Japan has shrines and temples that represent the Japanese’ devotion to their faith, culture and history.
Among the thousands of temples and shrines in Japan, the city of Kyoto alone has 2000. We picked the Top 10 temples and shrines that tourists are most likely to visit:
1. Sensoji Temple - It is known as the Asakusa Temple which was built in the early 7th century. It is considered as the oldest temple in Tokyo, making it a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. This was dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon.
Photo by IQRemix. Licensed under Creative Commons.
2. Kiyomizudera Temple - Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizudera was a temple built in 8th century. It is located in the steep part of a hillside where you can catch a beautiful glimpse of Kyoto right before your eyes.
Photo by Oilstreet. Licensed under Creative Commons.
3. Kinkaku-ji Temple - The term Kinkaku-ji means “Deer Garden Temple.” Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto, thus gaining its title as one of the Historic Monuments of the Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.
Photo by hans-johnson. Licensed under Creative Commons.
4. Hase Kannon Temple - In Kamakura, you can find the 30-feet wood structure of Kannon Mercy. However, people are more fascinated with the sight of thousands of small Jizo, the god who guards children. These small creatures were given by the parents of aborted, miscarried and stillborn children.
Photo by Junichi. Licensed under Creative Commons.
5. Todaiji Temple - Located in Nara, this is where you can see the largest bronze Buddha statue ever made, which is also considered as the largest wooden architecture in the world.
Photo by Tomi Mäkitalo. Licensed under Creative Commons.
6. Myoryuji Temple - It is mostly known as the Ninja Temple, but note that the Ninjas have not resided here. The temple earned the title because of the existence of hidden chambers, trick doors, traps and secret stairways that were created to deceive the enemy.
Photo by Kentaro Ohno. Licensed under Creative Commons.
7. Meiji-Jingu Shrine - In the midst of hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you can find a place of tranquil and peace by walking through its dense forest, while marveling at the shrine’s noble design. This popular shrine in Tokyo was dedicated in honor of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken.
Photo by Rs1421. Licensed under Creative Commons.
8. Kotohiragu Shrine - It is one of the most popular and most visited shrines, situated on Mount Zozu, where people have to climb 785 steps before reaching the shrine itself. The peak won’t disappoint you because the overlooking view of Seto Inland Sea will take your breath away (literally and figuratively). The shrine will leave you in awe with its beauty and splendid architectural design that ensembles both Shinto and Buddhist components.
Photo by Kanchi1979. Licensed under Creative Commons.
9. Kanda Shrine - Here’s a shrine nearby Akihabara which was built around 8th century and was one of the few shrines that survived the World War II bombing. It is situated in the exact spot of the Imperial Palace.
Photo by Manish Prabhune. Licensed under Creative Commons.
10. Itsukushima Shrine - If there’s a shrine who will fall into the most photographed category, it would be this shrine. Famous for its floating torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo by Joe deSousa.
Pay your visit to these temples next time you travel to Japan.
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