Top 5 Temples in Kyoto You Shouldn’t Miss: With Practical Tips
Kyoto was once Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, and today it remains a city where ancient rituals, wooden temples, and quiet courtyards outnumber neon signs and high-rises — a striking contrast to Tokyo’s fast-paced energy in my First Day in Tokyo Itinerary (be sure to check out that article too!).
With more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, exploring Kyoto is, for me, less about where you go and more about how it makes you feel.
I’m Ola — a travel enthusiast and itinerary creator obsessed with planning trips that feel rich in experience and emotion. In this blog, I’ll share my absolute favorite temples in Kyoto — a mix of iconic must-sees and hidden gems — all chosen for their unique atmosphere, not just how they look.
Fushimi Inari Taisha — Kyoto’s Endless Torii Path
If I have to choose only one temple to recommend in Kyoto, it would be Fushimi Inari Taisha. Despite its huge popularity and notorious crowds, this is one of those places that truly justifies the hype. Not only because of the absolutely breathtaking walk through thousands of bright vermilion torii gates (currently around 10,000 line the entire route up Mount Inari), but also because of the amazing stops along the way — like observation points closer to the top and mysterious cemeteries.
I highly recommend doing the full loop, including the detour trail through a quiet bamboo forest and moss-covered cemeteries shrouded in silence on the way to the mountaintop. Look for the small sign pointing off the main path. The entire hike to the summit takes about 2–3 hours and offers unforgettable views over Kyoto.
Walking through thousands of bright vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re planning to complete the full loop — the hike is steeper than it looks. For the best experience, I’d recommend coming closer to the evening to enjoy both the daylight and the beautiful illumination after sunset. When I visited in May, around 5 PM was perfect, but depending on the time of year you’re visiting, it may vary — plan carefully. Also, Fushimi Inari Taisha is open 24 hours a day, with no closing days or entrance fees. However, most shops around the shrine operate till 5 PM, so if you want to buy souvenirs, come earlier. Finally, the higher you go, the fewer people you’ll meet — near the top, we had the path almost to ourselves.
Kiyomizu-dera — Views and Vibes Above the City
While Fushimi Inari Taisha feels more like a detour from the popular neighborhoods such as the Gion District, where you’ll most likely stay, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-see located right in the beautifully preserved Higashiyama historic district.
The wooden terrace of Kiyomizu-dera hovering over the city and forest valley.
The approach to the temple is just as beautiful. Strolling up the stone-paved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka feels like stepping back in time — narrow lanes lined with teahouses, pottery shops, and women in colorful kimono. That’s also where you’ll find one of Kyoto’s top photo spots, the five-story Yasaka Pagoda. It’s touristy, yes, but also charming in a way that still feels deeply Japanese.
Kiyomizu-dera sits on a hillside overlooking the city and is famous for its massive wooden terrace — built entirely without nails — that seems to float above a valley of maple and cherry trees. The temple offers incredible views, especially in spring and autumn when the foliage turns vibrant.
Tip: Kiyomizu-dera opens daily at 6:00 AM. Consider booking accommodation near this area if you want to stay in the heart of Kyoto’s historic district and enjoy quiet evening or early morning strolls when everything closes down. It’s especially convenient if you’re trying to take photos without crowds or simply want to soak in the atmosphere.
Some great options include (the last two even offer rooms with Yasaka Pagoda views):
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji — A Temple of Stone Spirits
If it’s your first time in Kyoto, you’ll most likely visit the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is just a 20-minute walk from there, tucked away in the quiet backstreets of Arashiyama. It’s one of those places that truly makes you pause. The temple is home to more than 8,000 small stone statues, each dedicated to souls who passed away without family — creating a hauntingly beautiful sea of faces stretching across the moss-covered hillside.
Bamboo grove and hillside filled with 8,000 stone statues at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji opens at 9:00 AM and has a small entry fee. It also features a bamboo grove, a quieter and more serene alternative to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you’ll have a chance to take photos without crowds. Pair this visit with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, which is just a short walk away.
Tip: When exploring temples in Kyoto, make sure to bring cash, as many don’t accept cards. Entry fees are usually around ¥500 for adults. If you visit on the last Saturday and Sunday in August, try to catch the Sento Kuyo event at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji — when thousands of candles are lit among the statues. It’s one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric evenings.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji — The Temple of Smiling Statues
Just a short 10-minute walk from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, you’ll find Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, one of Kyoto’s most unique and intriguing temples. While Adashino feels reflective and serene, Otagi is the opposite — lighthearted, quirky, and full of character. The temple grounds are dotted with over 1,200 arhat statues, each one hand-carved by worshippers. Look closely and you’ll see faces with different expressions — some smiling, some meditating, others laughing or holding sake bottles.
Hand-carved rakan statues with quirky expressions at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji.
I love it because it shows a completely different side of Kyoto’s temple culture — one that’s playful and full of warmth. After visiting so many calm and solemn temples, walking among these joyful stone faces feels refreshing. It reminds you that spirituality here isn’t only about silence or prayer — sometimes it’s about laughter, creativity, and human connection.
Tip: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji opens at 9 AM and has a small entry fee. It’s also the starting point for the Sagano walking tour, so if you prefer going downhill rather than uphill, consider getting here by taxi or bus and exploring the area from this end.
Tō-ji Temple — Kyoto’s Five-Story Icon
Tō-ji Temple closes this list of my personal top five favorite temples in Kyoto. Conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, it makes an ideal first stop before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha or other temples farther out.
Built in the 8th century, Tō-ji served as a guardian of Kyoto’s southern entrance and remains one of the most important landmarks of the Shingon Buddhist sect.
The iconic five-story wooden pagoda of Tō-ji Temple, Japan’s tallest.
The temple grounds feel full of history and have plenty to explore, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. Its most popular attraction is the five-story pagoda — the tallest wooden tower in Japan and a true symbol of the city. If the ground floor of the pagoda is open, make sure to step inside. I also recommend visiting the various halls that house Buddha statues, as well as the Founder’s Hall and Treasure House (open from late March to late May and again from late September to late November). Take time to wander through the beautiful gardens and pond too.
Tip: Tō-ji Temple opens at 8:00 a.m. and has a small entry fee. If you happen to be in Kyoto on the 21st of each month, don’t miss the famous flea market — it’s a great chance to browse antiques, handmade crafts, and vintage kimonos while soaking in the temple’s timeless atmosphere. A smaller antiques market is also held on the first Sunday of each month.
These are my personal recommendations to start with, but of course, Kyoto has so much more to offer. In my guidebook, Japan for First-Timers: The Golden Route you’ll find a complete 4-day Kyoto itinerary featuring 18 temples and shrines worth visiting, along with must-see landmarks and food recommendations to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Check out the guide below and start planning your perfect Kyoto adventure!
