
Kyoto
Kyoto is a major city in Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of central Honshu. It served as Japan's imperial capital from 794, when the court moved to Heian-kyo, until 1868, when the capital transferred to Tokyo, shaping its urban form and culture. The city features landmarks such as Kiyomizu-dera temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine with its torii gate paths, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and Nijo Castle, a former Tokugawa shogun residence; many are grouped in the UNESCO World Heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Kyoto lies in a basin crossed by the Kamo and Katsura rivers and includes districts like Gion, known for geisha arts. Festivals such as the Gion Matsuri and a strong university community sustain its role in Japanese history, religion, and learning.
Temples & Shrines in Kyoto

To-ji
Buddhist Temple
Choho-ji
Buddhist Temple
Ryoan-ji
Buddhist Temple
Imakumano Kannon-ji
Buddhist Temple
Kiyomizu-dera
Buddhist TemplePerched on the eastern hills of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple has been a symbol of Buddhist devotion for over twelve centuries. Founded in 778 CE by the priest Enchin, this temple is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy, and is part of the Hosso sect.

Rokuharamitsu-ji
Buddhist Temple
Gyogan-ji
Buddhist TempleHistoric Tendai Buddhist temple in central Kyoto, known for its connection to the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Features traditional architecture and serves as an important place of worship with a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Yoshimine-dera
Buddhist TempleAs a Tendai Buddhist temple situated on the mountainside in Nishikyo, Kyoto, Yoshimine‑dera traces its history back to 1029 when the monk Gensan from Enryaku‑ji carved an eleven‑faced Kannon statue and built a small chapel here. Over the centuries the temple gained imperial patronage, receiving additional buildings and another Kannon statue and becoming the 20th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Though much of the complex was destroyed during the 15th‑century Ōnin War, it was rebuilt in the Edo period. Today Yoshimine‑dera is known for its terraced grounds with numerous halls, its famous “Gliding Dragon” pine tree trained to grow horizontally, and seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas and autumn maples.

Gokonomiya
Shinto ShrineGokōnomiya Shrine in Fushimi Ward is renowned for its sacred spring water, believed to have healing properties. This historic Shinto shrine features beautiful architecture and is particularly popular during cherry blossom season and autumn festivals.

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Shinto ShrineFushimi Inari Taisha, located in Kyoto, is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. Established in 711 AD, it is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form pathways up Mount Inari.

Kinkaku-ji
Buddhist TempleKinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto centered on the Golden Pavilion; it's part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". The original burned; the current pavilion, with gold-leafed upper floors, was rebuilt in 1955.

Daigo-ji
Buddhist TempleDaigo-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It is the head temple of the Shingon-shū Daigo-ha sect of Japanese Buddhism and its honzon is a hibutsu statue of Yakushi Nyorai. The temple's full name is Kasatori-yama Daigo-ji.





