Kinkakuji

Famous golden temple and one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites

Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine (尾山神社, oyama-jinja) is a shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie of the Maeda clan that would go…

Myoryuji

A small temple popular with tourists since becoming known as the “Ninja Temple”

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (大宰府天満宮, Dazaifu Tenmangū) is one of the country’s most important Tenmangu Shrines. Tenmangu Shrines are…

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

Yushima Tenmangu is an important shrine in Bunkyo Ward that houses the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, a…

Nogi Shrine

Small shrine established in 1923 made famous by the suicide of General Nogi Maresuke and his wife Nogi Shizuko in 1912.

Kitain Temple

Temple rebuilt from the only surviving remains of Edo Castle famous also for its 538 statues of the Rakan, disciples of the Buddha.

Hakone Shrine

A shrine is notable for its large, red torii which stands on the shore of Lake Ashi. The shrine was originally on the summit of Mount Komagatake, but was moved to its current location in the late 17th century. The walk through the forest and up the stone steps is very enjoyable.

Hasedera Temple

Buddhist temple with an eleven-headed statue of Kannon single trunk of a camphor tree.

Kotokuin Temple

Temple is home to a 121-ton stone Buddha (“The Great Buddha”) which has stood since the mid-13th century and is a designated National Treasure. It took 10 years to complete, the cost of construction borne by the priests and members of the community.

Tokasan Jomyoji Temple

Quiet temple near Hokokuji with a tea house and Japanese rock garden.

Engakuji Temple

700 year old temple built on the sloping hillsides of Kamakura which is today one of the most important Zen temples in Japan.