Published 27th Apr. 2026
Written by Emily Heeks
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Just stepped off the Shinkansen, explored the vibrant streets of Tokyo and had your fill of ramen? Then you’ll know Japan is dazzling, and a little hectic at times. That’s where temples come in – and with over 150,000 sacred sites across the country, you’ll see signs for otera (temple) and jinja (shrine), everywhere. Follow them and find peaceful pavilions, meet resident deer bowing for a biscuit or two and even tiptoe through ninja hideouts filled with secret rooms. Ready to temple hop your way from Kyoto to Hokkaido? Read on for our roundup of the best temples in Japan...
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We’re starting off with something shiny: the Golden Temple in Kyoto. But before you stride in camera-first, it’s worth knowing a little temple etiquette. Pause at the water pavilion to rinse your hands and mouth, a symbolic cleanse before stepping into a sacred space. Slip off your shoes if required, there’s usually a neat little area waiting for them. Once inside, it’s tradition to ring the bell to greet the deity, bow and clap twice, then offer a quiet prayer with your hands still together.
Ritual complete, admire the Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji) in all its glory. Adorned in gold and dating back to the 14th century, this Zen Buddhist place of worship is a real showstopper.
Tuck into some manju (steamed buns filled with red bean paste), a post-temple treat said to bring a little extra luck, and you’ll be fuelled for a day of temple-hopping. And in Kyoto, you’re spoilt for choice. Stroll Ryoanji’s world-famous rock garden, step inside Kennin-ji, one of the city’s oldest temples, and make time for Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermilion torii gates carve tunnels through the hillside.
Image by - Zoe Fiji
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Are you a cat lover? Then out of all the temples in Japan, this one is a must-see (just don’t expect any actual purring companions – these are just statues after all). Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is the birthplace of the maneki-neko, the beckoning cat good luck charm that shows up everywhere from shop windows to keychains. The temple’s story dates back to the Edo period when a cat is said to have waved a passing feudal lord inside just before a sudden storm, granting him safety and success.
Hundreds of cat figurines now crowd the grounds, placed by visitors hoping for some fortune of their own. Follow the smiling feline faces, snap some adorable photos and purchase your own lucky charm for the rest of your trip. And who knows, with your new pawed pal, maybe you’ll snag an extra piece of sushi at the conveyor belt restaurant…
Image by - Celine Ramoni Lee
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Follow the lantern-lined path from the trailhead for Mt. Yuhi and you’ll discover Jozankei Shrine, nestled into the forest. A classic Shinto shrine, it’s cosy wooden hall, steeply pitched roof and a bold torii gate give it a charming, storybook feel.
Time your visit right in winter for Yukitouro, a festival where thousands of handmade candles light up the snowy grounds in January, creating a truly magical scene. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it perfect for renting a traditional kimono in nearby Sapporo to explore the shrine in style, echoing the floral tones of the season. Come autumn, the crisp air brings out fiery foliage, with the bonus of nearby onsens (hot springs) to warm up in afterwards.
Image by - Olivier Romano
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Among the many temples in Japan, Todai-ji in Nara stands out for its sheer scale. Built in the eighth century to house one of the country’s largest bronze Buddha statues, its Great Hall remains one of the most impressive structures of its kind in the world.
But most visitors are quickly distracted by the resident deer roaming the grounds. Considered sacred messengers of the gods, they were granted imperial protection in the Heian period, symbolising the harmony between nature and spirituality in Nara. They’ve even mastered the art of politeness. Buy a packet of deer biscuits from a local vendor, offer one up and you may be rewarded with a neat little bow –undeniably cute, or as you’d say in Japan, kawaii. Just be warned, they know exactly where you’re hiding the rest...
Image by - By Ran / Getty Images
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Ninjadera, better known as the Ninja Temple in Kanazawa, feels like a real-life escape room. Built in the 1600s, it was designed to look like an ordinary two-storey building, but inside lie some deceptive defences – hidden rooms, trapdoors, secret staircases and even an escape route to Kanazawa Castle. It’s best explored with a local guide who knows the twists and tricks within its walls.
Image by - Olivier Romano
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Seeking some peace and quiet? Look no further than Ekoin Temple on Mount Koya, renowned as one of the most authentic temples in Japan. Here, you can stay overnight, joining monks for meditation and prayer, where you can learn all about dharma teachings, traditions and daily temple life. Meals are shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented using seasonal ingredients from local farms.
Evenings are calm, with incense swirling through the temple’s cosy interiors, while the mountain setting encourages early nights and a slower pace, following the rhythm of monastic life.
Image by - Zoe Fidji
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Perched on a mountainside overlooking Mount Fuji, Chureito Pagoda is worth tackling the 400-step climb to reach it. Built as a peace memorial and part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, the red pagoda is built in the traditional five-storey structure often seen in Japanese architecture, standing out boldly among the surrounding greenery.
At the top, Mount Fuji steals the show – keep your fingers crossed for a clear sighting and have your camera at the ready. While you’re here, it’s tradition to draw an omikuji fortune card, offering insights into luck with your work, love life and travel plans. And if yours hints at a twisty road ahead, well… that just makes the journey more interesting.
Image by - Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images
Header Image by - Nichika Sakurai / Unsplash
Whether you’re a family seeking Tokyo’s futuristic museums or a couple wishing to relax in Hokkaido’s onsens, we’ve got you covered. Our consultants have first-hand experience of living in Japan, so we know the secret spots off the beaten track (and how to reach them). Train travel is the best and most efficient way to explore the country, and wherever you visit, getting to grips with Japan’s diverse culture is a must. We work with guides who provide in-depth experiences on the history of Samurai or Geisha culture, and we have hand-picked traditional ryokan properties to rest your head in.
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