Tokyo: A Blend of Modernity and Tradition

Tokyo is a blend of modernity and tradition, making it a perfect getaway for vacations. Here are 11 temples you should visit in Japan.

When thinking of Japan, images of bustling cities, high-tech innovations, and delicious sushi often come to mind. However, Japan is also a land deeply rooted in tradition, spirituality, and tranquillity. This is beautifully exemplified in its myriad temples scattered across the country.

Kyoto: The Heart of Japanese Temples

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Kyoto, a common stop on Japan tours, is synonymous with temples, and Kinkaku-ji is perhaps the most famous of them all. The Golden Pavilion, as it's commonly known, is a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the pavilion on the pond in front of it, especially during the autumn and winter months, is a sight to behold. Originally built as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a temple after his death in 1408.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Another iconic temple in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form a path up the sacred Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, this shrine is famous for its fox statues, which are believed to be Inari's messengers. Walking through the torii gates, you feel transported into a different world, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thinner.

Kiyomizu-dera

Perched on the edge of a hill, Kiyomizu-dera offers stunning views over Kyoto. Its wooden stage, which juts out from the main hall, is supported by hundreds of wooden pillars and provides a breathtaking panorama, particularly during cherry blossom season and autumn. The temple was founded in 780 and is associated with the Hosso school of Buddhism. A visit to Kiyomizu-dera is not complete without taking a sip of the Otowa Waterfall's three streams, each believed to grant a different wish: longevity, success at school, and a fortunate love life.

Tokyo: A Blend of Modernity and Tradition

Senso-ji

Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, is located in the heart of Asakusa. Founded in 645 AD, this temple is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The vibrant entrance gate, Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), with its giant red lantern, is one of Tokyo's most photographed sites. Inside, the temple grounds are bustling with visitors, street vendors, and the occasional traditional festival. Despite the crowds, Senso-ji retains a sense of tranquillity, especially in the early morning.

Zojo-ji

Located at the base of Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji offers a stark contrast between traditional and modern Japan. This temple serves as the main temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism in the Kanto region. It has a deep connection with the Tokugawa family, Japan's ruling shogunate during the Edo period, with many of the shoguns buried on its grounds. The temple complex also includes a beautiful garden and several smaller temples.

Nara: A Glimpse into Ancient Japan

Todai-ji

Todai-ji is not only one of Nara's most famous temples but also one of Japan's most significant. Home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world, Todai-ji is an awe-inspiring sight. The Daibutsu-den (Big Buddha Hall) is the largest wooden building in the world, and the temple grounds are home to a population of friendly deer, believed to be messengers of the gods.

Horyu-ji

Another must-visit in Nara is Horyu-ji, one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, a significant figure in Japanese Buddhism, Horyu-ji is a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art, architecture, and artifacts. The temple is divided into two areas: the Western Precinct, with the main hall and pagoda, and the Eastern Precinct, which houses the Hall of Visions.

Mount Koya: A Spiritual Retreat

Kongobu-ji

Mount Koya, or Koyasan, is a secluded mountain top dotted with temples and monasteries. Kongobu-ji is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi in 816. The temple complex includes beautiful rock gardens, traditional tatami rooms, and sliding doors decorated with intricate paintings. Staying overnight at one of the temple lodgings (shukubo) in Koyasan offers a unique opportunity to experience the monastic lifestyle, including participating in morning prayers and enjoying traditional vegetarian meals (shojin ryori).

Okunoin

Okunoin is the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and one of the most sacred places in Japan. The temple is surrounded by Japan's largest cemetery, where over 200,000 tombstones line the path leading to the mausoleum. Walking through Okunoin, especially in the early morning or evening, is a profoundly spiritual experience. The lantern-lit path and towering cedar trees add to the mystical atmosphere.

Hiroshima: Resilience and Peace

Itsukushima Shrine

While technically not a temple, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island is a must-visit for its iconic "floating" torii gate. At high tide, the gate appears to float on the water, creating a magical scene. The shrine itself is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto deity Susano-o no Mikoto and is a beautiful example of Shinto architecture, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

Mitaki-dera

Nestled in the mountains of Hiroshima, Mitaki-dera is a tranquil Buddhist temple surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls. The temple's name means "Three Falls Temple," and it's easy to see why. The serene environment, combined with the temple's moss-covered statues and pagodas, makes it a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visiting during the autumn months, when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and orange, is particularly enchanting.

Honouring Tradition and Embracing Peace Japan's temples are more than just tourist attractions; they are places of worship, tranquillity, and cultural heritage. Each temple offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rich history and spiritual practices.

Images credit: Shutterstock