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A path through rows of vermilion torii gates

Culture & history

Shrines & temples

Temples over a thousand years old, a torii standing in the sea, a monastery town on a mountain. The earlier in the day, the quieter it is.

Travel tips

  • Popular shrines and temples are quietest before 9 a.m. or in the late afternoon.

12 places to go

Tap a pin to jump to that place's description.

Kanto

  1. 1

    Senso-ji Temple (Kaminarimon)

    Attraction

    Tokyo's oldest temple, with the great lantern of Kaminarimon and the Nakamise shopping street.

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  2. 2

    Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Attraction

    A shrine in a deep forest, right next to Harajuku Station.

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  3. 3

    Nikko Toshogu Shrine

    Attraction

    The lavishly carved shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

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Chubu & Hokuriku

  1. 4

    Zenko-ji

    Attraction

    A temple open to all sects, reached on foot along the approach from Nagano Station.

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Kansai

  1. 5

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Attraction

    Vermilion torii gates run all the way up the mountain. The full walk takes about two hours.

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  2. 6

    Kiyomizu-dera

    Attraction

    The famous wooden stage built out over a hillside, reached by an uphill walk.

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  3. 7

    Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    Attraction

    A golden pavilion reflected in its pond.

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  4. 8

    Todai-ji

    Attraction

    The Great Buddha of Nara, reached by walking among the deer of Nara Park.

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  5. 9

    Ise Jingu (Naiku, Inner Shrine)

    Attraction

    A quiet sacred forest. By custom, visit the Outer Shrine first, then the Inner Shrine.

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  6. 10

    Koyasan (Kongobu-ji / Danjo Garan)

    Attraction

    A temple town on a mountain where you can stay in temple lodgings. Reached by cable car and bus.

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Chugoku

  1. 11

    Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine)

    Attraction

    A great torii standing in the sea; the view changes with the tide.

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  2. 12

    Izumo Taisha Shrine

    Attraction

    One of Japan's oldest shrines, known for matchmaking.

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From people who went

Tips about the places in this theme, most helpful first.

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Event dates, operating days, reservation rules and opening hours can change. Please check the official information before you go.

Photo and data credits

A path through rows of vermilion torii gates Balon Greyjoy (CC0) / Kaminarimon gate and its red lantern at night Maarten Heerlien (CC BY 2.0) / The main hall of Meiji Jingu beyond a wide gravel courtyard Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Yomeimon gate of Nikko Toshogu shrine Maarten Heerlien (CC BY 2.0) / The stage of Kiyomizu-dera surrounded by autumn leaves Martin Falbisoner (CC BY-SA 4.0) / The Golden Pavilion beyond the trees Jakub Hałun (CC BY 4.0) / The Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Balon Greyjoy (CC0) / The great torii of Itsukushima Shrine standing in the sea Balon Greyjoy (CC0) / The worship hall of Izumo Taisha with its large sacred rope Saigen Jiro (CC0). Cropped and resized.