Japan: 10 iconic temples and shrines you need to visit

 Each of these temples and shrines offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Be sure to pay a visit during your next trip to Japan.

Japan is a destination people love for its unique combination of tradition and modernity. At the heart of this duality are its numerous wonderful temples and sanctuaries, which offer a unique immersion into the rich history and spiritual heritage of the country.

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• Kinkaku-ji 
• Tōdai-ji
• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Meiji-Jingu
• Kōtoku-in
• Itsukushima Shrine
• Ryoan-ji
• Hōryū-ji
• Zenrin-ji

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Its main attraction is the magnificent gold pavilion, whose splendour is reflected onto the surrounding pond. The temple is surrounded by well-kept landscaped gardens, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Kinkaku-ji is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Tōdai-ji – Nara

Tōdai-ji, located in Nara, is one of Japan's historic gems. It is home to the bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), which is also one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The temple grounds are also very impressive, with its large wooden doors and avenue lined with stone lanterns. Sika deer, considered to be divine messengers, graze in the surrounding park.

Fushimi Inari Shrine – Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to the god Inari, who is the protector of harvests as well as businesses. The shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii, which form a beautiful tunnel leading up to Inari Mountain. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths to enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.

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Kiyomizu-dera – Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hill in Kyoto, is one of Japan's most iconic temples. It is best known for its nail-free wooden platform, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and cherry blossom trees during the sakura season. The temple is also an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Meiji-Jingu Shrine – Tokyo

Located in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park, Meiji-Jingu is one of Japan's most visited and popular shrines. It was built in honour of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The entrance to the shrine is marked by impressive wooden torii. The park surrounding the shrine provides a soothing contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Kōtoku-in – Kamakura

Kōtoku-in Temple, located in Kamakura, is home to the famous Kamakura Daibutsu, a 13.35-metre-high bronze Buddha statue which dates back to the 13th century. For a particularly unique experience, visitors can even step inside the statue.

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Itsukushima – Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine, on the island of Miyajima, is famous for its floating torii, which appear to float on the water at high tide. The shrine is a classic example of Shinto architecture and is set in picturesque natural surroundings, with Mount Misen as a backdrop.

Ryoan-ji – Kyoto

Ryoan-ji Temple is famous for its stone garden, which is also one of the most famous in Japan. It is made up of fifteen stones arranged in such a way that, whatever your position, you can only see fourteen of them at any one time, a composition that encourages meditation and reflection.

Hōryū-ji – Nara

Hōryū-ji Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, dating back to the 7th century. It is famous for its preserved wooden architecture, including the legendary Yumedono, or "Dream Pavilion", and it home to precious Buddhist relics.

Zenrin-ji (Eikan-do) – Kyoto

Zenrin-ji Temple, also known as Eikan-do, is a Zen Buddhist temple renowned for its spectacular autumn garden. During the autumn season, the maple trees and foliage surrounding the garden take on brilliant colours, creating a truly enchanting landscape.

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