🌸 Kyoto's Top 8 Shrines You Must Visit 🌸
When it comes to Kyoto, the first thing that probably comes to mind is its shrines. As the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto has a long history and is home to over a thousand shrines. The number of shrines and temples combined is more than the number of convenience stores! But for first-time visitors to Kyoto, which shrines are the most worth visiting? Here are eight shrines recommended based on the preferences of locals and tourists, as well as their fame and rankings in Japan. 🏮 Fushimi Inari Taisha Known for its "thousand torii gates," the actual number of torii gates is continuously increasing, with over 10,000 gates to date. This shrine honors the god Inari, who blesses bountiful harvests and prosperity in business. It has been revered by people through the ages and is considered a deity that brings wealth and happiness to all. Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto has been voted the number one out of the top 30 attractions in Japan for eight consecutive years. 🏮 Kinkaku-ji (also known as Rokuon-ji) The temple covered in gold leaf, shining brightly in the sunlight with its reflection on the water, has captured the hearts of tourists. If you've visited Kinkaku-ji before, have you seen the dreamy Snow Kinkaku-ji? It's not easy to see, as Kyoto doesn't always accumulate snow, and witnessing it requires a bit of luck. 🏮 Kiyomizu-dera Isn't this the first place that comes to mind when you think of Kyoto? The constant flow of worshippers and tourists throughout the year, as well as its fame as a spot for cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing, makes Kiyomizu-dera a must-visit. The main deity enshrined here is the Thousand-Armed Kannon. In addition to the famous Kiyomizu Stage and the vermilion Nio Gate, there's the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are said to grant longevity, successful romance, and academic progress. 🏮 Yasaka Shrine Yasaka Shrine is one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto. As the head shrine of over 3,000 Yasaka Shrines across Japan, it is particularly known as the strongest shrine for love and relationships, enshrining the deities Susanoo and Inadahime, who are known for their strong bond. The Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, is held here from July 1st to July 31st, making it a grand event not to be missed. 🏮 Gion Shrine Worships the water god "Takitsu-Hiko," and is located to the north of Kyoto, also known as Raktou. Gion Shrine on Mount Hiei is a tranquil place, perfect for summer visits and enjoying the limited-edition flowing soba noodles. In autumn, during the maple season, it's the most visited time by tourists. Taking the Eizan Train to Gion, you'll pass through a tunnel of maple trees. In winter, the red lanterns covered in snow create a striking contrast. 🏮 Byodoin One of the reasons it's popular with tourists is its location in Uji, the land of matcha. Many people enjoy matcha ice cream before visiting Byodoin. Built along the Uji River, Byodoin is a Buddhist temple, said to be designed based on ancient Japanese imaginations of the Pure Land. Byodoin was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994, and the phoenix hall is featured on the current 10-yen coin. 🏮 Tofuku-ji The top spot for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto, with the famous Tsutenkyo Bridge. The view from Tsutenkyo Bridge over Tofuku-ji is a well-known autumn leaf viewing scene in Japan. Tofuku-ji is conveniently located close to Kyoto Station, making it easily accessible. During the autumn leaf festival, it's packed with leaf viewers. 🏮 Kitano Tenmangu This shrine enshrines the god of scholarship, Sugawara no Michizane, and is the head shrine of the 22 Kitano Tenmangu shrines across Japan. There are statues of cows throughout the shrine, so remember to touch their heads for academic success. Every February and March, Kitano Tenmangu is also a famous spot for plum blossom viewing in Japan. #JapanTravel #Kyoto #KyotoShrines⛩️ #JapaneseShrines #KyotoTravel #Japan #LifeInJapan #JapaneseLocalTours #FushimiInariTaisha #Kinkakuji #Kiyomizudera #YasakaShrine #GionShrine #Byodoin #Tofukuji #KitanoTenmangu