With more than a thousand to choose from, you could spend a lifetime in Kyoto exploring temples. Fortunately, with just a few days in the city, you can visit a selection of the very best the city has to offer. This itinerary will get you started.
Here, we won’t give you specific times or transport details. Rather, we divide the gardens by area, so you can easily build your own itinerary to suit your pace and other interests.
It’s also worth considering the several private tours of Kyoto zen gardens offered by Wabunka which let you experience these temples without the crowds.
Northern Higashiyama
- Nanzen-ji: A sprawling Zen temple at the base of the Higashiyama Mountains, this will always rank as one of my favorite Kyoto temples.
- Honen-in: A tiny temple just around the corner from perpetually-crowded Ginkaku-ji. Go there for the peace and quiet.
- Shinyo-do: Few people make it to this sublime temple atop Yoshida-yama. It’s a magical place.
Southern Higashiyama
- Shoren-in: On the tourist trail but overlooked by the masses, this temple looks out over a tranquil pond. Order a cup of matcha (powdered green tea) and soak up the view.
- Chion-in: The main hall is presently under reconstruction. When it’s finished, it will be awe-inspiring.
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Southeast Kyoto
- Tofuku-ji: This Zen temple in the southeast of the city boasts huge main halls and a brilliant karesansui garden.
Northwest Kyoto
- Myoshin-ji: A walled-in world of brilliant Zen temples and subtemples, may with fine gardens.
- Daitoku-ji: This complex of Zen subtemples is like a hidden world within Kyoto. Some of the best karesansui (Zen) gardens in the city can be found here.
Kitayama Area
- Kurama-dera: This mountain-top temple will always be my favorite place in Kyoto.
See also The Best Temples In Kyoto, Kyoto’s Best Shinto Shrines, and my own personal favorite Top 10 Kyoto temples for more inspiration about where to go.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
