Regional discoveries | Value Village

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Jishu Jinja

A shrine of matchmaking inside the grounds of Kiyomizudera. Its two love-divination stones are set ten metres apart.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Nanzenji

It was placed at the very top of the Zen temple ranks. The aqueduct of the Lake Biwa Canal crosses its grounds.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Tofukuji

Known for the autumn colour seen from the Tsutenkyo bridge. Its Sanmon gate is the oldest surviving Zen gate and a National Treasure.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Daitokuji

Ikkyu Sojun served as abbot here. A centre of Sen no Rikyu and the way of tea.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Myoshinji

A vast temple with 46 sub-temples. The cloud dragon on the ceiling of the lecture hall is famous.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Nishi Honganji

The karamon gate, the study halls and the Hiunkaku are National Treasures, gathering the best of Momoyama culture.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Higashi Honganji

The Goeido is among the largest wooden buildings in the world. Ropes plaited with human hair were used to haul up its beams.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Toji Gojunoto

About 55 metres tall. The highest wooden pagoda in Japan, and the silhouette of Kyoto itself.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Sanjusangendo

One thousand and one Thousand-Armed Kannon stand in rows. The 120-metre main hall is a National Treasure too.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Tenryuji

The Sogenchi garden by Muso Soseki. It was the first place in Japan designated both a Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Nonomiya Jinja

Where the imperial priestess purified herself before setting out for Ise. Its black-bark torii survives.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Kuramadera

Said to be where the young Ushiwakamaru learned swordsmanship from the tengu. Known for its May full moon rite.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Kifune Jinja

The head shrine of all Kifune shrines in Japan. Its water fortunes are floated on water for the characters to appear.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Uji

Byodoin

The design on the ten-yen coin. Together with its reflection in the pond, the whole is built to represent the Pure Land.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Uji

Ujigami Jinja

Its main hall is held to be the oldest surviving shrine building, put up in the late Heian period.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Miyazu

Chionji

One of the three great views of Japan, and one of the three great Monju temples, enshrining the Buddha of wisdom.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Miyazu

Nariaiji

A temple on the mountain above Amanohashidate. Its name says that wishes are fulfilled.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Matsunoo Taisha

As a deity of brewing, it draws the faith of sake makers across Japan. Sake casks are stacked in its grounds.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Sanzenin

The village of Ohara. Small child Jizo figures sit in a garden of moss.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Jakkoin

Where Kenreimonin, daughter of Taira no Kiyomori, spent her last years. The final scene of The Tale of the Heike.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Kifune Okumiya

Said to be where people prayed at Yui no Yashiro to win back a love. Also held to be the origin of the midnight cursing rite.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Eikando

The Mikaeri Amida turns only its head to look back, a rare posture. Famous for autumn colour.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Shorenin

A monzeki temple of the Tendai school. A great camphor spreads its branches before the gate.

KyotoShrines & Temples

Kyoto

Chionin

Its Sanmon is among the largest wooden gates in Japan, and a National Treasure. Seventeen people together strike the new year bell.