15 Best Secret Temples in Kyoto

Built in 859 and recognized as one of Japan’s 22 elite shrines in 1081, this protector of Kyoto was founded by the powerful Fujiwara family. Here, during the 15th century, scholar and priest Kanetomo Yoshida launched the arm of the Shinto religion known as Yoshida Shinto. The shrine remains an important Shinto site today. Annually, on 3rd January, the shrine hosts the setsubun (Chinese New Year) bonfire and celebrations. Encircled by lush forest the shrine sits peacefully within an air of tranquility.

This 14th century temple is home to Japan’s oldest bell, cast in 698, and it is still used daily by the monks. The site was once the villa of Emperor Hanazono, but once he became enlightened after many years of strict Zen Buddhist practice the villa was converted into a temple. The Lecture Hall has an amazing painted ceiling of a dragon glaring in 8 directions that stares at you wherever you stand. The easiest way to reach the temple is by Kyoto City Bus 61, 62, or 63 to Myoshinji-mae stop.

Enjoy superb views of Mount Hiei from this temple originally constructed in the 14th century and moved to this location after World War II. In honour of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Myomanji Temple has a scale replica of the Bodh Gaya stupa in India within serene gardens of conscientiously raked sand and gravel.

This small temple hidden on a hillside in Arashiyama is home to 8,000 stone Buddha statues, all sitting together forming a dramatic sight for those with the energy to walk the half hour or so up the hill. You can also take a local bus up the hill from near Tenryuji Temple. Adashino Nembutsu Temple is thought to be devoted to the impoverished peoples whose ashes were scattered in the area during the Heian and Edo periods.

A short detour from the Philosopher’s Walk pathway will bring you to Honen-In; a small yet stunningly scenic temple of the Jodo-sect. With a rustic thatched gate and raked-stone gardens that the monks regularly redesign, it's a lovely place to visit and take respite along the historic promenade. Through the rear of the temple, a classic Japanese bridge leads to a peaceful koi carp pond, which then gives way to a remarkable statue of Kannon the Bodhisattva of mercy.

The steep uphill climb to Choraku-ji Temple is not for the faint-hearted, but the panoramic Kyoto views from the top is a fitting reward. The path leading to the temple is lined with stone lanterns that, when lit during the summer months, create an amazing sight. The temple dates back to the 9th century. This quaint temple is in the east of Kyoto, close to Gion district. 

A lush bamboo forest surrounds this shrine where, during the Heian Period, imperial princesses lived for at least a year as an act of purification before they went on to represent the imperial family. The shrine is devoted to the god of relationships and learning, so many single Japanese women come seeking a good match while students pray to pass their exams. As you go through the distinctive black torii gates you will see the Kame no Ishi stone. It's believed that if you stroke the stone your wish will come true within a year. The shrine is within walking distance of Saga-Arashiyama station on the JR Sagano line.

The priest who built Hokai-ji Temple back in 1051 was a descendant of the Fujiwara family and was devoted to the deity Yakushi, which is still widely believed to help nursing mothers produce plentiful milk for their babies. The shrine shelters the Yakushi and an Amida image in its nationally treasured altar. To reach this temple, take the Keihan Line to Rokujizo Station.

This beautiful temple is famous for its thick canopy of plum blossom trees that explode with colour in spring. The temple houses many priceless artifacts including items belonging to famous female poet, Ono Komachi. A dance is staged here annually to honour Komachi. Few tourists have even heard of Zuishin-in so it is a good place to escape the crowds. Zuishin-in Temple is east of downtown Kyoto, in Yamashina district. Take the subway to Ono subway station. 

Many believe Koryuji to be the oldest temple in Kyoto dating back to 603, but devastating fires in 818 and 1150 saw the temple rebuilt each time. The Reiho-den hall protects many ancient documents, paintings and writings, all of which are cherished as National Treasures. Of particular interest to most visitors is the wooden sculptures in the temple grounds. Koryuji is well off the toursit trail in Uzumasa, but is interesting if you find yourself in the western suburbs. 

Kajuji Temple was built by Emperor Daigo to venerate his mother in the after-life. Another victim of Kyoto’s earthquake-prone position and the Onin Wars, by the late 17th century the temple had fallen into disrepair, until the shogunate channeled funds to restore its former glory. Today, the temple is distinguished by its ancient strolling garden which has been kept in much the same state as it was 1,000 years ago. To reach Kajuji Temple, takr the Tozai subway Line to Ono station.

A large statue of the Samurai lord Yoshio Oishi watches over Oishi Shrine, a quiet temple in Yamashina. The main hall stands behind a tall concrete torii gate and is the quintessential Japanese temple scene with cascades of cherry blossoms lining the path towards the hall. Shishi statues appear around the temple, open mouthed to ward off bad spirits and closed-mouth to keep the good luck. The annual Sakura Festival (cherry blossom season) is held here in the first week of April.

Thought to be one of the oldest gardens associated with Zen philosophy, Saihoji Temple was established during the Nara Period by a monk named Gyoki. The temple was converted to Zen in 1339 and it wasn’t until it fell into disrepair in the Meiji Period that its famous moss started to grow. Now said to contain over 120 types of moss, the temple is called Kokedera, literally The Moss Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, the gardens have been designated a special place of scenic beauty especially the area around the pond which is shaped like the Chinese character for ‘heart’. The garden has influenced designers throughout its history. To view the temple and its amazing moss garden you must apply in writing with your name, number of people, preferred date and mailing address to the address below. It costs ¥3,000 to enter Saihoji Temple, payable on the day.

Ota-jinja, also known as the Purple Iris Shrine, is notable for the bright flowers that over the grounds. In May and June, this peaceful site explodes with colour when the iris flowers are in bloom. The shrine is devoted to the god of plentiful harvests and fittingly has been an important shrine for farmers since its beginning.