One thing you will quickly learn about visiting Kyoto is that there are thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. To me it is very much like the chateaus in France, particularly in the Loire Valley. After awhile it can be overwhelming and they all blend together. A few days into our trip to Kyoto I began to be less concerned about documenting every temple I visited and more interested in enfolding myself into their peace, their tranquility, their beauty. It is extraordinary to just sit inside an ancient building, often designed for meditation, and just watch the magnificent leaves changing into exquisite colors and be lulled into a fog of tranquility by the sound of water.
I would share the same advice that I do for the chateaus in France. Don’t try to see them all. Pick a few, no more than two a day (if that) and really absorb yourself into that singular place. You will notice more than the buildings and gardens. Some of the most beautiful photos that Mr. Misadventures took were of subtle things like a few leaves on the ground:
There are lots of little details everywhere you look:
Details that might be missed if you are rushing “to see it all” and check the list.
A few things to note about visiting temples in Kyoto. No shoes are ever allowed inside the temples. You must take them off. Some temples provide slippers, others don’t. Two tips: don’t wear shoes that are complicated to get on and off and wear nice [warm] socks!
As I mentioned in my post on Kiyomizu-dera temple, going in the morning is generally the best time to avoid crowds. There are many temples that don’t allow photography inside, so be prepared for that. For many people this is a place of worship, for prayers and meditation, so be courteous and careful with photos.
There a few temples that are outside of Kyoto itself and very worth a visit. Two of the most well-known are Nara, famous for its deer. Mr. Misadventures took a train from Kyoto with some colleagues to visit in 2012.
The other is the Sanzen Temple in Ohara which Mr. Misadventures and I visited. [We took very few photos here, we just absorbed ourselves into the temple grounds.] We took the bus from Kyoto which was quite straight-forward.
One thing we weren’t prepared for (somehow I missed it when preparing for our trip, typical misadventure!) was how to pay. When you get on a bus in Kyoto make sure you look at the panel on top of the driver to see what stop number you get on the bus at. This will determine what you pay when you get off. As you progress through the route the price changes based on the distance you’ve gone. We didn’t pay attention and guessed. The driver probably deals with this all the time, so he just went with it!
Whichever temples you choose, you will not be disappointed. I had a great time with the Context Travel guides at Kennin-ji and Kinkaku-ji and on our own at many others (one last one tomorrow!). But don’t feel pressure to see them all, it is never going to happen and you won’t enjoy the ones you do see!
Here are more Kyoto temple posts from other bloggers:
> 4 Must See Kyoto Temples from new friend B + E: See The World
> Exploring Kyoto’s 2000 Temples & Shrines from Never Ending Voyage
> There are 2,000 Temples and Shrines in Kyoto from Minty Lemony
> More temples in Kyoto from the Adventures of Bob & Kathleen
How about you? Have you been to any temples in Kyoto? What is your favorite? If not, any idea which ones you’d like to visit?
July 7, 2014
I would love to go here. It is so beautiful and calming even just to look at the pictures.
July 7, 2014
Love those pictures! Especially the one of the leaves…
July 7, 2014
This is beautiful! I too love to travel, and I married a Frenchman. 🙂
July 7, 2014
I love the picture of the deer. So beautiful! Thank you for sharing,
October 13, 2014
Love these photos! Absolutely gorgeous. One more reason I need to go to Kyoto! Thanks for sharing!
October 13, 2014
Kyoto temples have been on my list for a long time – I can’t believe I made it all the way to Osaka and ran out of time… I love Japan and would really like to return, except this time I’ll start with Kyoto.
October 13, 2014
@Leyla, oh I could spend years in Japan, I love it there. I only saw a few days of Osaka, which is pretty cool too!
October 13, 2014
Oh, this looks so amazing!!! I love it.
October 13, 2014
Such a great tip to visit just a few and take them in rather than rushing through too many and missing out on the little things. Love the photographs.
October 13, 2014
@Amanda, I think the advice works for almost an trip, if you try to do everything, you’ll end up missing some really interesting things!
October 13, 2014
amazing photos! I need to add Kyoto to my list of places to visit.
October 13, 2014
@Stephanie, definitely there are 100’s of temples! And you take such great photos I know your pics would be fabulous!
October 16, 2014
I have an ever expanding list of places on my “When I finally get to Japan” list, and Kyoto was just added onto it! WOW. It’s so beautiful!!
October 16, 2014
@Rebecca, I have those lists too, I think it is an addiction 😉
October 16, 2014
I’ve only spent time in Tokyo however Kyoto has always been intriguing to me for the beauty and serenity. Great tip about how to pay. That usually is something that goes unplanned for until one is in the situation! Props to Mr. MA for the great detail shots!
October 16, 2014
@Toni, I love Tokyo and I felt Osaka was a mini-Tokyo, Kyoto was SO different and amazing!
March 7, 2019
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January 16, 2020
That’s very beautiful! I have not been to Japan, but I dream of getting there. Great blog! You inspired me! Thanks!