Kyoto best temples — Visit top 10 most beautiful temples in Kyoto for FREE

Many of us, maybe, are not the followers of Buddhism or Shintoism. Visiting shrines and
temples is a definitely great idea in Japan, though. Perfectly, all visitors are warmly welcome, including non-Buddhist or Shinto followers. Visiting shrines or temples to see their hidden beauty, unique construction, impressive architecture accompanied by their own old stories will truly make us deeply sense the strong feelings of being in Japan. Let’s discover Kyoto best temples with top 10 most beautiful temples in Kyoto for FREE below.

Kyoto is no doubt one the best places to see many shrines and temples in Japan. And here a great suggestion for those of you who want to go to Kyoto as a backpacker or on budget style, you can visit some of these following ones for free. Many shrines and temples in Kyoto are free for the public. And of course, their beauty still enchants whoever comes to see it.

1. Fushimi Inari-taisha (Fushimi Inari Shrine)

Located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, this shrine lies on the base of the Inari mountain, about 233 meters above sea level. The shrine includes a trail up to the mountain which ranges along 4 kilometers and it takes you about 2 hours to walk up.

Further information:

• Add: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan
• Opening time: Dawn to dusk
• Tel: +81 75 641 7331
• Web: inari.jp
• Facebook: facebook.com/Fushimi-Inari-taisha
• Foursquare: foursquare.com/fushimiinaritaisha-shrine
• How to get: 3-minute walk from JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line or 5-minute walk from Keihan Railway Fushimiinari Station

2. Toyokuni Shrine

This shrine was located in Higashiyama area, Kyoto. This shrine was built in 1599 to commemorate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a preeminent daimyo, warrior, general, samurai, and politician of the Sengoku period who is regarded as Japan’s second “great unifier”.

Further information:

• Add: 530 Chaya-chō, Shōmen-dōri, Yamato-ōdōri, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
• Opening time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Tel: + 81 075 561 3802
• Twitter: twitter.com/toyokunishrine
• Foursquare: foursquare.com/toyokuni
• How to get: about fifteen-minute walk from the JR Kyoto Station

3. Honen-In Temple

This is one of the most tranquil temples in Kyoto. This temple has a refreshing and calm
atmosphere. You can walk from Ginkaku-ji to reach this temple.

Further information:

• Add: 30 Goshonodan-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
• Opening time: 6 am – 4 pm
• Tel: +81 75 771 2420
• Web: honen-in.jp
• Facebook: facebook.com/Honen-in-Temple
• How to get: 10min walk from Ginkaku-ji-michi Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5 or 17 from Kyoto Station

4. Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace was a former residence of Japan Imperial Family until 1868. It is located in the spacious Kyoto imperial park. The structures, though modern reconstructions, are lovely.

Further information:

• Add: Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
• Opening time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Tel: +81 75 211 1215
• Web: sankan.kunaicho.go.jp
• Facebook: facebook.com/Kyoto-Imperial-Palace
• How to get: 10-minute ride of Subway Karasuma Line from “Kyoto Station” to “Marutamachi Station”, then approximately 3-minute walk from “Marutamachi Station”.

5. Kamigamo-Jinja Shrine

Located in the Kita ward of Kyoto, this is the oldest shrine in town. Most of the shrine complex has been designated as Preservation Areas of Historic Landscape. It’s quite a trek from Downtown Kyoto to Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, but it’s worth your effort if you are a fan of Shinto shrines. If you’re lucky, they’ll be a traditional wedding happening when you’re at the shrine.

Further information:

• Add: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8047, Japan
• Opening time: 24 hours (8:30 am – 4 pm inside of Romon gate)
• Tel: +81 75 781 0011
• Web: kamigamojinja.jp
• Facebook: facebook.com/Kamigamo-Shrine
• How to get: In front of Kamigamojinja-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 37 from Kitaoji
  Station, Karasuma subway line

6. Kitano-Temmangu Shrine

This shrine is no doubt a comprehensive head shrine in Japan’s Tenmangu shrines. Kitano
Tenmangu is also famous for its plum blossoms which can be seen in their full glory usually in February or early March.

Further information:

• Add: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-8386, Japan
• Opening time: 5 am – 6 pm April-October and 5:30 am-5:30 pm November-March
• Tel: +81 75 461 0005
• Web: kitanotenmangu.or.jp
• How to get: In front of Kitano-Tenmangu-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 50 or 101 from Kyoto Station

7. Matsunoo-Taisha Shrine

Matsuno Taisha is also one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It is home to a spring at the bottom of Arashiyama mountain that is believed to be blessed. Famed for its beautiful gardens, the shrine grounds are home to 3,000 rose bushes which are in bloom during April and May.

Further information:

• Add: 3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-0024, Japan
• Opening time: 5:00 am – 6:00 pm (9:00 am – 4:00 pm for the garden)
• Tel: +81 75 871 5016
• Web: matsunoo.or.jp
• How to get: Taking a Kyoto subway Karasuma Line train to Shijo Karasuma, then changing to the Hankyu Kyoto Line for Katsura, then changing at Katsura for the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Matsuo. (Total journey time is around 30 minutes).

8. Mibu-Dera Temple

This is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto that was built under Emperor Shomu, for the Chinese monks in Japan. Monk Ganjin introduced the Ritsu sect from China to Japan.

Further information:

• Add: 31 Mibunaginomiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8821, Japan
• Opening time: 8.30am-4.30pm
• Tel: +81 75-841-3381
• Web: mibudera.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/Mibu-dera
• How to get: Take city bus no. 28 from Kyoto station towards Daikaku-ji. Get off after 8 stops (around 15 minutes) at Mibu-dera-dori. From there head south and you will see the temple after 400 meters.

9. Nishi Hongan-Ji Temple

This temple was established in 1602 by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nishi Hongan-Ji was listed as one of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple is a Pure Land Buddhist paradise within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It’s one of the best sights in the Kyoto Station area.

Further information:

• Add: Horikawa-dori, Hanaya-cho sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
• Opening time: (6am-5pm November-February) and (5.30am-5.30pm March, April, September, October) and (5.30am-6pm May-August)
• Tel: +81 75 371 5181
• Web: hongwanji.or.jp
• Facebook: facebook.com/Nishi-Honganji
• How to get: 15min walk from JR Kyoto Station Karasuma central gate

10. Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine

This is also one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. This shrine was built in the middle of 19th century. Another shrine, Kamigamo shrine is just beside this shrine. If you’re in town on May 3rd, do not miss the yabusame (horseback archery) contest held on the pedestrian approach to the shrine.

Further information:

• Add: 59 Izumigawa-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
• Opening time: 6.30am-5pm
• Tel: +81 75 781 0010
• Web: shimogamo-jinja.or.jp
• Facebook: facebook.com/kamomioyajinja
• How to get: 10min walk from Demachiyanagi Station, Keihan line

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to

• Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Kyoto
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• Shared Night Bus Transfers from Kyoto to Tokyo
• Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, or Arima
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day/2 Days (Pick up at Osaka)
• Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Kyoto Perfect Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama & More
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto Afternoon Tour from Osaka
• Hankyu Tourist Pass
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
• Kimono Rental and Photoshoot in Kyoto by Ouka Kimono
• Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
• Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
• One Day Kimono Rental
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
• Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here. And read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?