Snapshots
Japanese culture has always been deeply impacted by religious beliefs and practices which is evident in the famous temples in Japan. You will notice numerous pieces of religious artwork as you travel around Japan's many shrines and temples. Both Shintoism, the country's indigenous religion, and Buddhism, the country's most popular religion, have influenced Japanese art and politics. In fact, the common belief at the height of the Japanese Emperor was that the emperor was a godman and Shintoism has strong ties to this concept.
Visiting these sacred sites in Japan is akin to entering the heart of traditional Japan. Here is a rundown of the famous temples in Japan, so you're in luck if you're planning a trip to see any of the sacred sites in Japan.
Famous temples in Japan you just can't miss
Zoloji Temple
Near Tokyo Tower, you'll find Zojoji Temple, home to priceless historical artefacts. When Tokugawa Ieyasu, a Japanese warlord and future emperor, invaded Edo (modern-day Tokyo) in 1598, the shrine moved to its current location. It is one of the most sacred sites in Japan however many of the structures are restorations, and the temple itself is a mere shadow of its former self, having shrunk from an enormous complex that formerly extended over 826,000 square meters and included 48 smaller linked temples.
Despite destruction from wars, earthquakes, and fires, the great entry gate remains unchanged from 1622. An important cultural property is this dazzling crimson gate, which is called Sangedatsumo, which is why it is one of the most famous temples in Japan!
Behind the site is the mausoleum of the Tokugawa clan, which ferocious dragons guard. It has the resting places of six Tokugawa commanders who rose to the position of shogun. To get a glimpse of the Tokugawa mausoleum's ostentatious architecture before WWII ruined it, you may visit the little museum in the temple hall's basement.
Meiji Jingu
The Tokyo shrine, the Meiji Jingu, is devoted to the veneration of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken's souls and is one of the most sacred sites in Japan! Six years after the empress's death (Emperor Meiji having passed away previously), in 1925, this shrine was initially built. Its location in Yoyogi Park's wooded part makes it an ideal getaway from the city's constant noise and pollution. A huge Torii gate, typical of Shinto shrines, will be seen as you approach one of the famous temples in Japan. Thousands of trees, given to the temple by believers from around the nation, make up the surrounding forest.
Fushimi Inari
Kyoto is also home to the Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most famous temples in Japan. Specifically, the main compound of this temple may be reached by a tunnel of crimson Torii gates. Part of the temple grounds include the foot of Mount Inari, where the shrine is situated. As you go up the mountain, you'll pass by scores of little shrines and sculptures along the major pilgrimage path, making it one of the most sacred sites in Japan. A trip to the shrine and the time and energy required to walk up and back may be a fantastic day trip. In addition, a breathtaking panorama of Kyoto awaits you at the mountaintop.
Miyajidake Jinja Temple
Fukutsu City, which is situated to the east of Fukuoka, is a popular tourist destination. The Miyajidake-jinja Shrine is the main draw, one of the most famous temples in Japan, drawing in more than two million tourists annually. Famous sunsets may be seen at Miyajidake-jinja Shrine. The primary road that departs from the temple is dead straight. It begins on the hill upon which the shrine stands and continues for 1.5 km west to the sea. The sun sets precisely in line with the boulevard around the 20th of February and October, like New York's 'Manhattanhenge'.
Kyoto's Enryaku-ji
The majestic Buddhist monastery of Enryaku-Ji sits above the mountains in eastern Kyoto. An important temple for Japanese Buddhists, it is part of the Tendai school of thought. Some of the most revered and consequential Buddhist professors and monks have lived here. Therefore, you should go there if you're interested in the history of Buddhism or Japanese culture, as it is one of the most important Japanese Buddhist Temples.
Todai-ji Shrine
The world's biggest wooden structure is Nara's Todai-ji Temple which is one of the most famous temples in Japan. Additionally, it has a massive Buddha statue. One observer tried to describe the immensity of the artwork by saying, that a medium-sized human could fit through one nostril! The site's amiable herds of deer are another popular attraction.
Kiyomizu-Dera
Most Kyoto visitors visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of the most famous temples in Japan is situated on a hilltop that looks out over the city and a valley. Dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of compassion, it stands tall and proud. Traditional rituals, musical performances, and even pink-lit temple nights to raise awareness of breast cancer are just a few of the special activities that often occur here.