Byodo-in

The head shrine of Inari worship located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. Famous worldwide for its approximately 2,900 vermillion torii gates covering Inari Mountain. Founded in 711, it is among Japan's oldest shrines. Attracting approximately 2.7 million visitors annually, it is one of Japan's premier tourist destinations.

A Jodo-Shin Buddhist temple located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. Founded in the 11th century during the Heian period, it is world-famous as an architectural expression of paradise. The graceful appearance of the Phoenix Hall is highly regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese architecture. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Attracting about 2.5 million visitors annually, it is one of Kyoto's most representative tourist destinations.

A Kegon Buddhist temple in Nara, Nara Prefecture, and the sect's head temple. Founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu. The Great Buddha Hall is the world's largest wooden structure, housing a 15-meter-tall Great Buddha. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, attracting approximately 3 million visitors annually.

The headquarters of the Tendai Buddhist sect, located on Mount Hiei in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. Founded in 788 by Saicho, it is one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhist history. Comprising extensive temple complexes of three pagodas and sixteen valleys, it produced many prominent monks and served as Buddhism's center. Registered as a World Heritage site, it is central to Kyoto's cultural heritage network.

A Hosso Buddhist temple in Higashiyama ward, Kyoto, founded in 778. Its main hall, a National Treasure, features an iconic stage projecting over a hillside—a landmark of Kyoto. Famous for the phrase 'jumping from Kiyomizu stage,' it offers beautiful seasonal views. With over 3 million annual visitors, it ranks among Kyoto's top tourist destinations.

Known affectionately as the 'White Heron Castle,' Himeji Castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Combining an elegant white-plastered exterior with sophisticated defensive architecture, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle construction. After major restoration in 2015, it attracts around two million visitors annually.

Officially known as Rokuon-ji, the three-story golden pavilion reflected in the Mirror Pond is one of Japan's most iconic views. Built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it is also immortalized in Yukio Mishima's novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.' It remains one of Kyoto's most visited attractions.