Enryaku-ji

The center of Shingon Buddhism in Wakayama Prefecture's Ito District. Founded by Kobo Daishi in the 9th century. Over 100 temples stand in a basin at approximately 800 meters elevation. Famous for shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at temple lodgings and meditation experiences. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, a sacred site for spiritual training.

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.

A Pure Land temple in Uji, Kyoto, converted from an Fujiwara clan villa. The Hōōdō (Phoenix Hall) completed in 1053 is a National Treasure and one of Japan's finest architectural achievements. Its unique design expresses the Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land paradise in architectural form. Registered as a World Heritage site, it is an iconic symbol of Japanese culture.

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.

The head temple of the Kegon school of Buddhism, founded by Emperor Shomu in the Nara period. The Great Buddha Hall housing the approximately 15-meter Vairocana Buddha is one of the world's largest wooden structures. It is a component of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.'

A temple located in Ikaruga, Ikoma, Nara Prefecture. Known as the world's oldest surviving wooden building, it is traditionally dated to 607. Many national treasure structures including a five-tiered pagoda, main hall, and cloisters survive. In 1993, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a Buddhist architectural complex. Attracting about 1 million visitors annually, it represents Japanese Buddhist architecture.

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.