Religious Sites in Japan

Religious Sites in Japan, Asia

Religious Sites in Japan

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What travelers are saying

  • Jack L
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I hiked the torii-lined trail to the top just to see what’s up there. Well, not much and I don’t think it’s worth the 2-hour round trip but you will be away from the crowd. I suggest that you turn around as soon as you find a spot to take a people-free photo of the torri gates. Is it a beautiful shrine? Yes but so as other shrines in Kyoto.
    Written September 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • yy
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walking around Kinkaku-ji is always enjoyable. I really think the Golden Temple is a true symbol of Kyoto.

    There are also delicious shops near Kinkaku-ji, which is nice.
    Written September 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • synToronto
    Toronto, Canada1,439 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was told that when tourists come to Kyoto, if they have to choose to see one thing, then they come here. Judging from the crowds on the blistering hot humid August day we visited, that is correct.
    This place has two attractions in one (so to speak). The surrounding narrow streets Nienzaka and Sannenzaka that lead you upwards to the Temple are full of shops selling sweets, souvenirs, drinks and other assorted things. See separate review.
    Once you finally get to the Temple, you have to pay admission and then you can wander freely. The biggest (picture) attractions are the wooden Temple terraces that provide a view into the surrounding forest and streets below. There are several terraces and temple sections to look from.
    The Buddhist temple (meaning pure water) was founded many hundred years ago and is a UNESCO heritage site.
    This was the third stop in a Viator private tour with Fuji. I would highly recommend his services because we could not have easily reached all the attractions we did in on an insanely hot day without a professional driver because all 4 places were at different corners of Kyoto.
    Overall. Worth a visit, but come with some patience.
    Written September 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stefanie H
    Lincoln, NE1,746 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is a lot to do at Senso-ji! It's about a five minute walk from the subway station, and the street in front of it is filled with vendors and small shops during the day. There are a couple of public bathrooms on the outside alleys of the shops. At night, the shops are closed, but the temple is lit up and less crowded. Inside the temple grounds, you can buy things like amulets and goshuin, and the monks chanting can be viewed right next to the goshuin booth. There are also beautiful statuary, incense, and food stalls. The temple gets crowded, but it is worth it!
    Written September 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Caribbean S
    Richmond, Virginia, USA222 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can’t appreciate the size of this until you’re actually there. It’s MASSIVE. Don’t forget to rinse your hands before entering..
    Written September 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vanessa V
    75 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is a 600yen entrance fee but it is worth the price and the time to get there. The garden on the side is sweet but what is mostly impressive are the statues inside the main hall, there are over 1000 Kannon all different and the main central Kannon. There are also statues of guardian deities, a combination between Hindu and Buddhism. It is a place of worship so no photos in the main hall. If anyone is interested in archery a nice but small selection of bows and a tradional archery competition is held there in January.
    Written August 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LVV
    Takatsuki, Japan63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I wasn't familiar with this temple but I had seen it recommended in a travel guide. It was on the way from the silver pavilion so we dropped by. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this temple was. It's very spacious so you will need some time to explore everything. Unlike Ginkakuji, this temple was almost empty, so we could really enjoy the serene atmosphere.
    Written May 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy v
    Traralgon, Australia5,937 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A couple of days ago we visited Ise Jingu and found it a great experience . It was very busy and a very hot day . Luckily there are a lot of huge trees everywhere that give welcome shade. We had a private guide organised and booked a few days before through the tourist information Centre and that is where we met her,, Hasako was a lovely lady and came dressed in a kimono, for three hours she walked us around the fantastic Shinto Shrines explaining the history and religious significance of them. These Shrines are the most sacred in Japan and is a place most Japanese try to visit at least one time in their lives. The place is full of mystery and mythology and is apparently the place where the Imperial Family of Japan originated from the Sun God. About 8 million visitors come every year from all around the world to this unique place . 125 Shrines make up Ise Jingu so plan to spend a fair amount of time here and if possible use a guide, their are only a few English speaking guides, Hasako was one of them, we thank her for a great learning experience.
    Written July 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gustavo Barros
    Sao Paulo, SP36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This one really surprised me, I didn't give it a perfect score because it wasn't as memorable as other moments of the trip, but it was one of the best temples we visited during the trip, the garden built around it and all the vegetation that surrounds it are extremely beautiful, it was worth every penny of the entrance fee.
    Written June 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KestasKS
    Vilnius, Lithuania3,734 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nikko is definitely worth a day’s trip from Tokyo. Toshogu temple is one the highlights. Truly beautiful buildings, very well restored and kept in a superb condition.
    Written July 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • karenpammy2016
    San Francisco, CA1,237 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is worth to pay the 200 yen per person to access this unique shrine that is situated right on top of Hiroshima Bay. A short walk around 15 minutes from the JR Miyajima Ferry station, you will arrive here at the entrance possibly greeted by some of the famous residents here in Miyajima, the Sika deer. It is a one way in/out walk through this shrine and it does get very busy mid-morning on. The views of the Great Torii Gate are nice from this angle as it faces directly in front of it here. At high tide, it feels liek this Great Torii Gate is somewhat floating on the water as you glance at it.
    There are plenty of amulets (good luck charms ) to purchase here and the lines are quite long to purchase. Walking through this brightly painted vermillion shrine definitely left me feeling like I was in Japan. A memory that will last a lifetime for sure.
    Written September 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Footprints767952
    545 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the visit of this historical site. Easy to follow the signs from the Electric Car station to find the temple, about 10 minutes walk.
    Written July 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tanya T.
    Illinois1,615 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    While visiting shrines wasn't initially a priority during our travels through Japan out of respect for spiritual beliefs, my daughter's suggestion to see Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine proved to be an extraordinarily rewarding experience. If one were to choose a single shrine to visit, even without spiritual motivations, this should undoubtedly be the one.

    Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine exudes an aura of tranquility and beauty that is unparalleled. The serene escape are a contrast from the bustling city, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in harmony with nature.

    The shrine's architectural details with intricate woodcarvings and colors, showcase the skill of Japanese artisans. Each structure, the majestic torii gates, the bridge, the sculptures, paint a rich cultural experience.

    There is no cost to enter and the train ride took about 20 minutes from where we were at the time. We also walked across from the entrance, past a park to find an indoor shopping area.

    Whether you're a spiritual seeker or simply an admirer of architectural and natural beauty, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine should not be missed. I highly recommend it!
    Written May 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cme1234
    Singapore, Singapore1,076 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the main and only attraction in Uji. If you can afford the time, you can consider visiting this when you visit Kobe.

    The temple is beautiful but definitely not the best. You will have to pay extra for a guided visit into the temple and I definitely do not recommend joining this unless you understand Japanese as the narrator only spoke Japanese.
    Written August 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chewat
    Robertson568 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a magical place. Wreathed in mists, full of history, gentle Buddhist lifestyle. The cemetery in the cedars is moving and lovely. The small town is beautiful and full of ancient temples and dwellings. We stayed in a monastery and enjoyed the vegetarian food and attended prayers.
    Written June 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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