Buddhist

The head temple of the Tofukuji School of Rinzai Zen, Tofukuji is a large temple complex with many impressive sites that don't tend to be overrun by tourists.

Famous for its rock garden, Ryoan-ji also has beautiful ponds and gardens.

Sect: Rinzai Zen

Ikkyu-ji is remote from central Kyoto but quieter, and worth the trip if you're interested in the iconoclastic folk-hero monk that founded it.

Otagi Nembutsu-ji is a bit out of the way, but worth the trip for its MANY mossy stone figures.

Sect: Tendai

Temple with beautiful gardens and a waterfall. This location is also in our post about walking the Path of Philosophy in Kyoto.

Konchi-in is a sub-temple of Nanzen-ji; visit both at the same time and combine them with a walk on the Philosopher's Path for an enjoyable day. This place is also featured on our Philosopher's Path Plus route page.

Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO world heritage site near the Arashimaya Bamboo forest (and more worth visiting).

I have a treasured memory of sitting on the tatami looking out at the lovely gardens during a spring rain.

Nanzen-ji is a large temple with many sub-temples. Be sure to buy a tea ticket and sip some matcha while you view the waterfall. This place is also included in the route we posted of our Philosopher's Path walk.

While the Golden Pavilion is truly golden, the Silver Pavilion does not appear to live up to its nickname. Its true name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji.

The pavilion is a popular tourist attraction, so expect crowds.

Sect: Rinzai Zen

Known as the Golden Pavilion for obvious reasons, its official name is Rokuan-ji.

The pavilion is a popular tourist attraction, so expect crowds.