Temples in Kyoto have many Buddhist statues designated as national treasures or important cultural properties. This tour will visit the most famous of these temples. Some of the temples are located on the outskirts of Kyoto, so it will take at least two days to visit them all, and possibly three. Your guide will help you to decide which temples to visit.
Toji Temple and Kanchi-in
Inside the Kondo (Golden Hall) and the lecture hall of Toji Temple, there are impressive arrays of Buddhist statues designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Anyone interested in Buddhist statues should definitely visit Toji Temple.
Kanchi-in temple is a sub-temple of the Toji Temple. The five large Ku Ku Zang Bodhisattvas in the main hall are a rare set of five Buddhist statues that came from ancient China.
Sanjusangendo
The overwhelming sight of 1001 statues of the Kannon in the hall of Sanjusangendo is a must-see for everyone.
Rokuharamitsuji Temple
Rokuharamitsuji Temple is home to many important cultural properties, including the famous statue of Kuya Shonin. The standing image of the eleven-faced Kannon, a national treasure, is a hidden treasure and is opened only once every 12 years.
Koryuji Temple
Koryuji Temple is one of the oldest temple in the area. The statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva with a crown of gold, designated as National Treasure No. 1. The smiling figure with his right hand on his cheek is mysterious.