5 incredible Japanese temples to be enchanted by Japanese architecture

After the incomparable Mount Fuji, which holds the title of Japan's official postcard, Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines take center stage in representing the image of the "Empire of the Sun" to the world. Their curves, colors and shapes stand out not only for their unique architectural beauty , but for the entire historical and cultural context involved in the sacred buildings. According to estimates, there are more than 177 thousand scattered throughout the country. Some were built more than 1,200 years ago. years using techniques that are surprising even by modern construction standards . Check out 5 temples and shrines in Japan selected by Quickly Travel that you don't want to miss on your travel itinerary!

1. Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Considered by many to be one of the most famous and visited Buddhist temples in Japan , the ancient Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Pure Water), founded in Kyoto in 798, stands out not only for being around 1,200 years old since its construction, but also for having been built entirely of wood , without the use of any nails in its main pavilion. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The space offers a unique view of the city of Kyoto , especially during spring, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, and during autumn, when the vegetation changes color.

2. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

You don't have to look far to discover the meaning of the name Kinkaku-ji, which in English would be something like the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Built in 1397, the space was designed to illustrate the harmony between heaven and earth by being covered with gold on the last two floors of the building . Only the ground floor was not graced with the golden covering, which when exposed to the sun impresses with its singular beauty .

Home to the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha , the imposing and beautiful Todai-ji (Great Eastern Temple) in the city of Nara ranks as one of the most important Buddhist complexes in all of Japan . Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , the space built around the year 752 underwent a series of renovations over the centuries after suffering from earthquakes and fires. The Great Bronze Buddha , called Daibutsu in Japanese, is approximately 16 meters tall.

4. Sensoji, Tokyo

In the capital, one of the highlights is the Asakusa Temple (Sensoji), which is considered one of the oldest in Tokyo . Its imposing entrance gates, full of red lanterns, contrast almost instantly with the charming Gojunoto Pagoda, built in 1648. Listed as a national treasure , the Five Stories Pagoda was rebuilt in 1973 after being destroyed in 1945.

5. Ruriko-ji, Yamaguchi

This charming and magnificent Pagoda, located in the Ruriko-ji temple in Kozan Park, is another building recognized as a national treasure of Japan. It is 31 meters high , a fascinating structure divided into 5 distinct floors. Its size, in fact, has elevated it to the position of one of the three largest pagodas in the entire country .