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Most famous religious destinations in Asia

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Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Where Tokyo feels modern, this old capital has about 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Thousands of red torii gates, which mark sacred ground, climb the mountain at Fushimi Inari. Kiyomizu Temple clings to a hillside on tall wooden pillars. Monks chant at dawn in quiet halls.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
8.4
Todaiji Temple has a bronze Great Buddha 15 meters tall. It sits inside one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Japan made Nara its capital in 710, nearly a century before Kyoto. More than a thousand wild deer roam Nara Park and bow for crackers.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Explore historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine lantern pathways
  • 🏯 Visit Todaiji Temple and see the Great Buddha
  • 🦌 Feed and photograph friendly deer in Nara Park
Ise
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine city
7.8
The shrine for Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, is rebuilt every 20 years. This has gone on for about 1,300 years. Visitors cross the Uji Bridge and walk under tall cedars to the Inner Shrine. Nearby Okage Yokocho street sells akafuku, a sweet rice cake with red bean paste.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore Naiku and Geku, the inner and outer shrine complexes
  • 🍡 Walk the charming old streets of Okage Yokocho and taste local snacks
  • ⛩️ Visit the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most revered Shinto site
Miyajima
Torii in the sea, deer and Mount Misen
8.6
Warlord Taira no Kiyomori built the shrine in its present form in 1168. At high tide the red torii gate seems to float in the sea. At low tide visitors walk out across the sand to touch its legs. Deer roam Miyajima, an island that has long been seen as sacred.
Highlights:
  • 🍁 Stroll through Momijidani Park’s maple trees in autumn
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea
  • ⛩️ Admire the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at high tide
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu died in 1616. His shrine at Nikko, called Toshogu, opened the next year. His grandson rebuilt it in 1636 with gold leaf and bright carvings. Look for the three wise monkeys and a sleeping cat. Cedar trees line the path up to Ieyasu's tomb.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
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