Best places: Buddhist temples in Uji, Japan

Buddhist temple originally built in the mid-700s, with one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.

Major Buddhist temple with ancient art, such as a famed statue of Buddha looking over his shoulder.

Massive wooden temple gate completed in 1203, with a double-tier roof & 2 guardian statues.

This Buddhist temple in a serene forest with views is popular in fall when its maples change color.

Hilltop hall, part of Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple, with sweeping views of Nara from its balcony.

Historic Buddhist temple featuring a large Buddha statue & deer roaming the grounds.

Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century, featuring more than 1,200 stone heads on its grounds.

👍 For about ¥500 you can take a walk through a path that leads you to a lake with a temple which walls are covered with gold. Crowds of people are taking photos of it because it is the only attraction here. Still it looks really picturesque. A bit overpriced for that only temple. Guides say that 20kg...

Built in 1012, this Buddhist temple features a blood-stained ceiling, a garden & light refreshments.

Centuries-old Buddhist temple with a Zen rock garden, known for summer flowers & fall colors.

Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.

Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.

Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.

Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of deities from the 8th century.

This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.

Serene Buddhist temple complex with a 76m-long hall, one of the largest wood buildings in the world.

Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.

Historic, ornate Buddhist temple with a traditional Zen garden, tea ceremonies & colorful murals.

Expansive 17th-century temple headquarters of Jodo Shu Buddhism with gardens, events & services.