Temples

There are hundreds of temples scattered all over Japan. These places of worship are dedicated to Buddhism, a religion and dharma that was introduced to the country about fifteen centuries ago.

Japanese Buddhist temples generally fall under four primary types of styles:

Daibutsuyo

A style that was developed sometime between the late 12^th century and early 13^th century, Daibutsuyo exudes grandeur and majesty. Two good examples of this style are the Jodo-ji’s Amida Hall and Todai-ji’s Nandaimon.

Zenshuyo

Created by the Zen sect of Buddhism, Zenshuyo is a style that utilises panelled doors, earthen floors, curved roofing materials and cusped windows.

Wayo

Developed during the country’s Heian Period, Wayo is influenced by contemporary Chinese design. It places importance on the use of plain materials such as natural timber, and favours simplicity through minimal use of ornaments and decorations.

Setchuyo

With the Kakurin-ji’s main hall as its best example, Setchuyo is a style that is an amalgamation of the first three styles mentioned.

Common Features

Temples in the country vary in size, layout, design and other features, but the following are some elements that are commonly found in the majority of them:

• Butsuden – Translated as Hall of Buddha, this is the temple’s main hall, where the Buddha statue is enshrined.
• Hatto – Translated as Dharma Hall, this is a separate structure in a temple complex that serves as a lecture building for Buddhism scriptures delivered by the chief priest.
• Honbo – The official residence of the temple’s head priest.
• So-do – Also called the monk hall, it is a building where monks can practice zazen, eat, sleep, and do various other activities related to zazen.
• Karesansui – Usually found in Zen temples, this is a Japanese rock garden that is also featured in other sects’ temples.
• Mon – General term for a temple gate that can be prefixed with the gate’s position (omotemon: front gate), a deity’s name (Niomon: named after Nio), or its design (karamon: a type of temple gate with an arched style roof) to refer to a specific gate in a temple complex.
• Stupa – Also known as “–to” or pagoda, this is a structure that is usually comprised of two, three, five, or more storeys. It is where relics, scriptures, and other temple treasures are kept and preserved.
• Shoro – A temple’s belltower.

Top Japanese Temples

Todaiji Temple

Probably the most popular attraction of the city of Nara, Todaiji is an 8^th century temple that is considered to be one of Japan’s most important temples. It is best known for being home to the largest wooden building in the world — the Daibutsuden, or the temple’s main hall. It also is where one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan is enshrined.

Kiyomizudera Temple

Built on a forested, hilly area in the eastern portion of Kyoto in 780, the Kiyomizudera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers scenic views of the nature, with maple and cherry trees that provide amazing colours during spring and autumn.

Ginkakuji Temple

Situated on the mountains along eastern Kyoto, Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavillion, consists of a vast complex that has a dry sand garden, a moss garden, a few temple buildings, small ponds and bridges, and a number of walking trails.

Kinkakuji Temple

Also called the Golden Pavilion, the Kinkakuji possesses a unique architectural style, with its two topmost floors having gold-leaf roofs. It overlooks a large pond and has a spacious temple grounds with several statues, pathways and a teahouse.