JAPAN
Buddhism came to Japan by way of China sometime
around the year 467, with five monks eager to spread the
doctrine. A millennium and a half later, roughly 75% of the
nation practices Buddhism to some degree — no doubt
thanks in part to the historic temples distributed across
the country. Several factors make Japan’s temples unique
from other nations' counterparts, however: traditional
Japanese architecture for one, but more importantly, the
co-existence of Shinto shrines — structures housing holy
spirits and powers in the Shinto religion.
While you’re likely never more than a stone’s throw
from a temple or shrine when in Japan — there are 77,000
Buddhist temples today, and an estimated 100,000
Shinto shrines — Kyoto may just be the place to head if
you’re looking to make a day of it. The city is legendary
for countless temples and shrines, each somehow more
Floating gate of Itsukushima Shrine
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breathtaking than the last. Tofukuji Temple houses a
medley of Imperial Japanese styles scattered among its
buildings and grounds. Saiho-Ji Temple is a sanctuary
of solitude with a world-famous moss garden. Nanzen-
ji Temple isn’t just one of the biggest in the city; it also
sports dozens of immaculately groomed gardens — a
hidden grotto behind a waterfall being just one of the
highlights. Shrine-wise, the options are just as bountiful:
Kifune Jinja Shrine is tucked away on an ancient cedar-
covered mountainside, Yasaka Jinja Shrine has historic
ties to the Kyoto geisha community and the fabled
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is famous for its seemingly
endless array of torii gates adorning over two miles of
mountain path. A day spent hopping among all of the
above proves to be the apex of wanderlust serenity.