Daitoku-ji

Located in northern Kyoto, Daitoku-ji is an important Zen Buddhist temple and is the head shrine of the Rinzai Sect. With some sublime gardens and countless intricately crafted religious buildings, this sight is a sheer natural and architectural delight. While it witnessed extensive damage during the Onin War, the temple was reconstructed to look like the graceful structure that it does today. The Sanmon Gate, the Hojo Residence, and the Halls of Hatto and Budsuden are some of its major complexes, but are unfortunately not open to the public. Four of Daitoku-ji’s sub-temples, including the popular Daisenin, Zuihoin, and Ryogenin are however easily accessible to outsiders. These are also home to some brilliantly landscaped gardens that throw light upon the finesse with which the Japanese do everything. On the other hand, the maple trees of the Kotoin sub-temple are downright mesmerising. While it was once an address for elaborate tea ceremonies, Daitoku-ji is now a celebrated Zen monastery and is a must visit in Kyoto.
All the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and you would have to pay around 400 Yen as an entrance fee. You could take a bus from Kyoto station and get down at the Daitokuji-mae bus stop. The journey should be 45 minutes long, and should cost you approximately 250 Yen.