Our methodology (100 points total): Public reviews = 60 points; Historical significance = 20 points; Off the beaten path = 20 points
Note: this isn't exactly the order my wife, kids, and I would rank them. I have a separate ranking for that. But my personal methodology highly values un-trafficked sites and a je ne sais quoi that may not appeal to others, in general. Hence, this list.
Also, to see the accompanying pictures of the temples and shrines, please visit the web version of this list.
Enjoy!
Public Reviews: 58/60
o Exceptional reviews for hiking experience
o Stunning photo opportunities
o Atmospheric night visits possible
o Some concerns about crowding
Historical Importance: 19/20
o Founded in 711 CE
o Head shrine of all Inari shrines
o Vital role in rice and business prosperity
o Ancient fox messenger traditions
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o Major tourist destination
o Early morning/late evening quieter
o Some hidden trails less traveled
o Upper areas more peaceful
Total: 82/100
Public Reviews: 57/60
o Awe-inspiring Buddha statue
o Excellent preservation
o Educational value highly rated
o Good English information available
Historical Importance: 20/20
o Founded 738 CE
o Largest wooden building in world
o Profound influence on Japanese Buddhism
o Critical role in Nara period
Off-beaten-path: 4/20
o Major tourist destination
o Consistently crowded
o Part of standard Nara itinerary
o Some lesser-known areas in complex
Total: 81/100
Public Reviews: 56/60
o Famous viewing platform
o Beautiful seasonal views
o Night illuminations praised
o Strong spiritual atmosphere
Historical Importance: 18/20
o Founded 778 CE
o Unique architectural style
o No nails used in construction
o Connected to many historical events
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o Very popular tourist spot
o Peak seasons extremely busy
o Early morning visits quieter
o Some hidden sub-temples
Total: 79/100
Public Reviews: 55/60
o Vibrant atmosphere
o Popular shopping street approach
o Beautiful night illuminations
o Rich cultural experience
Historical Importance: 19/20
o Tokyo's oldest temple
o Survived WWII bombings
o Central to Edo period culture
o Important Buddhist artifacts
Off-beaten-path: 4/20
o Tokyo's most visited temple
o Always crowded
o Early morning only quiet time
o Hidden gardens less visited
Total: 78/100
Public Reviews: 54/60
o Reflection on pond highly praised
o Excellent photo opportunities
o Well-maintained gardens
o Some find it too crowded for contemplation
Historical Importance: 18/20
o Originally built 1397
o Rebuilt 1955 after arson
o Former retirement villa of Shogun
o Significant Zen architectural example
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o Major tourist destination
o No quiet times during opening hours
o Fixed viewing route
o Limited exploration possibilities
Total: 77/100
Public Reviews: 54/60
o Unique "floating" torii experience
o Different views at high/low tide
o Traditional Noh stage
o Evening illumination praised
Historical Importance: 18/20
o Founded 6th century
o Unique architectural style
o Connection to Taira clan
o Important maritime shrine
Off-beaten-path: 4/20
o Major tourist attraction
o Requires ferry access
o Early morning least crowded
o Some remote shrine areas quieter
Total: 76/100
Public Reviews: 53/60
o Peaceful forest atmosphere
o Impressive sake barrel display
o Beautiful iris garden
o Traditional wedding viewing opportunities
Historical Importance: 17/20
o Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
o Symbol of modernization
o Post-war reconstruction significance
o Important for modern Shinto
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o Very popular but spacious
o Quiet areas can be found
o Early morning serenity
o Hidden gardens less visited
Total: 75/100
Public Reviews: 52/60
o Intricate craftsmanship
o Famous sleeping cat carving
o Impressive architecture
o Good English information
Historical Importance: 19/20
o Tokugawa Ieyasu's shrine
o Peak of Edo period art
o Political/religious significance
o Unique architectural style
Off-beaten-path: 3/20
o Major tourist destination
o Always crowded during day
o Part of standard Nikko tour
o Limited quiet areas
Total: 74/100
Public Reviews: 48/60
o World's oldest wooden structures
o Excellent preservation
o Rich artistic treasures
o Peaceful atmosphere
Historical Importance: 20/20
o Founded 607 CE
o First Buddhist temple in Japan
o Unique architectural style
o Important historical artifacts
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o Less crowded than major Kyoto sites
o Serious atmospheric
o Authentic experience
o Some areas restricted
Total: 73/100
Public Reviews: 45/60
o Unique defensive architecture
o Fascinating trap doors and passages
o Guided tour requirement
o Limited English tours
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Built in Edo period
o Unusual defensive design
o Connection to local politics
o Hidden worship during persecution
Off-beaten-path: 12/20
o Advance booking required (but this can, technically, be made at the temple)
o Limited daily visitors
o Genuine hidden gem
Total: 72/100
Public Reviews: 50/60
o Consistently praised for its garden design
o Masterful integration with Arashiyama bamboo forest
o Visitors particularly value the morning light and seasonal changes
Historical Importance: 16/20
o Head temple of Rinzai Zen sect
o Garden designed by Muso Soseki, renowned Zen master
o UNESCO site, but not as historically pivotal as some others
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o While beautiful, it's on most tourist itineraries
o Peak seasons can be very crowded
Total: 71/100
Public Reviews: 48/60
o Highly rated for its unique combination of traditional and industrial architecture
o Famous aqueduct adds unusual element
o Zen gardens consistently receive praise
Historical Importance: 17/20
o Imperial villa converted to Zen temple
o Headquarters of Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen
o Significant role in Japanese Zen history
Off-beaten-path: 6/20
o Less crowded than nearby Kiyomizu-dera
o Some sub-temples remain relatively quiet
Total: 71/100
Public Reviews: 46/60
o Impressive rock garden
o Spiritual atmosphere highly valued
o Some visitors find it expensive
Historical Importance: 19/20
o Headquarters of Shingon Buddhism
o Founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi)
o Integral to Japanese esoteric Buddhism
Off-beaten-path: 6/20
o Remote location deters some tourists
o Still popular but requires effort to reach
Total: 71/100
Public Reviews: 42/60
o Unique collection of 1200 rakan statues
o Visitors love the whimsical expressions
o Less polished than major temples
Historical Importance: 12/20
o Originally founded in 8th century
o Current location dates to 1955
o Not as historically significant as others
Off-beaten-path: 16/20
o Located away from main tourist areas
o Often overlooked by visitors
o Requires dedicated effort to visit
Total: 70/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Unique for housing sokushinbutsu (self-mummified monks)
o Mixed reactions to mummies
o Limited English information
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Important to study of ascetic Buddhism
o Rare example of sokushinbutsu practices
o Significant for religious anthropology
Off-beaten-path: 17/20
o Remote location in Yamagata
o Rarely visited by foreign tourists
o Authentic religious experience
Total: 70/100
Public Reviews: 45/60
o Praised for blending traditional and modern elements
o Popular for tech-related blessings
o Notable New Year celebrations
Historical Importance: 16/20
o Founded in 730 CE
o Survived multiple relocations
o Important for Edo-period history
Off-beaten-path: 8/20
o Less touristic than Senso-ji
o Popular with locals but fewer international visitors
o Hidden among modern buildings
Total: 69/100
Public Reviews: 41/60
o Famous for its 123 torii gates over ocean cliffs
o Spectacular coastal views
o Limited facilities but unique atmosphere
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Relatively modern shrine (1955)
o Local significance but not nationally historic
o Interesting founding story involving white fox
Off-beaten-path: 17/20
o Remote coastal location
o Requires dedicated journey
o Few foreign tourists make it here
Total: 69/100
Public Reviews: 47/60
o Famous for Great Buddha statue
o Well-maintained grounds
o Good English information
Historical Importance: 16/20
o Buddha statue dates to 1252
o Survived tsunami and earthquakes
o Important symbol of Kamakura period
Off-beaten-path: 5/20
o Major tourist attraction
o Easy day trip from Tokyo
o Very crowded during peak seasons
Total: 68/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Atmospheric mountain setting
o Stone Buddha carvings
o Limited but positive reviews
Historical Importance: 13/20
o Important Kunisaki Peninsula temple
o Connection to mountain asceticism
o Regional historical significance
Off-beaten-path: 17/20
o Remote mountain location
o Rarely visited by foreign tourists
o Authentic religious atmosphere
Total: 68/100
Public Reviews: 44/60
o Important pilgrimage site
o Famous for "darkness passage" experience
o Morning ceremonies popular
Historical Importance: 17/20
o Founded in 7th century
o Houses first Buddha statue in Japan
o Important for spread of Buddhism
Off-beaten-path: 7/20
o Major destination but not overcrowded
o Less international tourism than Kyoto/Tokyo
o Authentic religious atmosphere maintained
Total: 68/100
Public Reviews: 40/60
o Mystical atmosphere among ancient cedars
o Famous for long staircase and forest setting
o Mixed reviews about accessibility
Historical Importance: 14/20
o Connected to Japanese creation myths
o Important Shinto mountain shrine
o Historical ninja training location
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Remote mountain location
o Requires dedicated journey
o Less visited in winter months
Total: 67/100
Public Reviews: 45/60
o Famous for garden and architecture
o Popular during cherry blossom season
o Scale impresses visitors
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Built 1895 for 1100th anniversary of Kyoto
o Replica of original Imperial Palace
o Important for preserving Heian architecture
Off-beaten-path: 7/20
o Well-known tourist spot
o But less crowded than many Kyoto sites
o Some quiet corners in gardens
Total: 67/100
Public Reviews: 43/60
o Impressive approach via long pathway
o Beautiful seasonal celebrations
o Historical atmosphere
Historical Importance: 16/20
o Symbol of Kamakura shogunate
o Founded by Minamoto Yoriyomo
o Central to samurai history
Off-beaten-path: 7/20
o Major Kamakura landmark
o Popular tourist destination
o But retains authentic feel
Total: 66/100
Public Reviews: 42/60
o Famous for plum blossoms
o Monthly markets popular
o Well-maintained grounds
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Dedicated to scholar Sugawara no Michizane
o Important for students seeking academic success
o Historical architecture
Off-beaten-path: 9/20
o Less visited than major Kyoto temples
o Authentic local atmosphere
o Popular during specific seasons
Total: 66/100
Public Reviews: 44/60
o Central to Gion district
o Famous Gion Matsuri connection
o Beautiful night illumination
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Founded 656 CE
o Important for Kyoto's cultural history
o Central to local festivals
Off-beaten-path: 6/20
o Very touristic location
o But less crowded in early morning
o Some hidden sub-shrines
Total: 65/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Atmospheric stone Buddha statues
o Bamboo grove setting
o Moving historical significance
Historical Importance: 13/20
o Ancient burial ground
o Connection to local funeral practices
o Historical memorial site
Off-beaten-path: 14/20
o Away from main tourist areas
o Requires effort to reach
o Serene atmosphere
Total: 65/100
Public Reviews: 41/60
o Central to Hakata Gion Yamakasa
o Well-maintained grounds
o Historical atmosphere
Historical Importance: 14/20
o Founded in 757
o Important for local festivals
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 10/20
o Popular locally
o Less international tourism
o Authentic atmosphere
Total: 65/100
Public Reviews: 40/60
o Unique fusion architecture
o Dutch stained glass elements
o Interesting design
Historical Importance: 12/20
o Dedicated to Maeda clan
o Unusual architectural style
o Local historical significance
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Less known internationally
o Popular with local visitors
o Unique character
Total: 65/100
Public Reviews: 36/60
o Famous for giant statue
o Peaceful atmosphere
o Digital Temple
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Regional importance
o Connection to local history
o Architectural value
Off-beaten-path: 17/20
o Remote location
o Few international visitors
o Authentic experience
Total: 64/100
Public Reviews: 42/60
o Famous red torii stairs
o Urban oasis feel
o Well-maintained
Historical Importance: 13/20
o Edo period significance
o Connection to Tokugawa shogunate
o Local cultural importance
Off-beaten-path: 9/20
o Central location but hidden
o Less touristic than major shrines
o Peaceful atmosphere
Total: 64/100
Public Reviews: 39/60
o Beautiful plum blossoms
o Local atmosphere
o Peaceful setting
o Limited facilities but authentic
Historical Importance: 12/20
o Founded 1104
o Connection to Sugawara no Michizane
o Local educational significance
o Traditional architecture preserved
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Off main Kamakura tourist route
o Popular with locals
o Quiet atmosphere
o Few international visitors
Total: 64/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Famous for autumn festival
o Mountain backdrop
o Traditional architecture
o Good city views
Historical Importance: 13/20
o Founded 9th century
o Important regional shrine
o Festival float preservation
o Local cultural significance
Off-beaten-path: 12/20
o Less visited than nearby attractions
o Authentic local experience
o Some hiking required
o Away from major tourist routes
Total: 63/100
Public Reviews: 37/60
o Atmospheric tunnel of torii gates
o Fox statues collection
o Forest setting
o Hidden location charm
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Local Inari shrine
o Traditional fox worship
o Regional significance
o Historical neighborhood
Off-beaten-path: 15/20
o Hidden location
o Requires effort to find
o Few tourists make it here
o Authentic atmosphere
Total: 63/100
Public Reviews: 41/60
o Beautiful rock garden
o Night illuminations
o Bamboo grove
o Less crowded than nearby temples
Historical Importance: 14/20
o Founded 1606
o Connection to Toyotomi Hideyoshi
o Important meditation center
o Historical garden design
Off-beaten-path: 8/20
o In popular Higashiyama
o But less visited than neighbors
o Quiet morning atmosphere
o Some hidden areas
Total: 63/100
Public Reviews: 40/60
o Iconic Kyoto pagoda
o Beautiful night views
o Historic atmosphere
o Photography spot
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Founded 589
o Rebuilt multiple times
o Symbol of Kyoto
o Important Buddhist history
Off-beaten-path: 7/20
o Very visible location
o Popular photo spot
o But less visited inside
o Some quiet times possible
Total: 62/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Scenic lotus pond setting
o Island temple atmosphere
o Urban oasis feel
o Mixed reviews about maintenance
Historical Importance: 14/20
o Founded in 17th century
o Connection to Tenpo reforms
o Important Edo period site
o Cultural significance for arts
Off-beaten-path: 10/20
o In popular Ueno Park
o But often overlooked
o Quiet morning visits possible
o Local worship site
Total: 62/100
Public Reviews: 39/60
o Intricate architecture
o Less crowded than Toshogu
o Peaceful atmosphere
o Beautiful carved details
Historical Importance: 15/20
o Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu
o Important Edo period art
o Historical architecture
o Connection to shogunate
Off-beaten-path: 8/20
o Near major tourist site
o But often overlooked
o Quieter than neighboring temples
o Some hidden spots
Total: 62/100
Public Reviews: 35/60
o Oldest wooden structure in Kyushu
o Peaceful rural setting
o Original paintings
o Limited facilities
Historical Importance: 14/20
o Built in Heian period
o Important architectural example
o Regional Buddhist history
o Original structure survived
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Remote location
o Few tourist facilities
o Authentic experience
o Requires dedicated visit
Total: 62/100
Public Reviews: 36/60
o Traditional architecture
o Local festivals
o Well-maintained grounds
o Peaceful atmosphere
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Local historical significance
o Traditional ceremonies preserved
o Connection to local culture
o Regional importance
Off-beaten-path: 14/20
o Away from main tourist areas
o Popular with locals
o Authentic atmosphere
o Few international visitors
Total: 61/100
Public Reviews: 42/60
o Sacred atmosphere
o Important temple complex
o Historical structures
o Mountain setting
Historical Importance: 16/20
o Core of Mount Koya
o Important Buddhist center
o Historical architecture
o Religious significance
Off-beaten-path: 3/20
o Major pilgrimage site
o Popular tourist destination
o Part of standard Koya tour
o Always visitors present
Total: 61/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Famous reclining Buddha (that was under construction when we were there)
o Mountain setting
o Peaceful grounds
o Limited English information
Historical Importance: 10/20
o Modern temple complex
o Local significance
o Important for local Buddhism
o Houses religious artifacts
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Away from city center
o Requires dedicated visit
o Popular with locals
o Few international tourists
Total: 61/100
Public Reviews: 35/60
o Traditional architecture
o Zen garden
o Quiet atmosphere
o Basic facilities
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Regional importance
o Traditional design
o Local historical significance
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 14/20
o Off main tourist routes
o Local worshippers mainly
o Authentic experience
o Peaceful environment
Total: 60/100
Public Reviews: 37/60
o UNESCO World Heritage setting
o Traditional architecture
o Village views
o Seasonal beauty
Historical Importance: 12/20
o Important to local community
o Traditional festivals
o Village protection role
o Cultural significance
Off-beaten-path: 11/20
o In tourist area
o But often overlooked
o Quiet outside peak times
o Local worship continues
Total: 60/100
Public Reviews: 36/60
o Large peace memorial
o Giant Kannon statue
o War memorial aspect
o Mixed visitor experience
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Post-war construction
o Memorial significance
o Modern historical value
o Peace monument
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Near popular areas
o But often skipped
o Quiet atmosphere
o Less touristic
Total: 60/100
Public Reviews: 38/60
o Part of larger complex
o Good views
o Historic structures
o Connected to main temple
Historical Importance: 13/20
o Part of UNESCO site
o Historical architecture
o Religious significance
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 8/20
o Near major attraction
o Less visited than main hall
o Some quiet moments
o Secondary attraction
Total: 59/100
Public Reviews: 37/60
o Large stone Buddha statue
o Mountain hiking required
o Natural setting
o Limited facilities but peaceful
Historical Importance: 12/20
o Carved in 1783
o Regional Buddhist importance
o Historical pilgrimage site
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 10/20
o Requires effort to reach
o Less known than Kamakura Daibutsu
o Local visitors mainly
o Hidden gem quality
Total: 59/100
Public Reviews: 34/60
o Local worship atmosphere
o Traditional architecture
o Basic facilities
o Authentic experience
Historical Importance: 10/20
o Local significance
o Traditional practices
o Community importance
o Regional customs
Off-beaten-path: 15/20
o Local worshippers mainly
o Few tourists
o Authentic atmosphere
o Hidden location
Total: 59/100
Public Reviews: 36/60
o Urban shrine setting
o Local festivals
o Well-maintained
o Community focus
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Local historical value
o Traditional ceremonies
o Community significance
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 11/20
o Local neighborhood location
o Away from tourist areas
o Authentic atmosphere
o Regular local worship
Total: 58/100
Public Reviews: 35/60
o Interesting architecture
o Mausoleum atmosphere
o Peaceful grounds
o Limited tourist facilities
Historical Importance: 12/20
o Jodo Shinshu significance
o Historical mausoleum
o Sectarian importance
o Architectural value
Off-beaten-path: 11/20
o Less visited area
o Quiet atmosphere
o Local worshippers
o Away from main tourist routes
Total: 58/100
Public Reviews: 34/60
o Local scholarship shrine
o Traditional architecture
o Student visitors common
o Basic facilities
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Connection to education
o Local cultural significance
o Traditional practices
o Regional importance
Off-beaten-path: 12/20
o Local worship focus
o Few tourist facilities
o Authentic atmosphere
o Regular student visitors
Total: 57/100
Public Reviews: 32/60
o Traditional design
o Local festivals
o Basic maintenance
o Community focus
Historical Importance: 10/20
o Local historical value
o Traditional ceremonies
o Community significance
o Regional customs
Off-beaten-path: 15/20
o Very local experience
o Few tourists
o Hidden location
o Authentic worship site
Total: 57/100
Public Reviews: 33/60
o Zen atmosphere
o Traditional garden
o Quiet environment
o Limited facilities
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Local Zen history
o Traditional architecture
o Regional significance
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 13/20
o Off tourist routes
o Local practice focus
o Meditative atmosphere
o Few visitors
Total: 57/100
Public Reviews: 31/60
o Local Inari shrine
o Fox statues
o Basic grounds
o Community worship
Historical Importance: 9/20
o Local significance
o Traditional fox worship
o Community importance
o Regional customs
Off-beaten-path: 16/20
o Very local focus
o Rarely visited by tourists
o Hidden location
o Authentic atmosphere
Total: 56/100
Public Reviews: 30/60
o Traditional temple
o Basic facilities
o Local atmosphere
o Limited information
Historical Importance: 11/20
o Regional significance
o Historical architecture
o Local Buddhist history
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 15/20
o Remote location
o Few visitors
o Authentic experience
o Hidden gem quality
Total: 56/100
Public Reviews: 31/60
o Traditional temple setting
o Simple architecture
o Basic facilities
o Quiet atmosphere
Historical Importance: 9/20
o Local significance
o Traditional practices
o Community importance
o Minor historical role
Off-beaten-path: 15/20
o Very local experience
o Rarely visited by tourists
o Hidden location
o Authentic atmosphere
Total: 55/100
Public Reviews: 32/60
o Coastal setting
o Natural beauty
o Basic facilities
o Peaceful location
Historical Importance: 8/20
o Local significance
o Traditional customs
o Regional importance
o Natural worship site
Off-beaten-path: 14/20
o Remote location
o Few tourist facilities
o Natural setting
o Local worship focus
Total: 54/100
Public Reviews: 33/60
o Connection to mythology
o Natural setting
o Basic facilities
o Local atmosphere
Historical Importance: 10/20
o Link to Japanese myths
o Regional significance
o Traditional practices
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 11/20
o Remote location
o Some tourist infrastructure
o Natural beauty draws visitors
o Local importance
Total: 54/100
Public Reviews: 29/60
o Traditional temple
o Basic maintenance
o Limited facilities
o Local worship focus
Historical Importance: 8/20
o Minor historical role
o Local significance
o Traditional practices
o Community importance
Off-beaten-path: 16/20
o Very local experience
o Few tourists visit
o Hidden location
o Authentic atmosphere
Total: 53/100
Public Reviews: 30/60
o Traditional garden
o Basic facilities
o Quiet atmosphere
o Limited information
Historical Importance: 9/20
o Local significance
o Traditional design
o Minor historical role
o Cultural preservation
Off-beaten-path: 14/20
o Off tourist routes
o Local focus
o Peaceful environment
o Few visitors
Total: 53/100
Confira meu guia para as melhores coisas gratuitas para fazer, bem como itinerários e dicas de viagem para tornar sua viagem inesquecível.