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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Kyoto
Honganji Temples	# 20   of 46 sights in Kyoto

Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji are two large temples in the center of Kyoto. As headquarters of the two factions of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Sect), one of Japan's largest Buddhist sects, they are a place to experience a certain atmosphere of contemporary Japanese Buddhism. Nishi Honganji (West Honganji) was built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, after the former Ishiyama Honganji in Osaka had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction of Jodo-Shin Buddhism with over 10,000 subtemples across the country and 200 temples overseas. Nishi Honganji houses several national treasures, has been designated an UNESCO world heritage site and is considered the more spectacular of the two Honganji temples. A recent renovation of the main hall was completed in late 2008. Main hall of the Higashi Honganji (before start of renovation works) Higashi Honganji (East Honganji) was built only eleven years after and a few steps east of Nishi Honganji as the head temple of the Otani faction. Its main hall is Kyoto's largest wooden structure, but it is currently also being renovated until the year 2011.

How to get there

The Honganji temples are located a 10 minute walk north of Kyoto Station. Orientation in Kyoto

Hours and Fees

Nishi Honganji Hours: 5:30 to 17:30 (March, April, September, October) 5:30 to 18:00 (May to August) 6:00 to 17:00 (November to February) Closed: No closing days Admission: Free Higashi Honganji Hours: 5:50 to 17:30 (March to October) 6:20 to 16:30 (November to February) Closed: No closing days Admission: Free

News and Reports

Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 26, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Light Up November 25, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Ohara November 22, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 21, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009

Travel Community

Popularity of Honganji Temples: Users who have been to Kyoto: 2353 Users who have been to Honganji Temples: 311 20th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto. 87th of 589 most visited sights nationwide. Have you been to Honganji Temples? No - I have not been there yetYes - no ratingYes - highly recommendedYes - recommendedYes - mildly interestingYes - nothing specialYes - not recommended Ratings for Honganji Temples: japan-guide.com Rating:   outstanding   User Rating (by 162 users): 78/100   recommended User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

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Tours and Packages

Kyoto Winter Special 2010 Dine in the company of geisha, uncover hidden cultural artifacts, or stroll through the lights of Arashiyama with these tours. Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

English Links

Nishi Honganji Official English website.

Japanese Links

Nishi Honganji Official website. Higashi Honganji Official website.