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most visited sights
# 23   of 36 sights
in Kyoto
 
Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kyoto
Honganji
 
basic information

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. However, its main hall is currently being renovated until the end of 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.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

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

Orientation in Kyoto

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 532
Users who have been to Honganji Temples: 65

23rd of 36 most visited sights in Kyoto.
84th of 386 most visited sights nationwide.

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hotels & ryokan

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A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions.
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english links

Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha
Official English website of the Nishi Honganji.
Honganji Otani Web
Official English website of the Higashi Honganji.

 

 
December 4, 2005  
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