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most visited sights
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20
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of 45 sights in Kyoto
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| 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. 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.
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| how
to get there |
The Honganji temples are located a 10 minute walk north of Kyoto Station.
Orientation in Kyoto
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| 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 |
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| news
and reports |
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| travel
community |
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1603
Users who have been to Honganji Temples: 210 20th of 45 most visited sights in Kyoto. 84th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.
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Rating by users:
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recommended (79/100, 117 votes)
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Rating by staff:
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recommended
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Overall Rating:
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outstanding
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| question
forum |
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| hotels
& ryokan |
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Ryokan Hirashin
3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006.
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Kyoto White Hotel
From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station.
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Hotel Sugicho
A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki.
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Guest Inn Chita
A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006.
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Gion Hatanaka
A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.
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Ryokan Wakamiya
Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor.
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Hotel Sanoya
3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy, clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby.
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Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen.
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