Kyoto Hongwan-ji 本願寺

Hongwan-ji Temple was originally founded in the 13th century by Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), founder of the Hongwan-ji Shin Buddhist sect. Initially located in Kyoto's Higashiyama area, the temple was subsequently moved to a succession of locations, finally finding a home at its present site in 1591 when feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave land to the temple.　The temple buildings were arranged immediately after the move, and by 1633 the complex was configured as it is today. It features many architectural treasures which convey the culture of the Momoyama period, including the Shoin (study) chambers, the Hiunkaku (Flying Cloud Pavilion), and the Karamon (Chinese-style) gate.

Hongwan-ji has been designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Opening hours: 5.30am-5.30pm (6pm May-Aug) daily

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