KYOTO : Honganji Temples

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,

How to get there :
The Honganji temples are located a 10 minute walk north of Kyoto Station.

Opening 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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