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Higashi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

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Higashi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

The head temple of the Shinshu Otani sect.

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Higashi Honganji Temple is located in Karasuma Rokujo, near Kyoto Station. Officially called "Shinshu Hongyo", Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism, built in the 7th year of Keichō era (1602) on land donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu to Kyōnyo Shonin.

The Mieido, which enshrines the image of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shin sect of Buddhism, is the largest wooden building in the world, 76 meters long in the front, 58 meters long on the sides, 38 meters high, and with 927 tatami mats inside. The Amida Hall, which stands to the south of the Mieido, houses the principal image of Amida Nyorai, and even the ceiling and pillars inside the hall are painted in gold to represent the world of "Amitabha Sutra”. The Mikado Gate, said to be the tallest double wooden gate in Japan, is one of the most valuable structures in the temple, and six buildings, including the Mieido, are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

In Higashi Tamamizu-cho, a short distance from the temple grounds, is the “Shosei-en garden”, a garden spreading over an area of about 10,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters) donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu. The beautiful garden, which has been designated as a national place of scenic beauty, is filled with flowers from season to season and is known as one of the "thirteen scenic spots”.

Highlights

  • The head temple of the Shinshu Otani sect of Shinran Shonin's Jodo Shinshu sect.
  • The Mieido, one of the world's largest wooden buildings, is the main temple of the Shinshu Otani sect of Shin Buddhism.
  • Six buildings, including the Mieido and Amida Hall, are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
  • The Shosei-en garden, a garden with a rich natural setting, located on the grounds of the enclave, is also popular for strolling.

Photos

  • The Mieido, 76 meters in front and 38 meters high, is overwhelming in scale.

    The Mieido, 76 meters in front and 38 meters high, is overwhelming in scale.

  • Amida Hall enshrines the principal image of Amida Nyorai

    Amida Hall enshrines the principal image of Amida Nyorai

  • One of the world's largest wooden gates, Mieido-mon Gate

    One of the world's largest wooden gates, Mieido-mon Gate

  • Amidado Gate stands to the south of Mieido Gate

    Amidado Gate stands to the south of Mieido Gate

  • In 2010, the bell tower with the first new bell in about 400 years

    In 2010, the bell tower with the first new bell in about 400 years

  • One would like to visit the Shosei-en garden as well.

    One would like to visit the Shosei-en garden as well.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

English, Chinese and Korean are available.

Q

Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
A

No, we don’t have.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Not available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    In Kyoto, Higashi Honganji Temple draws travelers with its magnificent architecture and long history. Upon entering the temple, the enormous Goei-do Hall is imposing, and its wooden architecture displays the craftsmanship and distinctive features of traditional Japanese temples, giving the place a strong sense of history.

    Walking through the spacious temple grounds, the surroundings feel quiet and solemn, in contrast to Kyoto's lively streets. Seeing the buildings that have endured the passage of time and multiple reconstructions gives you a sense of Higashi Honganji Temple's important place in Kyoto's history and culture, as well as a deeper appreciation for the architectural beauty of traditional Japanese temples.

  • wendy
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    When visiting Kyoto, besides Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha, there's also an incredibly impressive ancient temple hidden in the city center—Higashi Honganji Temple.

    Located near Kyoto Station, it's within walking distance and very convenient to reach. When I first saw it, what struck me most was the enormous and solemn wooden building before me. Its magnificent roof, intricate layers of wooden framework, and delicate decorations really make you stop and look up for a long time.

    Higashi Honganji is the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and one of Kyoto's important Buddhist temples. The temple isn't only massive in scale. Once inside, you can also feel a quiet and composed atmosphere.

    I especially like how it feels like a place that's worth stopping by even without making special plans.

    Walking over from Kyoto Station, the bustle of the city is still behind you, but once you enter the temple grounds, the view suddenly becomes open and peaceful.

    Magnificent wooden architecture × Kyoto's history × a peaceful temple atmosphere. If you happen to be near Kyoto Station, consider setting aside some time for Higashi Honganji Temple and experiencing another side of Kyoto's solemn and serene beauty.

  • 王小鈞
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    Higashi Honganji Temple is near Kyoto Station, just a short walk away, making it a convenient stop along the way.

    I thought a temple near the station would be crowded with tourists, but it was actually very peaceful on a weekday, without noisy crowds. I could take my time exploring and experience the temple's solemn atmosphere. The enormous wooden buildings are truly impressive up close, especially the vast space of the Founder's Hall, which makes you naturally slow down once you're inside.

    After visiting the shopping centers near Kyoto Station or before catching a train, it's worth stopping by. It doesn't take much time, but you can experience the distinctive tranquility of an old Kyoto temple.

  • Louis Liu
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    If you enjoy Kyoto’s slower pace, you’ll probably love this place. It’s a low-key temple, but it really leaves a lasting impression.

  • 陸曼心
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    If you're visiting Kyoto, you have to check out Higashi Honganji! The ginkgo trees here are especially dense, and you can enjoy both the beautiful foliage and the historic temple itself. Highly recommended!

Details

Name in Japanese
東本願寺
Postal Code
600-8505
Address
Karasuma Shichi-jo Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Telephone
075-371-9181
Hours
March to October 9:50am - 5:30pm, November to February 6:20am - 4:30pm
*Shosei-en garden : March to October 9:00am - 5:00pm (Last admission 4:30pm), November to February 9:00am - 4:00pm (Last admission 3:30pm)
Admission
Free
*Shosei-en garden asks for a minimum donation of 700 yen (300 yen for high school students and younger) for the maintenance and preservation of the facility.
Directions
7 min. walk from Kyoto Station on JR lines
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa