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.

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

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

news and reports

	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 21, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Honganji Temples:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1962
Users who have been to Honganji Temples: 253

20th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
87th of 557 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Honganji Temples:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 137 users):	78/100	recommended

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hotels & ryokan

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. Ryokan Wakamiya Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor. Kyoto Ryokan Shoei This charming budget hotel is located in the historical Shimabara district of Kyoto. 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. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Station Ryokan Seiki Japanese-style, friendly and affordable family-run inn located only 5 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

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