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most visited sights
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20
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of 46 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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Kyoto Autumn Color Report
November 21, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama
November 19, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama
November 18, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama
November 16, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report
November 12, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 15, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 12, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 7, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 4, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 1, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
March 30, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
March 25, 2009
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| 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:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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outstanding
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User Rating (by 137 users):
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78/100
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recommended
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| hotels
& ryokan |
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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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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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Kyoto Ryokan Shoei
This charming budget hotel is located in the historical Shimabara district of Kyoto.
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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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Kyoto White Hotel
From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station.
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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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Station Ryokan Seiki
Japanese-style, friendly and affordable family-run inn located only 5 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station.
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| tours
and packages |
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Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.
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| english
links |
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| japanese
links |
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