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Nishi Hongan-ji temple

Nishi-Hongan-ji is the head temple of Jodo Shin-shu Hongan-ji-ha sect that has about ten million believers and is the biggest Buddhist religious corporation in Japan. Though the big temple is one of 17 World Cultural Heritage sites of Kyoto, tourists should not expect much from this temple. They have several national treasure structures and a couple of good gardens but all of them are closed to the public except one, Kara-mon gate.

History of Nishi Hongan-ji

The temple was originally built in Higashiyama in 1272. In 1591, it was moved to the current site that was donated by the then virtual ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 or 1537-1598).

How to get to Nishi Hongan-ji

  • 5 minutes from Kyoto station to Nishi Hongan-ji Mae bus stop by Kyoto City Bus No. 9, 28 or 75, or
  • 15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station.

Hours and Admission

March, April, September and October: 5:30-17:30
May - August: 5:30-18:00
November - February: 6:00-17:00

Admission is free.

Photos

Click on a photo for a full image.

Horikawa river Goei-do-mon gate Goei-do and Amida-do
Horikawa river in front of Nishi Hongan-ji temple.
May 2, 2009 		Goei-do-mon gate of Nishi Hongan-ji temple.
May 2, 2009		 Goei-do on the left and Amida-do on the right.
May 2, 2009
A wooden statue of Shinran Shonin Wood carvings A carved structural member of Goei-do
A wooden statue of the founder of Jodo Shinshu sect, Shinran Shonin in Goei-do.
May 2, 2009 		Wood carvings on the walls of Goei-do hall.
May 2, 2009 		A carved structural member of Goei-do.
May 2, 2009
Fusuma-e paintings in Goei-do Passage between Goei-do and Amida-do Inside of Amida-do hall
Fusuma-e paintings in Goei-do.
May 2, 2009 		A roofed passage between Goei-do and Amida-do.
May 2, 2009 		Inside of Amida-do hall.
May 2, 2009
A Buddhist priest reciting a sutra A painting of a Buddhist priest An openwork in a room of Amida-do
A Buddhist priest is reciting a sutra in Amida-do.
May 5, 2001 		A painting of a Buddhist priest in a room of Amida-do.
May 2, 2009 		An openwork in a room of Amida-do.
May 2, 2009
A carved structural member of Amida-do Amida-do-mon gate Jinai-cho in front of Nishi Hongan-ji
A carved structural member of Amida-do.
May 2, 2009 		Amida-do-mon gate.
May 2, 2009 		Jinai-cho in front of Nishi Hongan-ji.
May 2, 2009
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