Nishi Honganji
Attraction Nishi Honganji Published on: 13-11-2015
1 hours 30 mins | |
05:30 AM - 06:00 PM | |
06:00 AM | |
07:30 AM | |
First-time visit | |
Attraction
Cultural
Historic
Landmark
Outdoor
Scenic
Must see
Kids
Free
Architecture
Temple & Monument
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0.00 USD |
Nishi Honganji is good for





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Why Nishi Honganji is special ?
Nishi Honganji (West Honganji) was built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, after the sect's former head temple, Ishiyama Honganji in Osaka had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga due to the temple's interference in politics. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin sect with over 10,000 subtemples across the country and 200 temples overseas.
Nishi Honganji's two largest structures are the Goeido Hall, dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder, and the Amidado Hall dedicated to the Amida Buddha, the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. The temple also displays some surviving masterpieces of architecture from the Azuchi-Momoyama Period and early Edo Period, including the celebrated Hiunkaku Pavilion. Nishi Honganji is designated an UNESCO world heritage site.
Source : http://www.japan-guide.com
What to explore at Nishi Honganji?
Nishi-Honganji Temple in Kyoto is known for its sumptuous Azuchi-Momoyama Period architectural brio as seen by the decoration of mythical Chinese lions (kara-jishi) on this temple gate
The Nishi Honganji Temple complex in downtown Kyoto is known for its massive Founder’s Hall Gate, its two vast and nearly identical temples, and its lovely gardens.
It is also the head temple of the Honganji sect of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The main draw of the temple is simply its size. The hondo is huge; one of the largest temples in the nation
On the right is a connecting corridor to Hall of Amida Buddha. There is a ritual led by a priest in Amidado and we are provided with chairs (instead of sitting on the floor) to follow the ritual. Going further right is the and administration building. Across the administration building is a bookstore
How to get to Nishi Honganji?
Nishi Honganji is a 10-minute walk northeast of Kyoto Station or take any of buses #9, #28, #205, #207 or #208 to the Nishi-Honganji-mae bus stop.
Source : http://www.japanvisitor.com
Selling points
- More than Eyeshadow Blue dragons
- This is what Temples should be like
- A temple with real Buddhist monks chanting!
- Lovely temple. Worth a visit
- Quiet contemplation in exquisite 16th century wooden temples
Location
Nishi Honganji
Tips for you
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the garden is very intersting to walk through with lovely view There's educational plaques and videos of the new stronger tiles they are using as compared tot he old brick tiles You should get inside the beautiful temple buildings to see the exquisite woodwork & carvings as well as the glittering altars On the right is a connecting corridor to Hall of Amida Buddha.What to see
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It opens from 5:30 A.M to 17:30 P.M (March, April, September, October) It opens from 5:30 A.M to 18:00 P.M (May to August) It opens from 5:30 A.M to 17:00 P.M (November to February) It’s free admission to the temple grounds but visits to the inner quarters and buildings are permitted four times a day at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.Timming
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Reviews
This the first temple you see exiting Kyoto station. Don't be scared off by the remodeling. It's still interesting to see the architecture, the repair-work. There's educational plaques and videos of the new stronger tiles they are using as compared tot he old brick tiles One part is complete enfolded and they really let you get up close to the roof to see what they are doing and some of the repair techniques as its in progress. This is something you would never see in America. They would seal off the whole place as dangerous. Here in Japan they add additional walkways, elevators and educational materials just to let you get close and see everything. It's pretty amazing. I even got some seeds in a package from one of the trees on the temple ground. I'm gonna try grow it in my backyard lul.