About Higashi Honganji(Temple)

Located in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Honganji sect of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, and is an attractive tourist spot for its grand scale and beautiful architecture. Its features, attractions, and recommendations are described in detail below.

First, what makes Higashi Honganji unique is its historical value: it was founded in 1602 by the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu and is known as the center of Jodo Shinshu, a sect of Buddhism founded by Shinran Shonin. Throughout its long history, the temple has attracted many devotees and played an important role in Japanese religious culture.

One of the most attractive features of Higashi Honganji Temple is its overwhelming architectural beauty. In particular, the Goeido and Amida Hall are not to be missed. The Gokaido is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan, and its grand scale and beautiful interior decorations captivate visitors. The Amida Hall, equally majestic, houses the Amida Nyorai Buddha and exudes an air of serenity. These buildings are exquisitely carved and decorated down to the smallest detail, and their skill and beauty are awe-inspiring.

Higashi-Honganji Temple is also fascinating for its gardens. The Shoseien Garden, in particular, offers beautiful seasonal scenery, with ponds, bridges, and tea rooms, and is a quiet place to stroll. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are beautiful, offering a different charm in each season of visit.

Higashi-Honganji Temple preserves a variety of cultural assets and historical materials, through which visitors can learn about Japanese history and religious culture. In particular, the exhibits on the teachings of Jodo Shinshu and the life of Shinran Shonin provide visitors with deep inspiration and learning.

As mentioned above, Higashi Honganji Temple is a tourist attraction that combines magnificent architecture, beautiful gardens, and a deep sense of history and culture. When you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by and enjoy its charms.