Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto

Facts & Figures

Higashi Honganji (Eastern Temple) is the head temple of Shinshu Otani-ha, a branch of Pure Land Buddhism, called Shinshu Hombyo. Higashi Honganji is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu. The other one nearby is Nishi Honganji. The temple ground is separated in 2 parts and covers an area of 93140 square meters.  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. The first part includes Amida Hall and Founder's Hall, while the second part includes several pavilions (inner halls). My must-see recommendation for you within the temple complex is The Founder's Hall (Goei-do). It is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Inside the hall you will find the image of Shinran (1173 - 1262, founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect), 175000 handmade roof tiles, Buddhist decorations and the National Treasure called Kyogyoshinsho. This masterpiece about Buddhism was written by Shinran in 1224. Do not miss the beautiful Shosei-en Garden nearby. This garden belongs to the Higashi Honganji temple and was a donation by Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa (1604 – 1651) in 1641. The garden was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1936.

• Higashi Honganji Temple:
• Opening Hours - 5:50 am to 5:30 pm (March till October)
• Opening Hours - 6:20 am to 4:30 pm (November till February)
• Closed - never, open the whole year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

Explore the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide. The tour takes approximately 3,5hrs. Check out this page > for more details.

History

In 1262 Shinran (1173 - 1262), known as Kenshin Daishi and founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, died at the age of 90. After his death in 1272 the Otani Mausoleum was built by his youngest daughter Kakushin-ni. The mausoleum was moved many times to different locations and finally in 1670 it found its place at the current spot within the Higashi Honganji Temple grounds. The temple itself was established by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616) in the year 1602. Since 1658 the temple is located at the present location. Over time Higashi Hongan-ji´s influence became very powerful. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was very worried about this development and decided to separate the temple in an eastern (Higashi) and western (Nishi) part. The temple halls were destroyed by fire 4times (1788, 1823, 1858, 1864) during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The current buildings dating back to 1895.

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

Founder's Hall Gate (Goei-do Mon) - The construction of the gate took from 1907 till 1911. The height of the two-story gate is appr. 28 m. On the upper floor you will find 3 figures: the future Buddha (Bodhisattva Maitreya), the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni) and his principal disciple (Ananda).

The Founder's Hall (Goei-do) - Goei-do is the largest wooden building in Kyoto and one of the largest in the world. (The largest one can be found in Nara. It is the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple). It is the most important building within the temple complex. The dimensions are really impressive: length 76 m, width 58 m, height 38 m. The floor has the size of 1532 m2 (approximately 927 tatami-mats). The latest reconstruction took from 1879 to 1895. You will find there an image of the temple's founder Shinran (1173 - 1263). It is mainly used for ceremonies and other religious activities. The huge space gives room for many followers of the sect.

Amida Hall - Inside the hall is the image of Amida Buddha displayed on the main altar. There are scrolls describing Prince Shotoku (574 - 622), the father of Japanese Bhuddism and the seven patriarchs of the Pure Land tradition can be seen on the other one. Enjoy also the beautiful drawings, made by the famous artists Chikudo Kishi and Gesshu Hata, at the sliding doors (fusuma) during your visit.

Thick Rope - You will see in the corridor connecting Amida Hall with Goei-do a thick rope braided with human hair. After the halls burned down 4times during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) they needed more robust ropes to pull up the large wooden beams during the reconstruction in 1895. Female followers donated their hair the make those ropes stronger.

The Reception Office (Sanpai Settai-sho) - The construction of the building, designed by architect Goichi Takeda (1872 - 1938), was finished in 1934.

Audio-Visual Hall - The hall is located right behind the Reception Office and was constructed in 1998. The Japanese architect Shin Takamatsu (1948 - ) was responsible for its design. The building contains a gallery, butsuma (altar rooms) and a reception room.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

Obon Festival at Higashi Honganji Temple (30th - 31st)
The annual summer Obon Festival honors the spirit of our ancestors. You can enjoy there tea ceremony demonstrations, games, flower market, delicious food, Bon Odori Dancing and much more.

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.