Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

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  • Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Entrance Gate, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Entrance Gate, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Info Board Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Pathway to Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Info Board Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Info Board, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Butsuden Hondo Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Butsuden (Hondo), Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Butsuden Hondo Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Butsuden (Hondo), Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Meichodo Hall in Kyoto

    Meichodo Hall, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Shinran Shonin Statue in Kyoto

    Shinran Shonin Statue, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Memorial Stone of Kakushinni in Kyoto

    Memorial Stone of Kakushinni, Otani Hombyo Temple

  • Belfry of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Belfry, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Belfry of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Belfry, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Nitenmon Gate of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Nitenmon Gate, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Nio Guardians Nitenmon Gate of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Nio Guardians Nitenmon Gate, Otani Hombyo

  • Stone Lantern of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Stone Lantern, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Dokkyosyo of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Dokkyosyo, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

  • Drum Tower of Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

    Drum Tower, Otani Hombyo Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Otani Hombyo temple in Kyoto is a mausoleum dedicated to Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263). He was the founding father of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple complex itself is known as Hongwanji, the headquarters of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist school. Many people come here to enjoy praying to Buddha and following the lectures. The place includes also a huge cemetery (Toribeno) with over 15000 tombstones. Best Ryokans in Kyoto Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
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  • Otani Hombyo Temple:
  • Opening Hours (Mon-Sun): - 5:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Admission Fee - free

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Local guide in Kyoto

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History

10 years after the death of Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263) his youngest daughter Kakushinni (1224-1283), with the help of his disciples, created the mausoleum, which later became Hongwanji. She was the protector of Shinrans legacy. In the past the mausoleum had to change many times its location. In 1603, under the order of the Tokugawa Shogunate, it was moved to its current and final location also called Otani. In 1867 a huge fire destroyed parts of the temple and the repair started in 1869. The last restoration work for the Otani Hombyo temple was finalised after 3 years in 2009. All the efforts were made for the 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin.

Location

Map of Japan

Otani Hombyo temple is located nearby the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex within the beautiful Higashiyama District in Kyoto.
Address: 6 Chome-514 Gojobashi Higashi, Higashiyama-ku, 605-0846 Kyoto

How to get to Otani Hombyo?

  • 15min from Kyoto Station by bus 100 and 206 to Gojozaka stop and
  • 1min from Gojozaka stop to Otani Hombyo

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

Temple complex - Enjoy the large pond and bridge at the entrance. I really liked the beautiful Butsuden (Hondo, main hall), statue of Shinran Shonin and the Nitenmon Gate with its unique shape.

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 Kamigamo Shrine. 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).

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.

Book your Japan trip and have a great time!

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Top rated - Best Machiya Houses in Kyoto


THE MACHIYA Ebisuya, 192 Ebisuya-cho Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8062

This 3-star guesthouse got an excellent rating. All 30 individually furnished rooms offer free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms incl. toilets, fridges, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and more. THE MACHIYA Ebisuya is located in central Kyoto.

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The Machiya Kazahaya, 570-6 Kazahayacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8475

The Machiya Kazahaya offers for all guest rooms free WiFi, air conditioning, safes, bathrooms with toilets, refrigerators, and much more. Enjoy also the beautiful Japanese Garden. Guests gave this property the rating - Exceptional.

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Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, 425 Kichimonjicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8069

This beautiful 3-star guesthouse offers 32 rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms incl. showers and toilets, refrigerators, and much more. Enjoy also the relaxing indoor public bath (no minerals). Guests gave this property the rating - Wonderful.

View on Expedia.com