Hongan-ji temples 西本願寺

Hongan-ji temples

In Kyoto, the Nishi Hongan-Ji and Higashi Hongan-Ji temples represent the Jodo branch of Buddhism. Both built in the 16th century, they form a pair and are located a hundred meters from each other.

Temple Nishi Hongan-Ji

Nishi Honganji Temple

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The temple bell is housed in a small tower ( shoro ). Do not miss the splendid painted Chinese door , the Karamon , dating from the 16th century. The latter is decorated according to the codes of the Momoyama period (1573-1603), and was transferred from Fushimi Castle in 1618 .



The visit is completed by the charming Floating Clouds Pavilion , to the south-west, but also by the presence of a centuries- old ginko within the enclosure, whose foliage takes on golden shades in autumn.

Porte Karamon

Karamon Gate

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Temple Higashi Hongan-ji

Higashi Honganji Temple

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The visitor is also welcomed by a large door typical of Japanese architecture, called Goeidô-mon , also in carved wood, decorated with gilding .



To complete the visit, you will find a few hundred meters from the Higashi Hongan-Ji the garden which is attached to it, the Shosei-en . Unknown but charming, it offers a stroll along the tea houses, around a large pond, for an entrance fee of 500 yen (3.50 euros).

To read : Japanese parks and gardens

The visit to the two complexes is refreshing, away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy temples of the city such as the Golden Pavilion or the Kiyomizu-dera .

 

Porte du Higashi Hongan-Ji

Higashi Hongan-Ji Gate

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Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Phone

    +81 (0)75 371 5181
  • Timetable

    About 10 minutes walk from Kyoto Station Nishi Hongan-Ji Temple: Bus Lines 9, 28 or 75, "Nishi Hongwanji-mae" stopHigashi Hongan-Ji Temple: Bus Lines 5, 205, 206, 208, "Karasuma" stop Nanajo »
  • Price

    Free access
  • Access

    Open every day of the year. From January to February and from November and December open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. From March to April and from September to October, from 5.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. From May to August, from 5.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Website

    http://www.hongwanji.or.jp/english/

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