[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (Updated Jan)

It’s been a long time since I traveled abroad, and my first stop was Kyoto. When it comes to the scenery of Kansai in autumn, many people first think of the bright red maple trees in the mountains. But in fact, the golden ginkgo is also a beautiful scenery. It’s near Kyoto Station. There is Higashi Honganji Temple. There are towering ginkgo trees around the temple. If you find a clever angle, you can even see Kyoto Tower in front of you. There are several main halls inside where you can go in and copy scriptures🎼Clean your soul❤️ Location: 754 Tokiha-cho, Shichijo-dori, Karasuma-dori, Shimokyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture #日本Attractions #Overseas Travel #Holiday Places #Japan Travel Guide

Temple: Shinshu Honbyo/Higashi Honganji Address: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Karasuma-dori Shichijo-agaru "Higashi Honganji". You can walk there from Kyoto Station. I was impressed by the view that spread out before me when I passed through the main gate. I was also impressed by the grandeur of the wooden architecture. I highly recommend you to go and go inside. I highly recommend it😊 #KyotoTrip #HigashiHonganji #HistoricalSites #BreathtakingView

On a cloudy afternoon, my friends and I decided to set off from Osaka to visit Higashi Honganji in Kyoto. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, our spirits were high, eager to explore the charm of this ancient temple. As we rode the bus, the scenery outside the window became increasingly captivating with the changing cityscape. Though the sky was overcast, the sights along the way were still awe-inspiring. The bus navigated through bustling streets and soon entered the quieter suburbs, where tree-lined roads and occasional ancient buildings seemed to tell the story of Kyoto. Upon arriving in Kyoto, we disembarked and walked towards Higashi Honganji. Strolling along the old streets, a gentle breeze brought a slight chill, making us shiver. Despite the gloomy sky, the serene atmosphere imparted a special sense of calm. When we reached Higashi Honganji, the sight was breathtaking. The temple's grandeur, with its black roof contrasting sharply against the grey sky, was awe-inspiring. Stepping through the temple gates, we were instantly enveloped by the ancient ambiance, as if time had stood still. Wandering through the temple's courtyard, we admired the exquisite garden design. The overcast weather added to the mysterious feel of this tranquil space. Every flower and leaf exuded a serene beauty, moving us deeply. Even without the bright sunshine, the atmosphere here was still enchanting. We found a quiet corner within the temple, sat down, and quietly enjoyed the moment of tranquility. The soft sound of the wind and distant chanting of monks seemed to guide us into deeper contemplation. We couldn't help but feel a sense of inner peace, as if all our worries had dissipated with the gentle sounds. As dusk approached, we reluctantly left Higashi Honganji, our hearts filled with gratitude. This journey from Osaka, despite the gloomy weather, had brought us solace on this ancient land. On the return bus ride, we reflected on the day's experiences, silently wishing and looking forward to our next adventure. Even on a cloudy day, Kyoto's beauty still moved us deeply. This tranquility and beauty will forever remain in our hearts.

Introducing the grand temple of Kyoto, Higashi Honganji (東本願寺). Higashi Honganji is located very close to Kyoto Station! It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the central exit of Kyoto Station. As you walk north along Karasuma Street (烏丸通), you will see the magnificent temple building. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples near Kyoto Station, making it very easy to find. There are also well-placed signs along the road to help tourists find their way. Higashi Honganji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu (浄土真宗) sect, established in 1602. The main hall, 'Goeido (御影堂),' is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan, and its scale is truly overwhelming. There is no admission fee, so anyone can visit freely. Inside the temple, there is also the Amida Hall (阿弥陀堂), where Buddhist ceremonies are often held. It is open from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM (hours may vary by season), so you can visit at any time of the day. Visiting after lunch, the sight of the temple bathed in the warm midday sun was very impressive. Just strolling through the spacious grounds and admiring the grand architecture was a special experience. In the large courtyard in front of the main hall, you can see local elders gathered in small groups, chatting. The interior of the temple is cool and quiet, making it a great place for a moment of meditation. Sitting in the tatami room of the main hall, where you need to take off your shoes, you can feel a sense of calm.

Higashi Honganji is truly a pleasant surprise! The main hall here is incredibly majestic, with a high roof that seems to reach the sky! What catches the eye even more is the understated yet luxurious black and gold color scheme. The golden decorations on the sturdy wooden structure make it look like it's wearing a sophisticated gown, exuding elegance and grandeur. And the best part is—it's free! Even better, there are hardly any people! The entire temple is quiet, and walking through the spacious corridors with sunlight streaming through the eaves feels like traveling back in time and becoming a hermit for a day. The black and gold beams look especially solemn in the sunlight, and sitting inside the hall, you can feel your restless heart instantly calm down. If you're visiting Kyoto, you must come to Higashi Honganji to experience this understated luxury and healing tranquility. It's truly worth it!

Whether it's cherry blossom season or the fiery red leaves of late autumn, Kyoto is not only a living fossil of Japanese culture, but also a pilgrimage site for the soul. Among them, Higashi Honganji Temple, with its solemnity and mystery, attracts travelers from all over the world, making it a must-visit landmark in Kyoto. [Step into the Corridor of Time] The entrance to Higashi Honganji Temple is a gateway to another era. Take off your shoes, use the plastic bags provided in front of the temple to travel lightly, and every step you take is on top of a thousand years of history. The main hall and the master hall, two magnificent wooden structures, are ingeniously connected by a corridor, as if telling a dialogue between the past and the present. [Whisper of History] The master hall, a building 76 meters long from north to south and 58 meters wide from east to west, is towering and second only to Todaiji Temple in Nara. It was rebuilt during the Meiji period and carries the architectural skills and devout faith of the 19th century. The exhibits in the corridor, such as ropes woven from hair, were made from the hair donated by female believers during the reconstruction in the 1880s, witnessing the intertwining of history and faith. [Dialogue between Classic and Modern] Inside the hall, the natural fragrance of the ancient wood and the gentle breeze of the modern fan form a perfect fusion of classic and modern. Looking out from here, the figure of Kyoto Tower is looming, as if telling a dialogue between classic and modern, which is intoxicating. [Temperature of Faith] In Higashi Honganji Temple, every brick and tile contains a story, and every door leads to a period of history. It is not only the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect of Buddhism, but also a holy place where people's souls can be purified and sublimated. Whether it's the solemnity of the main hall or the solemnity of the master hall, people can feel the warmth of faith in the tranquility.

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This share is about Higashi Honganji, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto. Higashi Honganji is the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha sect, officially known as 'Shinshu Honbyo.' To distinguish it from Nishi Honganji, it is commonly referred to as 'Higashi Honganji.' The origin of Honganji dates back to 1272 when Shinran's youngest daughter, Kakushinni, and others built a temple on the site of Otani in Higashiyama and enshrined a statue of Shinran. In 1591, the 11th head priest, Kennyo, accepted a temple site donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and built a temple hall (which became Nishi Honganji) on Taijo Horikawa. Later, in 1602, Tokugawa Ieyasu donated land at Karasuma Shichijo, and the 12th head priest, Kyonyo, established Honganji there, leading to the separation of Honganji into east and west. The current Garan was rebuilt during the Meiji period, and the Mieido, which houses the image of Shinran, is the world's largest wooden structure. 📍Address: Karasuma-dori Shichijo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 🚃Transport: 7 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station, 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Kyoto Station 5 minutes walk from Gojo Station on the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line, 1 minute walk from Karasuma Shichijo Station on the Kyoto City Bus Higashi Honganji

Higashi Hongan-ji temple or in Japanese language is Shinshu Honbyo (Higashi Honganji). This temple is Buddhist temple where is located in Kyoto, Japan. It is so beautiful and very natural. When you go inside, they are not allowed to make a loud noise. It is closed very early. If I don’t remember wrongly, it is closed around 4:30 p.m. You can go to this temple by walking, taking taxi. It is quite old famous temple and this temple is made from wood. Many people come to visit this temple for wish the luck. #Temple #Kyoto #Japan

#fallishere Location: Japan, 〒600-8505 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward Higashi Hongan-ji（東本願寺）, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a significant temple in the Jodo Shinshu sect of Japanese Buddhism. Established in 1602, it emerged as a separate entity from Nishi Hongan-ji due to disputes over leadership succession. The temple's history is intertwined with political and social changes in Japan, experiencing both prosperity and adversity. Throughout the centuries, Higashi Hongan-ji faced challenges such as fires and wars, contributing to the reconstruction of its structures. Notably, it played a role in the religious landscape during the Edo period and beyond. The temple complex showcases impressive architecture, including the Amida Hall, emphasizing the sect's focus on the worship of Amida Buddha. Higashi Hongan-ji continues to be a spiritual and cultural hub, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike. Its rich history and architectural significance make it a symbol of enduring Buddhist traditions in Japan. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage #kyoto #japan

Spot: Higashi Honganji Temple Access: 5 minutes walk from Kyoto Station Higashi Honganji Temple is located just a short distance from Kyoto Tower. It features a large main hall on a wide site, and is a temple of a scale not seen in other prefectures. 💡 There are ginkgo trees planted on the site, and you can take some cool photos using the fallen leaves. 📸 Why not come and take some photos? #KyotoTourism

Kyotos Higashi Honganji Temple is the Buddhist temple of the Pure Land of Otani, and it is located at Kyoto Station in Kyotos Shimogyo-ku. The general of the levy general, Tokugawa Ieyasu, divided the original Honganji Temple into the East and West Honganji Temple. Very imposing building, the Master Hall is equivalent to the Daxiong Hall of the Chinese Buddhist Temple. It is 76 meters from north to south and 58 meters from east to west. It is second only to Nara Temple in Nara. It is the largest wooden building in Kyoto and one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. I have no feeling for the Honganji Temple. I lived in the Kyoto Railway Station and walked across the Chengcheng Garden. It is the Dongbenyuan Temple. Anyway, I will come in without any tickets. I began to think that the ginkgo tree inside was very good, but when I went to the Nishi Honganji Temple, the thick old ginkgo was second to the east.