Higashi Honganji

Higashi Honganji - Kyoto

May 02, 2020

Located at 754 Tokiwachō, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) is one of the two dominant sub-sects of Shin Buddhism.

Higashi Honganji (東本願寺)

Higashi Honganji History

Higashi Honganji, also affectionately called Ohigashisan or Honorable Mr. East by its devotees, was established in 1602 when shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the Shin Sect to be divided to diminish its power and influence. The order gave birth to two of Japan's most dominant sub-sects of Shin Buddhism - Nishi Honganji (The Western Temple of the Original Vow) and Higashi Honganji (The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow).

Higashi Honganji - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Higashi Honganji marker outside the temple vicinity

The first few structures of Higashi Honganji were built in its present location in 1658. From there, other establishments were added to the temple complex throughout the years.

Higashi Honganji grounds map

Another temple map

Higashi Honganji's Founder's Hall

The Founder's Hall as seen from the Founder's Hall Gate

Speaking of establishments inside the temple complex, the Founder's Hall can be found at the center of the complex. Standing 125 feet in height, 250 feet in length, and 190 feet in width, The Founder's Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. It is here where the image of the temple's founder Shinran is enshrined.

Amida Hall

On the left side of the Founder's Hall is the Amida Hall. It contains an image of the Amida Buddha and of Prince Shotoku.

Founder's Hall Gate aka Goei-do

Amida Hall Gate aka Amida-do

Check out the moat outside the temple vicinity. There are several large corps living there.

Sadly, both the Founder's Hall and Amida Hall along with several other structures of Higashi Honganji were burned down four times during the Edo Period. The first time was during the Great Tenmei Fire of 1788 (the temple was rebuilt in 1797). The second time was in 1823 when an accident fire consumed many structures in the temple complex (the temple and most of the structures were rebuilt in 1835). Many of these structures were gutted again by fire in 1858 but were quickly, but temporarily, reconstructed in 1861 for the celebration of Shinran's 600th Memorial Services. However, a city-wide fire caused by the 1864 Kinmon incident burned down the temple once again.

One of the bells of the temple

Another bell on display near the gift shop

Inside the gift shop

The current Founder's Hall and Amida Hall were rebuilt and completed in 1895. Other structures in the temple complex were restored in 1911. Today, Higashi Honganji is officially called Shinshu Honbyo and covers an area of 93,140 square meters. It's currently the head temple of the Otani ha branch of the Jodo Shinshu which is one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan with approximately 8700 local temples, 50 regional headquarter temples (betsuin) and 35 temples overseas.

Temple Services Reception Center

Higashi Honganji's chozubachi or water-filled basins

Higashi Honganji was the first Japanese temple my dad, brother, and I visited during our 3rd time in Japan last December 2019. I'm also glad to share that it's my dad and brother's first visit to Japan. I brought them to Higashi Honganji as it was the nearest temple to our accommodation. Aside from that, I was also eager to see the sister temple of Nishi Honganji which my wife, daughter, and I visited last 2018.

My dad and brother seem to have enjoyed the visit

Aside from admiring the ginormous Founder's Hall and Amida Hall, my father, brother, and I also enjoyed taking videos using the yellow fallen leaves of the ginkgo trees as props. We explored the temple grounds until 5:30PM, which was its closing time, before going back to our Air BnB residence.

Here's my dad enjoying the ginkgo leaves:

Higashi Honganji Admission Fee:

I'm happy to share that Higashi Hongaji is one of those temples that does not ask for any fees to explore any part of its vicinity. In short, it's FREE!

Higashi Honganji Opening Hours:

Higashi Honganji is open from 5:50AM -5:30PM.

Why visit Higashi Honganji:

Higashi Honganji is one of the places you should visit if you're doing a walking tour around Kyoto Station as it is very close to the station. However, if you are collecting goshuin, keep in mind that this temple does not offer it.

Getting to Higashi Honganji:

From Kyoto Station, ride the Karasuma subway line and board down at Gojo Station (one-stop, 220 yen). From there, walk for about 3-4 minutes to reach Higashi Honganji.

However, you can actually walk from Kyoto Station to the temple. It's about 500 meters away.

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