Nishi Hongan-ji

Nishi Hongan-ji (Photo: Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock.com)

Overview

Address

Hanayacho-sagaru, Horikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8501

(Map) ( Directions )

Hours

5:30 - 17:00 Closed now

Opening Hours

Monday
5:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
5:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
5:30 - 17:00
Thursday
5:30 - 17:00
Friday
5:30 - 17:00
Saturday
5:30 - 17:00
Sunday
5:30 - 17:00
Holidays
5:30 - 17:00

Price

Free

Phone

075-371-5181

Website

hongwanji.or.jp

Highlights

Karamon

This impressive golden gate is known as the Karamon, or “Chinese Gate”. It is also said to be the “all day gate”, as one can spend all day admiring its ornate carvings and design. Originally built around 1598, the Karamon was meant to be part of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s castle. It has since been designated as a National Treasure, one of only six such structures to attain this status.

Goeidō (National Treasure)

Goeido, also known as the Founder’s Hall, is the main building of Nishi Hongwan-ji. After being rebuilt it 1636, it has since been designated as a National Treasure. The single-storied building has the image of Shinran (the founder of Shin-Buddhism) enshrined in its central altar.

Amidado

Known also by the name of Amida Hall, this building was rebuilt in 1760 and serves as the temple’s main worship hall. It was also designated as a National Treasure, along with the Goeido. Inside, there is a wooden sculpture of Amida Buddha, surrounded by images of six of the Seven Pure Land Masters.

Great Gingko Tree

More than 400 years old, this Great Gingko Tree stands outside the Goeido. The tree’s branches appear to stretch upwards towards the sky, making it appear like an upside-down gingko tree. During autumn, the Great Gingko tree delights visitors who come to see its beautiful golden leaves. Kyoto city has also designated it to be a Natural Monument.