Nishi Honganji Temple(西本願寺) is the head temple of the Honganji School of Shinshu Jodo.Locals call it “Onishi-san.In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage site.
It has Amida Hall (National Treasure), Karamon Gate (National Treasure), and Hounkaku (National Treasure). Mikageido is one of the world’s largest wooden structures (48 m east to west, 62 m north to south, 29 m high, 441 tatami mats and approximately 115,000 tiles in the outer sanctuary).
The Karamon gate is also called Higurashimon (meaning “sunset gate”) because of the beautiful carvings on the door, beams, and other parts of the gate that are so magnificent that one forgets about the setting of the sun.
Access from Kyoto Station to Nishi Honganji Temple takes about 5 minutes by bus or 15 minutes on foot.
opening hours | 5:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
regular closing day | without a holiday |
entrance fee | free |
bus stop | City bus Nishi-honganji-mae bus stop |
station | JR Kyoto Station※Approximately 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station |
parking lot | Parking available (free) |
official site | Nishi Honganji Temple |