Nishi Honganji Temple

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.

Nishi Honganji Temple

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).

Nishi Honganji Temple

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.

Nishi Honganji Temple

Access from Kyoto Station to Nishi Honganji Temple takes about 5 minutes by bus or 15 minutes on foot.

Nishi Honganji Temple



Nishi Honganji Temple Map

opening hours5:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
regular closing daywithout a holiday
entrance feefree
bus stopCity bus Nishi-honganji-mae bus stop
stationJR Kyoto Station※Approximately 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station
parking lotParking available (free)
official siteNishi Honganji Temple


Nishi Honganji Temple around

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