Kyoto : Higashi Honganji Temple

On our first trip to Kyoto we had stopped by at the Higashi Honganji temple which was built eleven years after the Nishi Honganji temple. At the time we were among a handful of visitors to the temple. 

To curb the growing interference of the Jodo Shin sect in politics, the headquarters of the sect, the Ishiyama Honganji temple in Osaka was destroyed by powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga. in 1591, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, another powerful warlord built the Nishi Honganji temple in Kyoto as head of the Jodo Shin sect. Subsequently in 1602, Tokugawa Ieyasu, another powerful warlord built the Higashi Honganji temple, close to the Nishi Honganji temple with the intent to divide the growing powers of the Nishi Honganji temple. 

intent The main hall of the temple is the Goeido, considered to be Kyoto's largest wooden structure. It is dedicated to the sect's founder Shinran. Adjacent to the Goeido is the Amidado Hall, dedicated to Amida Buddha.

The beautiful decorated gate of the Higashi Honganji temple

The Higashi Honganji temple's Japanese garden, Shoseien is a popular place to view Autumn foliage.  The garden and the temple are separated by a few blocks.

Address: Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8505, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Karasuma Shichi jo Agaru,                  Tokiwa cho 754

Phone: 075-371-9181

Opening Hours: 5:50 to 17:30 hrs (March-October)
                        6:20 to 16:30 hrs (November-February)

Closing Days: None

Entrance fees: Free; ( Entrance to Shoseien garden 500 yen)

Website: http:// higashihonganji.or.jp/english/