Nishi-Honganji temple (Kyoto) Hidden Attractions

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Nishi-Honganji

TEL :075-371-5181
Address :Monzencho, Honganji, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Access :JR・Kintetsu Kyoto Station > (bus) > Nishi Honganji Temple mae
Parking :There is a parking lot

Introduction to Nishi-Honganji temple

It is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. The Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall are designated as national treasures.

Nishihonganji (Kyoto) Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall

You can enter these halls between 5:30am and 5:00pm. Morning services are held every morning at 6am and you can attend.

I got up early to pray at the temple, and the monks were chanting sutras in the dim light, which made me feel refreshed.

There were wooden infills of various shapes in the hallway. I spotted Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant. In Japan, it is said to be auspicious if these three things appear in your dreams during the New Year holidays. There are many other shapes, so I recommend trying them out.

Karamon Gate

Nishi-Honganji Temple has many valuable buildings. Among them, Karamon Gate was the most magnificent.

There were many carvings of auspicious sacred animals such as lions, kirin, and peacocks.

The Karamon gate can be found by leaving the temple grounds, turning the corner on the south side and walking along the wall. It’s hard to notice, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Guided tour by a monk

Guided tours of the temple grounds are given by monks every day. However, this was in Japanese.

Panoramic view

This is a place that is normally off-limits, but I had the opportunity to take some photos from the building opposite, so I’d like to share them with you.