Otani-hombyo

TEL :075-531-4171 Address :6 Chome-514 Gojobashihigashi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station (Karasuma Central Exit) > (city bus number 206 or EX100 or EX101) > Gojozaka Bus Stop > 1 minutes walk Parking :There is a parking lot

Introduction to Otani Hombyo

Otani Hombyo is the mausoleum of Shinran , the founder of Jodo Shinshu. After Shinran passed away in 1262, his remains were reinterred several times before being moved to their current location in 1603.

Morning services are held daily at 6:00 a.m. in the main hall and Meichodo hall, and anyone is welcome to attend.

Morning Service

When I arrived at Otani Hombyo at 5:30, the main gate had just been opened.

The temple bell was tolling within the precincts, and a solemn atmosphere pervaded the air. The temple bell is housed inside the bell tower, so I couldn’t see it being struck, but a monk came out after it was finished.

And then, I entered the main hall before six o’clock. The interior was a spacious area floored with tatami mats, with an image of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha) enshrined in the center.

When the time came, a monk entered and began chanting sutras without any particular explanation. I pressed my palms together and listened to it from behind.

It took about 10 minutes.

Afterwards, I moved to the Meichodo Hall located at the back of the temple grounds, where a monk was also chanting sutras.

This is the worship hall built in front of the mausoleum of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu. A portrait of Shinran was hung in the center.

The monk was inside, but worshippers paid their respects from the outside.

After listening to the sutra chanting for a while, I felt refreshed. And it finished around 6:30.

Overall, at both halls, the arrangement allowed one to freely pay one’s respects from the back while the monks chanted sutras. Therefore, anyone can easily attend if they arrive before the scheduled time.