Honnoji

TEL :075-231-5335 Address :522 Shimohonnojimaecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto Access :Subway Tozai Line Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station > 4 minutes walk

Introduction to Honnoji temple

Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415. It is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. It is located at the end of one of Kyoto’s busiest shopping streets.

The main hall is 587.4 square metres (6,323 sq ft). Once inside, you will see a golden canopy hanging from the ceiling and a statue of Nichiren enshrined in the center.

The temple where Oda Nobunaga met his end

Honnoji Temple is the temple where Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and killed by his subordinate Akechi Mitsuhide in 1582. He was one of Japan’s most famous warlord and was on the verge of unifying the country.

At the time, the temple was located further west, but after the incident it was moved to its current location.

Oda Nobunaga is in the center of the photo below. On his left and right are Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan after his death.

The tomb of Oda Nobunaga is located within the temple grounds.

There is also a fire prevention ginkgo tree right next to it. It is said that during a great fire in 1788, water gushed out from this tree, saving the people.

A treasure museum with many highlights

Many temple treasures were on display in the treasure museum. What was interesting was the frog incense burner. There is a legend that the day before Oda Nobunaga was killed, a three-legged frog croaked, warning of something strange happening.

When I went, I was able to wear the armor and take photos.

The final resting place of Oda Nobunaga

If you like Japanese history, I recommend visiting the site where Honnoji Temple once stood. If you’re not interested in history, this is a rather unassuming place.

The site of Honnoji Temple are located about a 25-minute walk west. There is a stone monument in the middle of a narrow alley.