🗺️ Higashi Hongan-ji (Kyoto)東本願寺

Higashi Hongan-ji is located near Kyoto Station at Karasuma Rokujo. Its official name is "Shinshū Hombō," and it was built in the 7th year of the Keichō era (1602) on land donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu to the founder of the sect, Kōsai Shōnin. It serves as the head temple of the Shinshū Ōtani sect. After passing through the Mikage-dō gate facing Karasuma Street, the first sight that greets you is the "Mikage-dō," which enshrines the true portrait of the founder of Jōdo Shinshū, Shinran Shōnin. This is the largest wooden structure in the world, measuring 76 meters in length from the front, 58 meters from the side, and 38 meters in height, with an astonishing 927 tatami mats inside. The "Amida-dō," located to the south of the Mikage-dō, enshrines the principal image, Amida Nyorai. The interior, including the ceiling and pillars, is adorned in gold to represent the world described in the "Amitabha Sutra." Among the many precious buildings, including the Mikage-dō gate, which is said to be the tallest wooden structure in Japan, six buildings including the Mikage-dō are designated as Important Cultural Properties of the country. A short distance from Higashi Hongan-ji, in Higashi Tamamizu-cho, is "Shōseien," a beautiful garden built on approximately 10,000 tsubo of land donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu. This designated scenic spot features flowers blooming in all four seasons, and its diverse landscapes are celebrated as the "Thirteen Views," thus earning its designation as a national scenic site, making it highly recommended for a visit.

The head temple of Shinran Shonin's Jodo Shinshu "Higashi Hongan-ji" is home to the world's largest wooden structure, the "Goeido," along with many other highlights worth seeing. The Goeido, Amida Hall, and six other buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Walking in the "Shosei-en," which is filled with natural beauty, is also quite popular.