Admission
Free
Shimogyo, Kyoto Prefecture
At a Glance
Tokugawa Ieyasu deliberately split the powerful Jōdo Shinshū sect in two in 1602, creating Higashi Hongan-ji to weaken the original temple's political influence after decades of armed resistance.
The temple burned down four times during the Edo period. After the devastating 1864 fire during the Kinmon incident, rebuilding didn't start until 1879 due to political turmoil from the Meiji Restoration.
This temple offers 1 different goshuin designs
Regular
¥1,000
Free
Within 300 m Within 600 m
Renting needs the operator's app and a Japanese phone number. docomo day passes are sold at convenience stores. Data sources
Facilities
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The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
What this place is believed to grant
12 structures on the grounds
Fascinating facts about this place
Tokugawa Ieyasu deliberately split the powerful Jōdo Shinshū sect in two in 1602, creating Higashi Hongan-ji to weaken the original temple's political influence after decades of armed resistance.
The temple burned down four times during the Edo period. After the devastating 1864 fire during the Kinmon incident, rebuilding didn't start until 1879 due to political turmoil from the Meiji Restoration.
Locals affectionately call the two Hongan-ji temples 'Onissan' (Honorable Mr. West) and 'Ohigashisan' (Honorable Mr. East), treating them like friendly neighbors rather than grand religious institutions.
The Goei-dō hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world, measuring 76 meters long, 58 meters wide, and 38 meters tall. It's supported by 90 massive pillars and was rebuilt in 1895.
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