ABOUT
About this spot
Nishi Hongan-ji, formally Ryukoku-zan Hongan-ji, is the head temple of the Hongan-ji school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto. The principal image is Amida Nyorai, and locals affectionately call it "Onishi-san". The whole precinct is a national historic site and the temple is registered as part of the World Heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". The temple traces its origin to 1272, when a mausoleum for Shinran was built in Yoshimizu, Higashiyama. After moving several times, it came to its present location in 1591 with land granted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Around 1602-1603 the order split in two, and the name "Nishi (west) Hongan-ji" came into use to distinguish it from the eastern Higashi Hongan-ji. The site is known for its many National Treasures: the two great halls Goei-do and Amida-do, the three-story Hiunkaku garden pavilion, the ornate Kara-mon gate, the Shoin and the North Noh stage. A giant ginkgo tree about 400 years old, designated a natural monument by Kyoto City, stands in the precinct. According to the official website, the gates open at 5:30 and close at 17:00, and anyone may visit. A free guided tour of the precinct of about 30 minutes is held four times a day. It is about a 22-minute walk from Kyoto Station, or you can take Kyoto City Bus routes 9, 28 or 75 to "Nishi Hongan-ji mae". Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Tower and To-ji are all within about 1.4 km.
Last updated October 26, 2026