Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

Welcome to Higashi Hongan-ji, the 'Eastern Temple of the First Vow,' and the head temple of the Otani branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station, this temple stands as a testament to the…

We begin at the Goei-do Mon, the 'Founder’s Hall Gate.' Completed in 1911, this is the grandest of the temple's three main gates. Standing at approximately 28 meters tall, it is one of the three largest 'mon' gates in Kyoto. …

Inside the gallery of the main hall, you will encounter one of the most poignant and unusual artifacts in all of Japan: the 'Kezuna,' or hair rope. During the reconstruction of the temple in the 1880s, the builders faced the…

Standing before us now is the Goei-do, or the 'Founder's Hall.' This is the largest wooden building in Kyoto and one of the largest in the world, measuring 76 meters in length, 58 meters in width, and 38 meters in height. Its…

Directly to the south of the Founder's Hall is the Amida-do, or 'Amida Hall.' While slightly smaller than its neighbor, it is equally magnificent. This hall is the spiritual center of the complex, dedicated to Amida Buddha. …

One of the most unique experiences at Higashi Hongan-ji is participating in the 'Jinjo' or morning sermon. Every day at 7:00 AM, the temple doors open for a public service that includes sutra chanting and a dharma talk (howa). …

At the northern end of the temple grounds stands the Kikusa-mon, or 'Chrysanthemum Gate.' This gate is unique among the temple's entrances as it was historically reserved exclusively for the use of Imperial Messengers. Its name…

As we conclude our tour of Higashi Hongan-ji, we are left with the image of the Kezuna—the human hair rope that literally pulled this temple into existence. It is a powerful reminder that while the great wooden halls are…