Buddhist templeKyoto

Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

西本願寺

Address: 京都市下京区堀川通花屋町下る本願寺門前町

Visitor website Open in Maps

Collectible stamp

An original digital stamp by emonster for your Temple Quest collection.

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Temple Quest collectible artwork, separate from official goshuin.

History

Hongan-ji moved to its present Rokujō Horikawa site in 1591 after Toyotomi Hideyoshi donated land.

Sources1

Sources 本願寺の歴史 | 知る｜お西さん（西本願寺）

Timeline

Founding, rebuilding, and milestones across the centuries.

1591
Historical milestone
Azuchi–MomoyamaRecorded event
Sources1
Sources 本願寺の歴史 | 知る｜お西さん（西本願寺）

About the era labels

Browse places by founding, rebuilding, and other events in each historical era.

Explore the grounds

An illustrated overview of the grounds. Match the numbers to the landmarks below.

Illustration © emonsterIllustrated map for orientation. Access and paths may change; follow signs at the site.

Landmarks on this map

Founders Hall
The principal hall enshrines an image of Shinran.
Landmark source
Amida Hall
The hall enshrines Amida Nyorai and lineage portraits.
Landmark source
Founders Hall Gate
A monumental gate opens toward the Founders Hall.
Landmark source
Amida Hall Gate
A decorated gate stands before Amida Hall.
Landmark source
Karamon Gate
Elaborate carvings adorn this Momoyama-style ceremonial gate.
Landmark source
Shoin
Formal reception rooms preserve richly decorated Shoin architecture.
Landmark source
Hiunkaku Pavilion
A three-story pavilion stands within Tekisuien Garden.
Landmark source
Sutra Repository
The repository preserves a complete printed Buddhist canon.
Landmark source
Drum Tower
The towers large drum once announced the time.
Landmark source
Purification Pavilion
An open pavilion shelters a stone well and water basin.
Landmark source
Bell Tower
The bell announces the start of temple services.
Landmark source
Great Ginkgo
The spreading ginkgo is nicknamed the upside-down ginkgo.
Landmark source
Screening Wall
A tiled screening wall survives from the late Edo period.
Landmark source

Map sources & credits

Visiting information

Check before you go

Hours, admission and access can change. Confirm current details with the site before travelling.

Opening hours

The published daily schedule opens the gates at 05:30 and closes them at 17:00.

Sources1

Sources 参る｜お西さん（西本願寺）

Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

Collectible stamp

History

Timeline

Historical milestone

Explore the grounds

Founders Hall

Amida Hall

Founders Hall Gate

Amida Hall Gate

Karamon Gate

Shoin

Hiunkaku Pavilion

Sutra Repository

Drum Tower

Purification Pavilion

Bell Tower

Great Ginkgo

Screening Wall

Visiting information

Opening hours