Honganji Temple is the top of Pure-land Buddhism Honganji Style located in Kyoto. It is known as Nishi-Honganji. It was established in 1272 as Mausoleum of Shinran in Kyoto. In 1591, it was moved to its current location by the donation of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The Pure Land Buddhism
The Pure Land teaching established by Priest Shinran (1173 to 1263) tells us that all are embraced by the power of Amida Buddha's Primal Vow. Entrusting in this Vow enables all to live in the present with confidence and peace of mind and assures them that they will be born in the Pure Land where they will attain Enlightenment.

The purpose of this teaching is to enable all to live lives to the fullest, becoming aware of both potentials and limitations in this world. Through this Teaching, all may be able to overcome difficulties, thus realizing true happiness within this lifetime.

There are many traditional buildings, and some of them are designated as the National Treasure, and important cultural assets.

You can easily walk in this temple and enjoy those historic buildings. Those buildings have features of the great architectural arts from Momoyama period, that is considered as the one of the best time of Japanese arts.

-Mikage Hall-
National Treasure built-in 1632.
You can walk into the National Treasure building.

-Amidado Hall-
National Treasure built-in 1760.

-Karamon Gate-
National Treasure. Over 400 years old.