Nishi Hongan-ji

Nishi Hongan-ji is a large Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple complex in central Kyoto, Japan, notable for extensive wooden architecture and historic halls. The site contains multiple National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for historic Kyoto.

Architectural highlights include grand worship halls and timber construction typical of late 16th- and early 17th-century temple building. The complex also has gardens, subsidiary halls and monuments associated with the Nishi branch of the Hongan-ji tradition.

The current complex dates mainly from the period after its relocation to Kyoto in the late 16th century and was established in its present form under the political authority of the time. It has remained an active religious centre for Jodo Shinshu practice.

Nishi Hongan-ji is located in central Kyoto and is easily accessible from the city centre; it lies within Kyoto’s older urban district and is a short distance from major central transport routes.

• Heritage status: Part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto; it contains multiple buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
• Date of main buildings: Major buildings in the complex date mainly from the late 16th and early 17th centuries following relocation and rebuilding in Kyoto.

What to See #

• Goeido Hall: The main worship hall for the temple complex, dating to the late 16th and early 17th centuries and designated a National Treasure of Japan.
• Amida Hall: The Amida Hall, also a National Treasure, houses principal images and features period wooden architecture and painted decoration from the early Edo period.