Honganji

Honganji (本願寺, lit. temple of the original vow) is a term that has been used to refer to a number of Buddhist temples across Japan's history. However, it refers primarily to a pair of temples, which were once one, in Kyoto.

Higashi-Honganji

The massive Goei-do (founders' hall) Gate of Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) is often one of the first things one sees walking north from JR Kyoto Station. Nearly identical to Nishi-Honganji in layout, it too features an Amida-dou, and a larger Goei-dou. The Goei-do at Higashi-Honganji dates from 1895 and vies with a number of other structures for the claim of largest wooden building in the world.

Related Topics:
JR - Kyoto Station - 1895

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A few blocks from the main grounds of the Higashi-Honganji is the Shosei-en garden, owned by the temple. Poet-scholar Ishikawa Jozan and landscape architect Kobori Enshu are said to have contributed to its design in the 17th century.

Related Topics:
Ishikawa Jozan - Kobori Enshu

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