Higashi Honganji Temple

A picture of Amida Hall of Higashi Honganji Temple

This is Higashi Honganji Temple which is about ten minutes walk from JR Kyoto station.

It was founded by Priest Kyonyo about 400 years ago as the headquarters of Jodo Shin sect, or Pure Land Sect of Buddhism. After being burnt several times, it was rebuilt in 1895. The Founders Hall which can be seen on the right side of the picture is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world but has been under reconstruction.



Veranda of Amida Hall

You can go inside the Amida Hall, and the followers’ hall which is new and air-conditioned in summer and the heating is on in winter. No admittance fee. As Shinran, the founder of this sect of Buddhism taught us to accept others as they are, the temple is open to the public without getting any admittance fee from early monring till late evening. The gate is open from 5:50 to 17:30 in summer and from 6:20 to 16:30 in winter.



Having a nap while selling beans for doves



A dove busy picking beans

You can relax yourself sitting on the veranda of this temple for hours if you are tired of going around in Kyoto or feeding doves with mame, or beans.