Higashi Honganji, located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, is officially called "Shinshu Honbyo" and is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect of Buddhism, which enshrines the founder, Saint Shinran. It was built in 1602 with a donation of land from Tokugawa Ieyasu. Within the temple grounds are the Goei-do Hall, which houses the portrait of the founder, Saint Shinran, and the Amida Hall, which houses the principal image, Amida Nyorai. The Goei-do Hall in particular is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, with a width of 76m, depth of 58m, height of 38m, and 927 tatami mats, and is overwhelming in its grandeur.

The Goei-do Gate is the tallest double wooden gate in Japan and is counted as one of the three great gates in Kyoto. Once you pass through the gate, you will be amazed by the sight of the Goei-do Hall and Amida Hall towering majestically in the spacious grounds. These buildings have suffered repeated fires, but have been rebuilt thanks to the enthusiasm and support of the temple's followers. Parts of the "kezuna" ropes made of women's hair and hemp used in the reconstruction are displayed in various places in the temple grounds, giving a sense of the deep faith of the people.

Higashi Honganji is a temple that inherits the teachings of Saint Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu. Saint Shinran was born in the Kamakura period and preached the way to cut off earthly desires and attain rebirth in the Pure Land. Higashi Honganji is a temple visited by many people to spread the teachings of Saint Shinran.

The current building was rebuilt in the Meiji period.

Higashi Honganji is located just north of Kyoto Station.

[Trivia]
The "morning service" held early in the morning is free to attend, and you can have a special experience that is different from usual in the solemn atmosphere of the sound of sutra chanting echoing throughout the temple.