Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism, officially known as Shinshu Hongyo. It consists of two halls: the Mikado Hall, where a wooden statue of Shinran, the founder of the sect, is enshrined, and the Amida Hall, where the principal image of Yayoi Buddha is enshrined. The present building was rebuilt in 1895. It is known as one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The Mikado Gate, located in front of the Mikado Hall, is one of the three largest gates in Kyoto.
Date of construction: 1602
November - February 6:20 - 16:30
March - October: 5:50 - 17:30
Free to visit the temple grounds
5 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station