Higashi Honganji, Kyoto, Japan

Higashi Honganji, officially known as the “Eastern Temple of the Original Vow,” is one of the two head temples of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Buddhism in Kyoto. Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station, it was established in the early 17th century by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who deliberately split the Honganji sect into eastern and western branches to prevent any single temple from becoming too powerful. Today, Higashi Honganji stands as a prominent symbol of Shin Buddhism and is fondly referred to by locals as “Ohigashi-san.”

The temple complex is home to some of the most impressive wooden structures in Japan. The Founder’s Hall, rebuilt in 1895 after repeated fires, is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, with a soaring interior that can accommodate thousands of worshippers. Beside it stands the Amida Hall, where the statue of Amida Buddha is enshrined, alongside important portraits of figures central to the Pure Land tradition.

Together, these vast spaces embody both the grandeur and spiritual depth of the sect.

Complementing the scale of the temple is the Shōsei-en Garden, a serene strolling garden located nearby. Originally designed in the 17th century and later restored, it provides a contrasting experience of quiet beauty and natural harmony. With its seasonal blossoms, reflective ponds, and walking paths, the garden invites visitors to slow down and reflect, making it an essential counterpart to the monumental halls of Higashi Honganji.