History:

is a Buddhist temple located in the Shimogyō-ku ward of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of two main temples of Jōdo Shinshū, the main branch of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism. Nishi Honganji was founded in 1272 by the great Buddhist priest Shinran, with the support of Emperor Go-Saga. In the 17th century, it became the head temple of the Honganji branch of the Jōdo Shinshū sect of Japanese Buddhism. Today, the temple serves not only as a place of religious worship, but also as a museum and educational facility. It is maintained and managed by the Shinakuan Shinshodo, an independent religious organization. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Nishi-Honganji is located in Kyoto, Japan and is the head temple of the Honganji-ha branch within the Jōdo Shinshū school of Pure Land Buddhism. 2. The temple is one of four main temples of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Buddhism, which is the largest school of Buddhism in Japan. 3. It was founded by the High Priest Shinran, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism in 1272. 4. The temple is known for its distinctive architecture, consisting of a grand main gate, main hall, and numerous other buildings. 5. It is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. 6. The temple is associated with many famous historical figures of Japan, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Ishida Mitsunari. 7. The temple's main features include an expansive garden and a two-story pagoda that was built in 1486. 8. The temple also houses many important religious artifacts, including a replica of the Lotus Sutra that Shinran brought from China in 1279. 9. The temple holds regular services and special festivals throughout the year, such as Buddha's scriptures, memorial services, and the summer and winter celebrations. 10. The temple is open to the public and welcomes visitors who are interested in learning more about Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, or simply want to appreciate the temple's beauty and history. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

's Nishi Honganji Temple, which is part of the Honganji-ha branch within the Jodo Shinshu school of Buddhism, the practice of traditional Buddhist worship services involves chanting sutras, chanting the nembutsu (invoking the name of Amida Buddha), performing rituals for the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, bowing and prostrating to honor the beliefs, and then offering monetary gifts and incense. Worshipers can also participate in services such as kaihaku (thanking the Buddhas and offering incense) and menzaikedokusan (prayers). They can also hear lectures and read scriptures. Other practices of worship involve walking around the main hall three times as a form of meditation and circumambulating the grounds. On special days, ceremonies known as hanzazono may take place which involve 28 bodhisattvas walking around the main hall together. In addition to these more traditional practices, Nishi-Honganji also offers modern services such as concerts, classes, and support groups. Services are open to everyone with no distinction of gender, age, background, or religion. The main temple also offers a variety of educational and cultural events for those interested in deepening their understanding of Jōdo Shinshu Buddhism. There are retreats, symposiums, and workshops that focus on different aspects of the Buddhist faith for all ages. Nishi-Honganji also has a strong international presence, with branches located in Taiwan, France, and Singapore. These branches hold their own services, and the teachings of Nishi-Honganji reach far beyond Japan's borders. Nishi-Honganji is one of the most important temples in the Jōdo Shinshū school, and its worship services are a cornerstone of this type of Buddhism. By offering a variety of ways to participate, Nishi-Honganji helps people of different backgrounds and beliefs to connect with the teachings of Buddhism. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Nishi-Honganji is open every day from April to September, Sunday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. From October to March the temple is open Sunday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Nishi-Honganji is located in Kyoto, Japan. The best and easiest way of reaching Nishi-Honganji is by train. The closest station is Nishi-Honganji-mae station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto Municipal Subway. Nishi-Honganji is located just a 4 minute walk away from this station. If you are travelling from Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma line slantedly towards Kokusai-Kaikan and get off at Nishi-Honganji-mae. The trip should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take other local buses from Kyoto Station to Nishi-Honganji. famous temples in Japan