Temple
Nishi Hongan-ji
西本願寺
Head temple of the Honganji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, built in 1591 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and part of the UNESCO Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The Goeido and Amidado halls can be entered free of charge.
Key facts
- Station
- Kyoto (JR lines, Karasuma Line, Kintetsu Kyoto Line)15 min walk
- Admission
- Free entry
- Typical visit
- 45 min
- Hours
- 5:30 to 17:00
- Website
- www.hongwanji.or.jp
Tip
Shoes come off at the hall entrances. Combine with Higashi Hongan-ji, a few blocks east, on the walk back to the station.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is around Kyoto Station. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$293 per night. Where to stay around Kyoto Station
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Museum Kyoto Aquarium 京都水族館 An aquarium opened in 2012 in Umekoji Park, about 1 km west of Kyoto Station. Paid entry 2 h 7 min walk
- Temple Higashi Hongan-ji 東本願寺 Head temple of the Otani branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, founded a few blocks east of Nishi Hongan-ji in 1602. Free entry 40 min 8 min walk
- Nature Umekoji Park 梅小路公園 A 13.7 ha city park west of Kyoto Station with lawns and a children's play area, and the Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium at its edges. Free entry 1 h 3 min walk
- Viewpoint Kyoto Tower 京都タワー A 131 m tower completed in 1964, standing across the road from the north (Karasuma) exit of Kyoto Station. Paid entry 45 min 2 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026