Kyoto's Higashi Honganji Temple: Life Accompanies You

On this afternoon, I was about to return to Taiwan via Osaka, so I took the morning to visit Higashi Honganji Temple. The temple offers free admission, and its vast grounds house numerous national treasures and important cultural assets. From the tiled roofs and the gilded ceilings to each pillar and even the floors, every detail showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture, leaving visitors in awe.

The "Goeido Hall" is particularly remarkable, known as the largest wooden structure in the world. Inside, the hall is lined with tatami mats, and the golden decorations on the ceiling and pillars symbolize Buddhist teachings. The curved rooflines and the dragon carvings above the doors are masterpieces of art, even when viewed up close.

The Amida Hall is ingeniously designed to let in natural light, creating a bright yet soft ambiance that exudes a sacred and serene atmosphere. Within the temple grounds, there are several large ginkgo trees that still bear green leaves. Visiting during the right season would undoubtedly add more charm to the experience! I later learned that Higashi Honganji is one of the few temples in Japan that does not sell amulets. Instead, it aims to guide people towards self-reflection and inner peace through the teachings of the saints and the practice of chanting Buddha's name.

Post by Chengchichi | Oct 8, 2025