Higashi-Hongan-ji

Higashi-Hongan-ji Review

Very close to Kyoto Station, this temple is the first of the city's ancient sights to confronting visitors arriving by bus. Its strong walls, mighty gates, and high-roofed main hall are impressive enough to make some newcomers believe they are looking at the Imperial Palace. In the current complex, largely a reconstruction in 1895, everything is dwarfed by the cavernous main hall, the second-largest wooden structure in Japan. During construction of the temple, female devotees had their hair cut and woven into the strong thick rope needed to drag the heavy timber. A ragged section of one of these kezuna is on display inside the Daishi-do, a double-roofed structure that is admirable for its gracefully curving lines. From Kyoto Station walk 500 yards northwest.