The Honganji temples, consisting of Nishi Honganji (west temple) and Higashi Honganji (east temple), are large Buddist complexes walking distance from Kyoto station. Not as beautiful as Kinkaku-ji Temple or Ginkaku-ji Temple, but nice temples to have a walk around.
Budget travel tips
- Save some money and see the city a bit by walking from Kyoto station to these temples. Get a free map from the Kyoto Tourist Information Center in Kyoto station. It will only take 10-15 minutes.
How to get there
From Kyoto station, you can walk as described above. You can also take the No. 28 bus to Nishi Honganji-mae bus stop for Nishi Honganji (west temple) or the No. 5, 26 or 57 bus to Karasuma Rokujo bus stop for Higashi Honganji (east temple).
From other areas, take a bus to Nishi Honganji-mae bus stop for Nishi Honganji (west temple) or to Karasuma Rokujo bus stop for Higashi Honganji (east temple).
Information
Opening time: 5:50 AM – 5:30 PM (Mar–Oct), 6:20 AM – 4:30 PM (Nov–Feb)
Cost: Free.
Map
Recommended Hostels and Cheap Hotels
Jiyujin
A little bit pricier than the others, but with a more ‘Japanesey’ feel and atmosphere. It’s also smaller and therefore much quieter than the others. Check prices at Booking.com
Khaosan Kyoto Guest House and Khaosan Kyoto Theater
Khaosan have a load of hostels in Tokyo, and their Kyoto hostels are solid hostel experiences. Expect polite, excitable staff and really good prices.
Khaosan Kyoto Guest House: Check prices at Booking.com
Khaosan Kyoto Theater: Check prices at Booking.com
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