Honganji Temples

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

More at Booking.com

Kyoto Accommodation Guide

Published by Matthew Baxter

Japan travel writer and onsen addict