Higashi Honganji (Eastern Honganji)

Located in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, this is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani-ha sect, formally known as Shinshu Honmiao. The principal enshrined deity is Amida Nyorai (Amida Buddha), and the founder is Shinran Shonin. In 1602 CE (Keicho 7), following a land donation from Tokugawa Ieyasu at Karasuma Shijo, the Honganji temple split into Western (Junyo) and Eastern (Kyocho) branches, leading to the establishment of this temple. The Oeido (Main Hall) measures 76 meters in width, 58 meters in depth, and 38 meters in height. Its floor area exceeds that of the Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji, making it one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Together with the adjacent Amida-do hall, it is a large urban temple within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Locally affectionately known as 'O-tosan' (The Eastern One), it forms a representative part of Kyoto's cityscape. It serves as the head temple for approximately 8,000 Jodo Shinshu Otani-ha temples nationwide, acting as the center of the sect.