Honpo-ji Temple

Honpo-ji Temple is one of the head temples of the Nichiren school and is located in Kyoto’s historic Teranouchi district. Founded in 1436 by the priest Nichishin, the temple is renowned for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and close association with the celebrated painter Hasegawa Tohaku.

Surrounded by peaceful grounds, Honpo-ji offers visitors a quiet retreat where they can appreciate Japanese garden design, Buddhist history, and the artistic heritage of the Momoyama period.

History

Honpo-ji was founded in 1436 by Nichishin, a prominent Nichiren Buddhist priest remembered for his fearless criticism of the Muromachi shogunate. His imprisonment gave rise to the famous nickname “Pot-Wearing Nichishin.”

The temple was destroyed several times during Kyoto’s turbulent medieval wars before being relocated to its present site during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s redevelopment of the city. During the Momoyama period, Honpo-ji became closely associated with painter Hasegawa Tohaku, whose family graves remain within the temple grounds.

Highlights

Tomoe Garden

The temple’s most famous attraction is the Tomoe Garden, traditionally attributed to landscape master Kobori Enshu. Its graceful curves resemble the traditional tomoe emblem and create an elegant seasonal landscape.

Connection to Hasegawa Tohaku

Honpo-ji has a strong connection with the renowned Momoyama-period painter Hasegawa Tohaku. Art lovers often visit to pay their respects at the Hasegawa family graves.

Main Hall

The Main Hall, rebuilt during the Edo period, enshrines the temple’s sacred mandala and serves as the spiritual center of Honpo-ji.

Tahoto Pagoda

The elegant two-story Tahoto Pagoda is one of the temple’s architectural highlights and provides an attractive focal point within the peaceful grounds.

Teranouchi Temple District

Honpo-ji is located in Kyoto’s historic Teranouchi district, home to several important Nichiren temples. Walking through the neighborhood offers insight into Kyoto’s merchant culture and Buddhist history.

Visit Tips

Morning is the ideal time to visit if you wish to enjoy the Tomoe Garden in a peaceful atmosphere. The temple is generally less crowded than Kyoto’s more famous sightseeing destinations.

Honpo-ji can easily be combined with nearby temples such as Myokaku-ji and Myoken-ji, as well as Kamigoryo Shrine and Seimei Shrine. Visitors interested in Japanese art will especially appreciate the temple’s connection with Hasegawa Tohaku.