Nishi Hongan-ji (西æ¬é¡å¯º) is a Buddhist temple in ShimogyÅ-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha subsect. It is one of two JÅdo ShinshÅ« temple complexes in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Hongan-ji, which is the head temple of the Åtani-ha subsect.
Established in its current location in 1591, the temple's origin dates back to the 14th century. Many of its building have survived from the AzuchiâMomoyama and early Edo periods, making it a great example of Japanese architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. A total of seven Nishi Hongan-ji structures have been designated National Treasures in three different categories: the karamon, Goei-dÅ and Amida halls (temple buildings), the Flying Cloud Pavilion, shoin and the Black study hall, including the DenrÅ gallery (residences) and the north Noh stage (miscellaneous structure).
