Ōtani-ha in the context of "Nishi Hongan-ji"

Higashi Hongan-ji (東本願寺, Eastern Monastery of the Original Vow), is one of two dominant sub-sects of Jōdo Shinshū in Japan and abroad, the other being Nishi Hongan-ji, the "Western Temple of the Original Vow". It is also the name of the head temple of the Ōtani-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū in Kyoto, which was most recently constructed in 1895 after a fire burned down the previous temple. As with many sites in Kyoto, these two complexes have more casual names and are known affectionately in Kyoto as Onissan (お西さん; Honorable Mr. West) and Ohigashisan (お東さん; Honorable Mr. East).

Nishi Hongan-ji (西本願寺) is a Buddhist temple in Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha subsect. It is one of two Jōdo Shinshū temple complexes in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Hongan-ji, which is the head temple of the Ōtani-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 Azuchi–Momoyama 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-dō and Amida halls (temple buildings), the Flying Cloud Pavilion, shoin and the Black study hall, including the Denrō gallery (residences) and the north Noh stage (miscellaneous structure).