Nishi Hongwanji temple Kyoto - Goeido (Founder's H

We are in Kyoto (pop. 1.4 million) - the ancient capital of Japan before Tokyo succeeded it.
The Kyoto basin was first settled in the 7th century and served as home to the Japanese Imperial family from 794 until the Meiji restoration took the family to Tokyo in 1868.
Kyoto is home to more than 2000 temples and shrines, three palaces and dozens of ornamental gardens.
This is the mother temple and HQ of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha. Bit of a mouthful that! Dedicated to the true essence of Pure Land Buddhist Teaching.
The hardest job for me was selecting the most representative and important photograph of this beautiful collection of temple buildings, all very ornate, with complex roof structures, and beautiful "altars".
This temple building was constructed in 1636 and it is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan, recently having undergone considerable restoration works. The entire precinct is a World Cultural Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in 1994.
The Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teaching was established by Shinran Shonin 1185 -1333 in Kyoto.
More temples tomorrow!