Hōon-ji, Buddhist temple in Higashi-Ueno, Japan
Hōon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Higashi-Ueno that centers around an enormous wooden Founder's Hall, its scale remarkable for traditional construction. The structure houses significant Buddhist artwork and religious objects that represent centuries of the sect's history.
The temple was founded during the era when the Shin sect split into eastern and western branches under Tokugawa Ieyasu's administration. The founder's remains were moved here much later, after being housed in other locations, where they have been honored ever since.
The temple belongs to the Jōdo Shinshū sect, one of Japan's largest Buddhist communities today, whose teachings emphasize faith in Amida Buddha and his compassion. Visitors can observe how this tradition shapes daily rituals and the arrangement of the worship spaces.
The temple allows visitors to explore its buildings and observe regular ceremonies that reveal how religious life is practiced, with no special knowledge needed. It is wise to check visiting times beforehand and dress respectfully, as some areas require careful conduct.
The temple houses the remains of Shinran, one of the most influential figures in Japanese religious history who transformed Buddhist thought and practice. This makes it a place of pilgrimage for followers seeking a direct connection to the movement's origins.
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