Honganji yamashina betsu-in, Buddhist temple in Yamashina-ku, Japan
The Honganji Yamashina Betsu-in is a branch temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect located in Kyoto's eastern hills, built with traditional wooden structures and carefully tended gardens. Inside, you will find halls with simple wooden beams, sliding doors, and tatami-mat rooms designed for prayer and meditation.
This branch was established during the expansion of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist movement across Japan in medieval times. The temple became part of a wider network created to serve the spiritual needs of communities in the eastern Kyoto region.
This place serves as a center where the local Buddhist community gathers for worship and life milestones throughout the year. You can observe how residents use the temple as a space for personal reflection and spiritual practice.
The temple is easily accessible by public transport, located just a short walk from Yamashina Station through the neighborhood streets. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the route includes some gentle slopes typical of this eastern hillside area.
The grounds contain preserved memorial records and family archives that document generations of local Buddhist families. These personal documents tell the story of how spiritual connections have shaped this community over a long period.
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