Honpoji Temple

Honpoji is an important Nichiren school temple in Kyoto, established in 1436 and moved to its present location in 1587. Most of the current structures date to the late eighteenth century. The temple's main draw is its collection of works by Hasegawa Tohaku (1539-1610), one of the most respected painters of his era, who lived here and created many of his significant pieces in Kyoto. His interpretation of the death of the historical Buddha, a 10-by-6-meter scroll, is displayed in the original annually from mid-March to mid-April, with a reproduction on view year-round. The temple is also connected to artist Hon'ami Koetsu, who designed the inner Tomoe garden centered on a lotus pond.