Nishi Hongan-ji

The head temple of Jodo Shinshu Buddhists is the closest World Heritage landmark to Kyoto Station. The original temple was built in the Higashiyama district during the 13th century, but wars and politics forced it to relocate several times before Hideyoshi Toyotomi granted the sect the land for its current site in 1591. There are now more than 10,000 sub-temples of Nishi Hongan-ji scattered throughout Japan. The precinct has impressive examples of decorative architecture from the Momoyama period (1573-1615) and a beautiful garden, although only part of the complex is open to the public.