Chion-in

Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism, located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. Its founder Honen spent his final years here teaching the practice of chanting the nenbutsu and passed away here; his disciples built the temple out of gratitude, giving it the name 'Chion-in' from the 'Chion-ko' memorial services for their teacher. Both its Mieido hall and Sanmon gate are National Treasures, and the temple is regarded as the birthplace of nenbutsu practice.