Hongwanji Trip - Nishiyama Betsuin

Nishiyama Betsuin is the training facility for priests of Nishi Hongwanji, located to the west of the Hongwanji.

The Hondo is a National Treasure - it preceded the current structures at Nishi Hongwanji, so this temple is much older. In fact, parts of the temple even precedes the structure, as it was customary to reuse parts of the previous structure in the new building. The Hongwanji, during the civil wars in Japan, had to move from different sites in the Kansai area until Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave part of his land to create what is now Nishi Hongwanji.

As a training facility, the hondo was considered too precious for use, so the Hongwanji built a modern facility next door to the hondo.

Today it is used year-round as a training facility. American ministers also obtain their certification by attending sessions here.

Rennyo Shonin is also buried in a mound behind the Betsuin.