Chion-in [知恩院] in Kyoto, Japan, is the headquarters of the
Jodo-Buddhism founded by Honen (1133~1212).
The vast compounds of Chion-in include the site where Honen settled to disseminate his teachings and the site where he died.
The original temple was built in 1234 by Honen's disciple, Genchi (1183~1238) in memory of his master and was named Chion-in.
The colossal main gate, the Sanmon, is part of the "Natinal Treasures of Japan". It was built in 1619 and is the largest surviving structure of its kind in Japan.
Chion-in has large and small guest houses in the irimoya roof style called
Ohojo and Kohojo that are designated Important Cultural Heritages. Both guest houses
were built in 1641.
Chion-in is home to Japan's largest temple bell, which was commissioned in 1633 and weighs 74 tons. It requires a 25-man team to sound it.
A postcard (left) and a Zogan vesta case (right), depicting the Sanmon main gate.
