Otani Mausoleum, Kyoto

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The Otani Honbyo is the mausoleum dedicated to Shinran Shonin (1173-1263), the founder of Shin Buddhist tradition and one of the most important figures in Japanese religion.

The Otani Mausoleum now occupies an area of nearly 20 acres incl the cemetery behind. The main hall is dedicated to Amida Buddha. The area above the nothern gate is famous since ancient times as a cremetion site and burial ground. It's covered with over 15 000 tombs.

The Otani Mausoleum was erected by the daughter of Shinran Shonin after his death. It soon became the centre of the Hongwanji. The temple buildings were destroyed by monk warriors from Mt Hiei in the 15th century. Toyotomi Hideyoshi provided for the preservation of the mausoleum on the original sites and gave a piece of land were the new Hongwanji temple was build. (See previous tips)
The Otani Mausoleum is not only the mausoleum for Shinran Shonin, founder of the Shin Buddhism, but also to thousands others. On the grounds are two modern buildings that houses more than 20,000 small altars and the ashes of as many Shin Buddhists.

The area above the northern gate is called Toribeyama, famous since ancient times as a cremation and burial ground. It is covered with over 15000 tombs. The path through the cemetery leads to the Kiyomizu temple.