Hyakumanben Chionji Temple

Hyakumanben Chion-ji is a Jōdo-sect Buddhist temple located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. It was founded by Hōnen, the monk who spread Pure Land Buddhism, and named by his disciple Genchi, who believed that one must “”know”” gratitude in order to repay it. In 1331, following a major earthquake and outbreak of disease, the eighth head priest Zen’a chanted the nembutsu one million times over seven days and nights at the Imperial Court, after which the epidemic subsided. Emperor Go-Daigo then bestowed the name “”Hyakumanben.”” This powerful chanting can still be witnessed annually from April 23 to 25 during Hōnen’s memorial service, when monks chant while rotating an enormous prayer bead circle inside the main hall. In recent years, the temple grounds host the popular “”Hyakumanben Handmade Market”” on the 15th of every month, open from 8:00 to 16:00, rain or shine. The surrounding area is a student district with many secondhand bookstores, and a used book festival is also held here each November.