Database: Hongan-ji

Hongan-ji is the main temple of the True Pure Land school of Buddhism, often referred to as the Ikkô sect. Established in Yamashina near Kyoto in the late 15th century, the Hongan-ji was relocated in 1533 to Ishiyama on the Yodo River less than 9 miles away, near the town of Sakai in what would later become the region of Osaka.

In the 16th century, the Ikkô gained power and resources by imposing a tax on its followers who formed an ikki to abolish taxes formerly paid to manor owners (shōen). This hastened the dissolution of the old landholding system dating back to the Heian period, in the regions of Kinai, Tokai, and Hokuriku. Peasants from central Japan joined the sect which built a fortress temple in Ishiyama surrounded by ditches, moats, and embankments. A small settlement grew up inside the fortress.

During the 16th century, the high priests of the Ikkô sect began to act like the great daimyō as their military strength grew. The temple prospered thanks to the taxes collected from its followers and profits made from extensive trade with China. In 1570, the temple clashed with Oda Nobunaga, who subdued the sect after a decade-long conflict and imposed peace in 1580. Under the protection of Hideyoshi, the high priests of the sect agreed to leave the Ishiyama land and settle back in Kyoto.