Nishi Honganji Square

Nishi Honganji Square is a quiet heritage site in Taipei’s Ximending area, on the grounds of a Buddhist temple built during Japanese rule. The temple burned down in 1975, but the site still has a restored bell tower and other historic buildings. Walk among the signs, pause in the garden or visit the Japanese-style house that now serves as a tea shop. It is a calm stop between Ximending and other sights in Wanhua, with room to rest and watch local life.

A temple site in Ximending

Nishi Honganji was built during the Japanese era as a branch of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji school. It was the largest Japanese Buddhist temple in Taiwan at the time. The complex burned down in 1975, and the temple itself no longer stands.

The site is now a small public square. Its bell tower and other surviving or restored buildings offer a glimpse of the former complex. The bell was recast, and the tower was rebuilt as part of restoration work. Informative signs around the grounds explain the history.

The bell tower, garden and tea shop

The bell tower sits on a small rise in the square, and visitors can walk up to it. The garden has places to sit, with a view of the historic buildings. Local residents use the grounds to relax, gather and spend time with children; Tai-Chi and yoga sessions also take place here at times.

A Japanese-style house near the tower is now a tea shop. It was formerly the temple abbot’s residence. An old drawing of the original temple complex appears on the packaging of one of the teas, giving context for the buildings that remain. The shop is open until 6 pm.