It is often referred to a 'Nishi Hongan-ji Temple' or 'Onishi-san' in order to differentiate it from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (officially named Shinshu Honbyo) which is also situated in Kyoto's Shimogyo-ku Ward.
同じ下京区内にある東本願寺（正式名称は真宗本廟）と区別するために「西本願寺」「お西さん」などと呼ばれることが多い。