During the Edo period, honkyoku was played across Japan by the komuso monks of the Fuke Zen sect of Buddhism. Different temples had their own repertoires, and their own characteristic playing styles. During the Buddhist persecution of the Meiji period, all of the Fuke temples were closed and many honkyoku were lost, and regional distinctiveness was put in danger. Among those pieces which have survived, some have been maintained within regional shakuhachi schools, and some have been spread across Japan, transforming to varying degrees along the way. New shakuhachi schools and styles have also arisen which incorporate pieces from various regions, as well as music from other genres.

For information on each of the six surviving Edo period honkyoku styles, click on the following links:

Kinko Ryu
Seien Ryu
Myoan Shimpo Ryu
Kimpu Ryu (aka. Nezasa-ha)
Oshu Kei and Echigo Myoan-ji Den
Kyushu Kei