Byodo-in Temple
Byodoin Temple is a historic temple located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, renowned for its Hall of Phoenix. Established in 1052 by the regent Fujiwara no Yorimichi, it is considered a recreation of the Pure Land Paradise. The Hall of Phoenix is so famous that it is even featured on the 10-yen coin and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most striking feature of Byodoin is the Hall of Phoenix, which appears to float on the central Aji Pond. A golden statue of a phoenix adorns the roof of the hall, and its beauty has not diminished over the passage of a thousand years. Following restoration in 2014, its luster has only increased. Inside the hall, there is a statue of Amida Nyorai, crafted by the renowned Buddhist sculptor Jocho during the Heian period.
Visitors can also enjoy leisurely time at the nearby souvenir shops and cafes, with convenient access by train or car. Within the temple grounds, there is the Byodoin Garden, considered the oldest Pure Land garden in Japan, where guests can admire the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and autumn leaves.
Thus, Byodoin is more than just a temple; its beauty, history, and cultural significance attract many people. The Byodoin Museum, Hoshokan, features related national treasures and CG recreations, making it not only a site for tourism but also a place for learning.
The most striking feature of Byodoin is the Hall of Phoenix, which appears to float on the central Aji Pond. A golden statue of a phoenix adorns the roof of the hall, and its beauty has not diminished over the passage of a thousand years. Following restoration in 2014, its luster has only increased. Inside the hall, there is a statue of Amida Nyorai, crafted by the renowned Buddhist sculptor Jocho during the Heian period.
Visitors can also enjoy leisurely time at the nearby souvenir shops and cafes, with convenient access by train or car. Within the temple grounds, there is the Byodoin Garden, considered the oldest Pure Land garden in Japan, where guests can admire the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and autumn leaves.
Thus, Byodoin is more than just a temple; its beauty, history, and cultural significance attract many people. The Byodoin Museum, Hoshokan, features related national treasures and CG recreations, making it not only a site for tourism but also a place for learning.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Byodo-in Temple
- Location
- 〒611-0021 116 Uji Hange, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access
- Get off at JR Nara Line "Uji" Station and walk for 10 minutes.
Get off at Keihan Uji Line "Uji" Station and walk for 10 minutes. - Parking
- Parking available nearby.
- Business Hours
- Garden: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Last admission at 5:15 PM)
Museum Hoshokan: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:45 PM)
Phoenix Hall Interior Viewing: Admission from 9:00 AM - 4:10 PM (Viewing starts at 9:30 AM, with a capacity of 50 people every 20 minutes)
The estimated time for the visit is about 50 minutes for both the garden and the Hoshokan. - Regular Holiday
- none
- Fees
- Garden (including Museum Hoshokan) admission: Adults 600 yen, Junior high and high school students 400 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen.
Hoo-do interior viewing: Additional 300 yen. - Contact Information
- Phone Number：0774-21-2861
- Official Website
