Byodoin Temple, located on the west bank of the Uji River, shows the historical glory of the Fujiwara clan's prosperity. Originally Minamoto no Toru’s villa, it was later acquired by Fujiwara no Michinaga, and his son Yorimichi converted it into the temple in 1052. The Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do), which is a National Treasure, appears to float on the Aji-ike Pond. The pond extending in front of the building is a characteristic example of Heian Period (794-1185) gardens. However, the Phoenix Hall and its surrounding garden together represent something far more profound. It is the Heian aristocrats' aspiration to be reborn in Gokuraku Jodo (the Pure Land in Buddhism). The belief that such a beautiful world awaited them held great significance for them. The Phoenix Hall enshrines Amida Buddha (Amida Nyorai). The hall is a familiar sight in Japan, being depicted on the 10 yen coin.
At the Byodoin Temple Museum “Hoshokan,” a collection of precious artifacts owned by the temple is on display. It includes valuable National Treasures: a pair of Phoenix, 26 Statues of the Praying Bodhisattva (Buddhist Saint) on Clouds, and 1 Temple Bell. Also, the museum offers restored footage generated through computer graphics utilizing state-of-the-art digital technology.
- Tel
- 0774-21-2861
- Address
- 116 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto
- Access
- About 10 min. on foot from Uji Station (JR Nara Line)
About 10 min. on foot from Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line) - Business Hours
- -Garden
Open year-round
8:45am - 5:30pm (last admission: 5:15pm)
-Visiting interior of Hou-ou-do (Phoenix Hall)
Open year-round
9:30am - 4:10pm (every 20 minutes)
Limited to a maximum of 50 people at a time
Reception hours are from 9:10am on a first-come, first-served basis
The reception might be closed earlier due to the limited capacity of the hall
-Byodoin Temple Museum “Hoshokan”
Open year-round
9:00am - 5:00pm (last admission: 4:45pm) - Parking
- Not available
