This Soto Zen temple was a training monastery opened in Fukakusa (Fushimi) by the Buddhist monk Dogen Zenji in 1233. It was rebuilt in Uji in 1645 by Nagai Naomasa, the lord of Yodo Castle at that time. Interestingly, the temple was built using the remains of Fushimi Castle.
In addition to the seven-hall complex, the Kotosaka slope is wonderful as well. It’s the quaint approach from the stone gate to the Sanmon gate, where many visitors enjoy the tunnel of fall foliage or summer greenery. Other highlights include the Sanmon gate built in Ryugu-zukuri (architectural style reminiscent of Dragon Palace Castle that appears in Japanese folklore); the corridor of Uguisu-bari (squeaking hallway floor making a sound like the chirp of a nightingale, which is said to have been made to alert those within earshot to the danger of an intruder) and the Chitenjo (bloody ceiling); the Tenarai Kannon bodhisattva that is believed to have been enshrined at a historical site of the classic literature, The Tale of Genji.
- Tel
- 0774-21-2040
- Address
- 27-1 Uji Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto
- Access
- Train:
-About 12 min. on foot from Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line)
-About 20 min. on foot from Uji Station (JR Nara Line)
Car:
- Coming from Osaka/Kobe:
From Tennozan Tunnel (Oyamazaki Junction) on the Meishin Expressway, proceed to Keiji By-pass. From the Uji-nishi exit, drive for about 10 minutes.
- Coming from Tokyo/Nagoya:
From Seta-higashi Junction on the Meishin Expressway, proceed to Keiji By-pass. From the Uji-higashi exit, drive for about 5 minutes.
- Business Hours
- 10:00am - 4:00pm
Entry may be restricted during events
Closed
January 1 to 3 may be closed for rites
- Price
- Admission to the garden is free
Admission to the temple buildings is 500 yen per person
- Parking
- Available (30 regular-sized cars)
500 yen
Large buses cannot enter from the Ujibashihigashizume intersection. Please park in a parking lot around Byodoin Temple or “The Tale Of Genji Museum, UJI.”
