What to know
Byodoin Temple (平等院, Byōdōin) is a stunning example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. Together with its garden, the temple represents the Pure Land Paradise and influenced later temple design. Originally built in 998 as a countryside retreat for the powerful politician Fujiwara no Michinaga, it was not initially a temple.
Michinaga's son converted Byodoin into a temple and commissioned its most famous structure, the Phoenix Hall. Although given another official name, it was soon nicknamed Hoodo ("Phoenix Hall") for its shape and the two phoenix statues on its roof. The hall now appears on the reverse of the Japanese ten yen coin.
Over the centuries, Byodoin's buildings were repeatedly lost to fires and other disasters, but the Phoenix Hall survived intact, making it one of the few original wooden structures from the Heian Period. Visitors can enter the Phoenix Hall on short guided tours (in Japanese) departing every 20 minutes for an additional 300 yen. Inside, it houses a statue of the Amida Buddha.
Byodoin's unique treasure house is mostly underground to avoid distracting from the Phoenix Hall. It displays an array of the temple's most valuable artifacts, including dozens of designated important cultural properties and national treasures. The treasure house also features informative, multilingual exhibits on Byodoin's construction and history.
Byodoin is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:45 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:15)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 700 yen (~$4.48) (additional 300 yen (~$1.92) for Phoenix Hall tour)
- English name
- Byodoin
- Original name
- Byodoin Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.