About
A historic symbol as featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin, Byodo-in is one of Japan's most famous and treasured temples. With over 1,000 years of history, it stands as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Key Info
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Cost
700 yen for adults, and 400 yen if you are a student. Not the cheapest, but it’s evident that the money goes to maintaining and conserving the historical temple.
Accessibility
Byodo-in is very accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka by train. If departing from Kyoto, take the JR Nara line to Uji Station, and walk a short 10 minutes to Byodo-in. If departing from Osaka, it’ll be a bit farther. Take a train that can take you to the Uji Line, and alight at Uji Station.
Uniqueness
Unlike many other temples in Japan, Byodo-in is one of the oldest, boasting a distinctive architectural style that reflects its historical significance. If you're interested in history, this temple is definitely worth a visit.
My Experience
As part of my itinerary on my trip to Uji, Kyoto, I can confidently say that Byodo-in was one of my favorite destinations; I spent nearly half the day there! There’s so much to discover and learn, and for the price I paid, it was definitely worth it.
There are three main attractions at Byodo-in that I highly recommend:
Outside Phoenix Hall: Upon entering the entrance gate, you'll be able to see the famous Byodo-in. It's an iconic temple featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin. Walking along the path surrounding the hall offers stunning views, as the beautiful foliage, water, and temple in the middle create a picturesque scene. Make sure to snap a picture!
Inside Phoenix Hall: I opted for the guided tour, which costs an additional 300 yen. Access to the hall is only available through the guided tour, which is conducted in Japanese. If you can only understand a bit of Japanese, brochures in other languages are provided. Do please note that you can't take pictures inside the hall.
If you're interested in history, I highly recommend paying for the guided tour so that you can experience the interior, where you'll find engravings that date back thousands of years, each telling a fascinating story.
The Museum: The museum houses various relics and artifacts related to the temple's rich history, offering deeper insight into its cultural significance. Unlike the guided tour, it's free.
Apart from just the three attractions, what impressed me most about Byodo-in was the extensive conservation efforts dedicated to preserving the temple. The Phoenix hall had be burned down and yet they were able to restore most of the structural elements, and preserve the intricate artworks and engravings. It’s truly amazing in person, and i'd recommend to visit if you have time in Kyoto and plan to visit Uji.
