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Byodoin

Amazing perfect symmetry! Heavenly architecture is truly enchanting.

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An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building. At the time of construction, the idea of being saved into heaven was popular and the building reflects the image of a heavenly palace. The front looks like a bird stretching wings and a pair of phoenixes is on the roof, thus, called Phoenix Hall since the early Edo Period. This is a national treasure.

Hoshokan Museum displays the temple bell, phoenix, Praying Bodhisattva (Buddhist saints) on Clouds, and numerous other treasures. The latest digital technology lets you see the recreation of the colorful Phoenix Hall interior. 

On the temple grounds, a Japanese tea shop, Tea Room Toka, offers green tea and sweets. Byodoin is located in Uji City, famous for its tea, and the shop uses local tea leaves for Byodoin’s limited original blend. Have a sip of one-of-a-kind tea in this memorable place.

On the premises, cherry blossoms, fall foliage, and other natural beauty surround you. From late April to early May, almost 10,000 wisteria will bloom in purple, attracting many visitors every year.

Highlights

  • Phoenix Hall’s symmetrical beauty is worth a look along with the Amida Buddha statue inside.
  • Byodoin Hoshokan Museum displays many national treasures.
  • Enjoy the original blend tea at Tea Room Toka on the temple grounds.
  • Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall, and wisteria from late April to early May are stunning.

Photos

  • Phoenix Hall on an island in the pond appears to be floating on water
©Byodoin

    Phoenix Hall on an island in the pond appears to be floating on water ©Byodoin

  • Phoenix Hall houses Amida Buddha statue
©Byodoin

    Phoenix Hall houses Amida Buddha statue ©Byodoin

  • In the museum, a national treasure temple bell and other valuables are displayed
©Byodoin

    In the museum, a national treasure temple bell and other valuables are displayed ©Byodoin

  • In Phoenix Hall, you can see the recreation of the original interior colors
©Byodoin

    In Phoenix Hall, you can see the recreation of the original interior colors ©Byodoin

  • Tea Room Toka serves the limited-edition original blend of powdered green tea.
©Byodoin

    Tea Room Toka serves the limited-edition original blend of powdered green tea. ©Byodoin

  • When almost 10,000 wisteria bloom, view Phoenix Hall through the purple curtain
©Byodoin

    When almost 10,000 wisteria bloom, view Phoenix Hall through the purple curtain ©Byodoin

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are there brochures and signage in foreign languages available? If so, please specify the languages.

A

English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean are available.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available within the area?

A

The area is covered by "Kyoto Wi-Fi" and "Japan Free Wi-Fi KYOTO."

Q

Are there coin lockers available?

A

Coin lockers are available at the main gate reception. If the lockers are full or if you have large luggage, we can hold it at the reception for you.

Q

Are there restrooms available?

A

There are two restrooms within the premises, both are wheelchair accessible.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Re-entry is not allowed.

Q

Are there smoking areas?

A

No.

Q

Is there a parking lot available?

A

We do not have a dedicated parking lot for the temple. Please use nearby private parking lots.

Q

How long does it typically take to tour the facility?

A

A visit to the garden and the Hoshokan Museum typically takes about 40 to 60 minutes, excluding the interior viewing of the Phoenix Hall.

Reviews

6
  • Jessie Cheng

    平等院建築物與湖面倒影合為一體超美的。

  • 魏珍珍

    很巧碰上紫藤花開的時期很美,彷彿來到人間淨土世界。

  • 李麟

    以鳳凰堂和阿字池為中心,左右對稱就像是展翅的鳳凰,10硬幣上就有這個圖案。

  • 張志祥

    不同的寺廟建築物散布在各個區域,最具知名度的是鳳凰堂,屋頂上面放了一對金銅鳳凰雕像,可以拿出日幣1萬元和10元硬幣來做個比對,圖案就是從這裡而來。

  • Chris Cheng

    鳳凰堂集日本建築工藝國寶,也是世界文化遺產。

Details

Name in Japanese
平等院
Postal Code
611-0021
Address
116 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto
Telephone
0774-21-2861
Holiday
Open every day *Tea Room Toka is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (If falls on a holiday, it is open)
Hours
8:30am - 5:30pm (Entry allowed until 5:15pm)
*Phoenix Hall 9:30am - 4:10pm (A group of up to 50 rotates every 20 min. Starts admission at 9:00am, first come first serve)
*Byodoin Hoshokan Museum 9am - 5pm (Entry allowed until 4:45pm)
*Museum shop 9am - 5pm
*Tea Room Toka 10:00am-4:30pm (Last order 4pm)
*Goshuin Reception 9am-5pm
Admission
Adults 600 yen, HIgh and middle schoolers 400 yen, Elementary children 300 yen (A set fee for Hoshokan Museum)
*Starting April 1, 2024, the price for adults is scheduled to be revised to 700 yen.
*Viewing inside of Phoenix Hall, additional 300 yen
Directions
From JR Nara Line / Keihan Uji Line, Uji Station, walk 10 min.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)