Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan | Review by BobbyJenny

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Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan

Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan

Discover another side of Byodoin through modern science.

20 Sep 2026 See More

At Byodoin Temple in Uji, besides the famous Phoenix Hall, I also recommend stopping by the Hoshokan Museum. The museum building itself is very distinctive, making use of underground space. Once inside, the atmosphere is quiet and solemn, creating a very different feeling from the gardens outside.

The museum displays Buddhist art and cultural properties from Byodoin’s collection. What fascinated me most were the phoenix statues from the roof and the Cloud-Borne Bodhisattvas, each in a different pose. Seeing them up close, I realized how intricate the carvings are, with each figure having its own unique features.

Visiting the Hoshokan Museum also gave me a deeper understanding of Byodoin. It’s not just about taking photos of Phoenix Hall and looking around the gardens. Through the museum’s collection, you can experience the history and artistic beauty of the Heian period.

Other Reviews by BobbyJenny

Michi-no-Eki "Kyoda"

Yanbaru Products Center is located at Michi no Eki, Kyoda. It is the first " Michi-no-Eki " in Okinawa Prefecture and is located in the northern part of the main island. In addition to purchasing fresh vegetables and specialty products from Yanbaru, visitors can also have meals and refreshments. Some visitors come to the center to buy unique products that can only be found here.
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While driving around Okinawa, we stopped at Michi-no-Eki Kyoda. Besides taking a break, getting something to eat, and browsing for souvenirs, you can also buy discounted tickets to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium here, so we specifically planned a stop to purchase them. Buying tickets on-site was very convenient. Once we had them, we could head straight to the aquarium without having to wait in line there to buy tickets.

Michi-no-Eki Kyoda itself is also fun to browse, with plenty of local Okinawan products and snacks. You can also pick up drinks and treats to recharge. For a road trip, it’s a very practical rest stop along the way.

If the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is on your itinerary and you’re driving, I think it’s worth stopping by Kyoda to take a break and buy your tickets before continuing to the next attraction. It makes the trip flow very smoothly!
"Hakone Rusk" at Grand Riviere Hakone

Grand Riviere Hakone has its main store in Sengokuhara, famous for its silvergrass meadow. The signature product, Hakone Rusk, is a rusk bread made from a unique blend of flour, sliced and baked to a perfect crisp. It has a rich buttery aroma, a crispiness, and a light texture that melts easily in the mouth.
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20 Sep 2026 See More

GRANDE RIVIERE Hakone rusks are a souvenir that easily catches your eye when visiting Hakone! The bread is sliced and baked until thin and crispy, with a light buttery aroma and a satisfying crunch. They’re not overly sweet and go well with coffee or black tea.

I really like how light and easy they are to carry, and the packaging also feels like a classic Hakone souvenir. They’re great for afternoon tea or as a snack when you’re craving something. Before you know it, you’ve eaten one after another and finished them all. If you’re visiting Hakone and like crispy cookies, give them a try!
Chion-ji Temple

Known as one of Japan’s Three Great Monju Temples, alongside Abe Monju-in in Nara and Kameoka Monju in Yamagata (or Kinkaku Komyo-ji in Kyoto), Chion-ji enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The temple’s origins are said to trace back to ancient times, and it is renowned for its long history, including being featured in Sesshu’s National Treasure, Amanohashidate-zu.
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20 Sep 2026 See More

At Chion-ji Temple in Kyoto, what caught my eye most was the Sanmon Gate, known as the “Golden Pavilion.” The gate has a historic appearance, and its wooden architecture exudes a strong sense of history. Standing in front of it, you can feel the solemn atmosphere unique to Kyoto temples.

The Sanmon Gate, also called the “Golden Pavilion,” is one of Chion-ji Temple’s most iconic structures. Looking closely at the roof, wooden pillars, and overall structure, you can really see the character of traditional Japanese architecture. Although I didn’t stay long, just taking photos in front of the gate and admiring the architecture made the visit feel worthwhile.

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