Byōdo-in Temple
Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.
A temple founded in 1052 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Valuable buildings, sculptures, and paintings from the Heian period about 1,000 years ago have been passed down to the present day and are registered as a World Heritage Site. The Phoenix Hall, built on an island in the pond, is modeled after the palace of the Pure Land and evokes a gorgeous and opulent world. In the adjoining museum, you can view the phoenix and Buddha statues up close, at the shop you can get original goods, and at the tea room you can enjoy authentic Uji tea.
- Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Today · 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Monday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- Sunday: 8:45 am–5:30 pm
- +81 774-21-2861
- byodoin.or.jp
Google reviews
Visitor reviews on Google Maps
If you’re into temples and history, this one you will like because of the architecture. This is also the temple featured in Japanese 10-yen coin. There is an entrance fee to visit this temple. If you love the green drink, the Matcha street is just on the other side of the fence. Just follow the sign for exit!
View on GoogleA Peaceful Escape from the Crowds If you’re looking for a spot that favors a quiet, meditative stroll over the usual hustle of tourist-heavy sites, this is it. While the architecture is stunning, the true magic lies in the walking paths around the pond. Atmosphere: Much more "walkable" and serene than other major temples. Scenery: The reflection of the Phoenix Hall on the water is breathtaking from almost every angle of the path. Vibe: Perfect for those who want to soak in the history at their own pace rather than following a rigid tour flow. Tip: Go early in the morning or an hour before closing to truly enjoy the stillness. It’s less about "seeing a monument" and more about feeling the peace.
View on GoogleOne of the World Heritage Site in Uji. The Temple was really beautiful. I especially loved seeing its reflection from the water. It's iconic Phoenix Hall is featured at the back of the Japanese ¥10 coin. You can also enter the Phoenix Hall with a different ticket where you can purchase inside. The guide is done in Japanese Language only but you can ask for a leaflet in your desired language. Make sure to check the time of the tour as well since it is done every 20 minutes. You can also get a Goshuin in this temple. Enjoyed the Byodoin Museum as well. The Ajisai blooming inside was really beautiful as well.
View on GoogleEasily accessible by train; just be careful to do some research before arriving to figure out which teas you will want to buy, as there are many different shops around with all different kinds of themed products all along the way up to the temple. The temple itself is beautiful. The grounds are small enough to be covered in a couple of hours, including the museum. You can purchase a separate ticket inside to be admitted inside of the Phoenix Hall for a few minutes in small groups with a tour guide every 15 minutes or so. The tour will be almost exclusively in Japanese but you will be able to get a brochure on the language of your choice to read along. Also note that photography is prohibited inside the Phoenix hall and you will need to remove your shoes.
View on GoogleBeautiful temple! Stunning, spacious and relatively quieter than other tourist areas. There is a museum inside and a garden. There is also the main hall but it isnt always opened. You have to buy tickets before entering but very affordable and worth it.
View on Google
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