Uji, Japan｜Byodoin Temple, a World Cultural Heritage Site

Byodo-in Temple was built in 1053 during the Heian period. At that time, Byodo-in Temple was used as a separate courtyard and its size was equivalent to half of the current area of ​​Uji. It was later converted into a temple and the Uji River was introduced to it in accordance with the Buddhist concept of the Pure Land. The pond is like a mirror that reflects the symmetrical Phoenix Hall on the water surface. Its architectural aesthetics later served as an important indicator for Japanese gardens. As one of the national treasures, Byodo-in Temple was also listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1995.

Even if you have never been to Byodo-in Temple, you must have seen and touched it without realizing it. The pattern on the back of the 10-yen coin in circulation today is the Phoenix Hall. Some Japanese friends also joked with me that Byodo-in Temple is the "10-yen temple". The pair of phoenixes on the back of the 10,000-yen banknote are exactly the two gold-bronze phoenix statues on the ridge of the Phoenix Hall. It can be seen that Byodo-in Temple has an important status and symbolism to the Yamato people.

It takes about 90 minutes to take photos and walk around Byodo-in Temple. Byodo-in Temple is located at JR Uji Station. You can consider arranging your trip with Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine or Nara City, which are also located on the Nara Line. Both are about 30 minutes away by car. Or you can go to Uji to drink matcha and feel the rich cultural atmosphere.

💸Entrance fee 600 yen

📍Byodoin Temple 👉🏻About 10 minutes walk from JR Uji Station
〒611-0021 116 Uji Renka, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture

⛩️Opening hours 8:30-17:30

#JapanMust-visitCheck-inPoints#JapanTravel#JapanAttractions#Japan#Kyoto

Post by Simon’s Trip | Oct 18, 2023