Less than an hour outside of Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous temples. So famous, in fact, that it appears on the 10-yen coin. Byodoin was originally built in the Heian period as a villa for a powerful noble named Fujiwara no Michinaga. It was later converted into a temple by his son. Today, it attracts up to thousands of visitors a day who come to marvel at its beauty.
Byodoin is one of the few surviving wooden structures of the Heian period. Its design is an example of Pure Land Buddhism architecture, which aims to visually represent the paradise of the Pure Land, or Gokuraku Jodo. This is done through serene landscapes, grand halls, and symbolic elements, like lotus ponds.
The Phoenix Hall is the temple’s most iconic structure, named for the two phoenix statues on its roof. Resembling the mythical birds in flight, they symbolize peace and rebirth. The hall sits on the central island of a large pond inside a traditional garden, which also includes wave sand patterns and an arched bridge.
In the center of the Phoenix Hall is a seated statue of Amida Buddha, which was created by the master sculptor, Jōchō Busshi. The 2.8-m (9.2-ft) figure is made of Japanese Cypress, lacquer, and gold leaf and features Jōchō’s famous yosegi-zukuri, or joined-wood, technique.
Following the loop around Aijike pond, you eventually get to the Hoshokan Museum. Here, you get to see several national treasures up close, including 26 of the original Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu. These wooden statues depict Bodhisattvas playing instruments or posed in prayer while floating on clouds.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple is one of the most popular attractions outside of Kyoto city. If you can stand the crowds, it’s worth the visit just to see the Phoenix Hall alone. Not only do you get to experience 1,000 years of history, you get to say you’ve been to the temple on the ten-yen coin.
Visit Byodoin Temple
Byodoin is a 17-min train ride from Kyoto and a 31-min train ride from Nara. Take the JR Nara Line (Miyakoji Rapid) from Kyoto Station to Uji Station, or the JR Nara Line (Miyakoji Rapid) from Nara Station to Uji Station. The temple is a 10-minute walk from there. You can also visit by car, but there is no parking at the temple itself. Instead, use one of the several paid parking lots nearby.
Hours: Check the website for different parts of the temple complex
Admission: 700円 for the Garden and Museum; an additional 300円 for Phoenix Hall
