Byodoin, Uji-shi

An image of Byodoin is featured on the ¥10 coin.

Built in 998 in the Heian period, Byōdōin is a Pure Land Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto prefecture in Japan. Originally a private residence (like most Japanese temples), Byodoin was established as a temple by a member of the Fujiwara clan in 1052.

Guide to Byodoin

The most famous building in the temple is the Phoenix Hall (Ho-oh-Do) or Amida Hall, which is intended to reproduce Amida's Pure Land paradise. It consists of a central hall, flanked by twin wing corridors on both sides of the central hall, and a tail corridor. The central hall houses an image of Amida Buddha, with 52 wooden statues of bodhisattvas placing musical instruments and dancing on clouds. The roof of the hall displays phoenixes.

Byodoin also features the most beautiful of Japan's few remaining Pure Land Gardens, a garden type which was popular during the Heian Period. It was unearthed in 1997 as part of an archeological dig.

Japan has commemorated the longevity and cultural significance of Byodoin by displaying its image on the 10 yen coin. In December 1994, UNESCO listed the building as a World Heritage site. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are national treasures.

A full-size replica of the temple was built in 1968 at the Valley of the Temples on O'ahu.

Getting There

Byodoin is south of Kyoto in Uji-shi. It is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Uji Station on the JR Nara Line. There are frequent local and rapid trains between Kyoto and Uji, taking between 15 and 25 minutes and costing 230 Yen for the one-way trip.

Alternatively you can take the Keihan Uji Line from central Kyoto (Shijo Station) to Uji. The one way trip takes 30 minutes and costs 300 Yen. Byodoin is a 5 minute walk from Keihan Uji Station.

More Information on Byodoin

Byodo-in - Fodor's Online Travel Guide