Last updated：
Nestled along the banks of the Uji River, Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its most iconic structure, the Phoenix Hall, radiates a celestial beauty that seems to bring the Pure Land to life on Earth.
With its striking vermillion architecture, the serene Amida Nyorai statue, and a historic garden woven through centuries of time—
We embarked on a journey through this magnificent temple.
For more details on Byodoin Temple’s highlights and access information, please refer to the following:
Read more about Byodoin Temple’s highlights and access information
The rain comes and goes. Under the overcast sky, I find myself standing at the entrance of Byodoin Temple. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the temple greets visitors with a quiet, timeless presence.
First, let’s head to the reception area. This is where our time-traveling journey back to the Heian period begins.
I receive an admission ticket and a brochure—an invitation to step into a world that transcends a millennium. The anticipation builds.
The brochure is also available online:
Beyond the reception, a striking vermillion gate appears before me—like a passageway connecting the Heian period to the present day.
Shrouded in the morning mist, the red hue of the gate shines even more vividly.
As I pass through the gate, a garden carpeted with dewy moss unfolds before me. For centuries, countless visitors have walked this very path, captivated by the same timeless scenery.
And finally, it appears—the symbol of Byodoin Temple, the Phoenix Hall.
I purchase a special ticket for entry into the Phoenix Hall.
At the entrance on the right side of the Phoenix Hall, I wait for the staff’s guidance. Visitors are not allowed to enter on their own, so I patiently wait my turn.
Nearby stands a wisteria trellis. The best time to see Byodoin Temple’s wisteria in full bloom is from late April to early May. When the entire trellis is covered in cascading purple flowers, the sight is truly breathtaking.
Visitors ahead of me return, their expressions filled with a profound sense of awe.
Now, it’s our turn to step into a realm that has transcended a thousand years.
Photography is not permitted inside. But perhaps that is a blessing in disguise. Without the barrier of a camera lens, I take in the breathtaking sight before me with my own eyes, imprinting it deeply in my memory. The grand Amida Nyorai statue, the ancient murals—an overwhelming sense of reverence fills the air.
The 20-minute viewing session feels like a brief glimpse into another era, a moment suspended in the past.
Byodoin Temple is synonymous with the Phoenix Hall. Even after a thousand years, its presence continues to captivate hearts.
Despite the rainy weather, the moisture enhances the vividness of the vermillion hues, making them even more striking.
Atop the roof, the twin phoenix statues symbolize the temple’s connection to the Pure Land. Beneath them, the majestic Amida Nyorai statue has watched over this sacred place for a millennium with its gentle gaze.
History is something to be cherished and passed on to future generations. Through careful restoration efforts, the brilliant vermillion of the Phoenix Hall has been revived with modern techniques, allowing us to witness its former splendor.
The Amida Nyorai statue, with its calm and compassionate expression, serves as a reminder that peace endures through time. This eternal promise seems to be reflected in every corner of the temple’s gardens.
Byodoin Temple is truly an enchanting place. Every visit reinforces this sentiment. The Phoenix Hall stands gracefully against the serene garden, the revered Buddha statue seated within, and the museum offering insights into the temple’s treasures with the aid of cutting-edge technology.
The seamless harmony between the old and the new—it feels like a gentle message to us all. By honoring the past while embracing the future, we find guidance in this timeless sanctuary.
