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A golden phoenix gleams in the morning sun, its majestic vermillion form reflected in the water below—creating a scene that seems to manifest the Pure Land paradise on Earth.
For a millennium since the Heian period, Byodoin Temple has maintained its timeless beauty. Recognized as a World Heritage site, its value is acknowledged globally. Its elegant form, even featured on the 10-yen coin, stands as one of Japan’s proudest treasures to showcase to the world.
However, to truly appreciate its value and experience its beauty to the fullest, there are some key tips to know. For instance, the Phoenix Hall’s interior viewing times are limited, and missing the timing means missing the opportunity to enter. Additionally, the surrounding area offers numerous attractions, including tea houses serving authentic Uji tea and museums exploring the site’s history.
This article will guide you through maximizing your Byodoin Temple experience, covering everything from the best timing for interior visits to recommended sightseeing routes and premium Uji tea experiences. Let’s prepare to enjoy this World Heritage site, woven with a thousand years of history, to its fullest 120%!
Byodoin Temple is a World Heritage site located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Founded in 1053 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, it’s characterized by its beautiful architecture representing the Pure Land paradise. The Phoenix Hall is particularly famous, with its elegant form depicted on Japan’s 10-yen coin.
As part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” World Heritage site, this historic temple combines tradition with modernity, featuring facilities like a museum shop and café with refined Japanese modern aesthetics. This fusion of historical and contemporary beauty makes it one of Japan’s most representative tourist destinations.
| Facility | Hours | Closed Days |
|---|---|---|
| Gardens | 8:45 am - 5:30 pm | Open daily |
| Phoenix Hall Interior | 9:30 am - 4:10 pm | Open daily |
| Temple Stamp Counter | 9:10 am - 4:45 pm | Open daily |
| Byodoin Museum Hoshokan | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Open daily |
| Toka Tea House | 10:00 am - 4:30 pm | Mon/Tue/Wed (Open on holidays) |
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥700 |
| Junior/Senior High School Students | ¥400 |
| Elementary School Students | ¥300 |
The Phoenix Hall was built in 1053 as an Amida Hall by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, who served as regent. Built on an island in the pond, it’s designed to represent the palace of the Pure Land paradise. The broad water surface mirrors the vermillion and gold of the Phoenix Hall, creating a sight so beautiful it stops visitors in their tracks.
Viewed from the front, its shape resembles a bird with spread wings, hence the name “Phoenix Hall.” The roof is adorned with phoenix statues poised for flight, giving the entire building a sense of lightness and elegance.
It’s a precious architectural remnant that conveys the splendor of the Fujiwara regency period, maintaining its beauty unchanged across time.
A pair of phoenix statues adorns the Phoenix Hall’s roof. Traditionally symbols of “peace and prosperity,” these phoenixes gave the hall its name. While the original statues were placed during the Heian period, those currently on the roof are replicas, with the originals preserved in the temple’s “Hoshokan” museum.
The golden phoenixes shine against the blue sky, enhancing the building’s beauty. Don’t forget to look up at the roof during your visit.
During the interior viewing, visitors can see up close the National Treasure “Seated Amida Buddha” statue. Created by the Heian period Buddhist sculptor Jocho, this Buddha statue is characterized by its serene, gentle expression and has been venerated as a guide to the Pure Land paradise.
Interior viewing can be arranged on the day at the reception desk, though wait times may occur during peak periods. Photography is prohibited inside, so please take time to appreciate the beautiful sight before you.
Upon entering the Phoenix Hall, your attention will be drawn to small bodhisattva statues arranged neatly near the ceiling. These “Cloud-Borne Bodhisattva” statues were created to represent the Pure Land paradise. All 52 figures are depicted riding clouds, either dancing or playing musical instruments.
These bodhisattva statues, crafted by Heian period Buddhist sculptors, each have unique expressions and poses. Some play instruments like the biwa and sho, others join their hands in prayer, and some display gentle smiles. Each figure is graceful, creating a dreamlike atmosphere within the hall.
Since photography is prohibited inside the Phoenix Hall, please take time during your visit to observe the detailed craftsmanship of these bodhisattvas and their elegant poses as they seem to dance among the clouds.
Interior viewing of the Phoenix Hall is available only through same-day registration at the reception desk within the garden. (300 yen per person)
Between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, there are three viewing sessions per hour (at 10 minutes, 30 minutes, and 50 minutes past the hour). Due to high demand, you may not be able to join the next available session (maximum 50 people per session).
| Time | 1st Session | 2nd Session | 3rd Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | ― | 9:30 am | 9:50 am |
| 10:00 am | 10:10 am | 10:30 am | 10:50 am |
| 11:00 am | 11:10 am | 11:30 am | 11:50 am |
| 12:00 am | 12:10 am | 12:30 am | 12:50 am |
| 1:00 pm | 1:10 pm | 1:30 pm | 1:50 pm |
| 2:00 pm | 2:10 pm | 2:30 pm | 2:50 pm |
| 3:00 pm | 3:10 pm | 3:30 pm | 3:50 pm |
| 4:00 pm | 4:10 pm | ― | ― |
For example, if you wait until just before leaving to register for interior viewing, you might find yourself needing to wait an hour due to high visitor numbers.
To avoid such unexpected delays, we recommend securing your interior viewing time immediately upon arrival at Byodoin.
The interior viewing reception desk is located on the north side of the Phoenix Hall. After entering through the main gate and reaching the pond, you’ll find the reception desk immediately to your right when facing the pond.
The Hoshokan is Byodoin’s museum where visitors can closely examine the temple’s history and precious cultural artifacts from the Phoenix Hall.
It displays the original phoenix statues from the roof and some of the “Cloud-Borne Bodhisattva” statues from inside the Phoenix Hall, allowing visitors to appreciate Byodoin’s beauty in detail. Another highlight is the National Treasure temple bell. Cast during the Heian period, this bell is counted among Japan’s three most famous bells and is an exquisitely decorated cultural treasure. The museum also features exhibits on Byodoin’s history from the Heian period to the present, including a model of the Phoenix Hall that recreates its original colors.
The Hoshokan building itself is noteworthy. Designed around the theme of “wood and light,” it creates a space that is both minimalist and warm. Natural light gently filters into the building, beautifully illuminating the exhibits. In this quiet, composed atmosphere, visitors can peacefully explore Byodoin’s history.
The museum includes a shop featuring Byodoin original items available only here. Various accessories, stationery, and other items combine Japanese traditional and modern aesthetics, making them irresistible to visitors.
Among these, I especially recommend the “bookmarks.”
They feature beautiful designs, premium quality, and excellent craftsmanship. They’re both collectible and practical. I’ve purchased bookmarks on every visit to Byodoin and have been using them for over 10 years now. They’re truly excellent products that I can confidently recommend.
Toka Tea House is a Japanese tea specialist within Byodoin’s grounds, offering authentic Uji matcha and premium Japanese sweets in a modern Japanese café setting. It’s the perfect place to rest after temple viewing while experiencing the harmony of traditional and contemporary beauty.
The interior exudes a serene Japanese atmosphere, with large windows offering views of Byodoin’s gardens and seasonal changes. Whether viewing cherry blossoms in spring or autumn leaves in fall, enjoying matcha while admiring these views is truly a moment of supreme happiness.
Toka Tea House uses tea leaves carefully selected from established Uji tea gardens, characterized by rich aroma and smooth bitterness. Here you can casually enjoy the authentic Uji matcha revered in the tea ceremony world—this is its unique charm.
Each cup of matcha is carefully prepared individually, with its vibrant green foam making a striking impression. The perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness pairs wonderfully with Japanese sweets. You can enjoy it either hot or cold.
Accompanying the matcha are visually stunning Japanese sweets. Toka Tea House offers seasonal fresh sweets and elegant confections specially chosen to complement the matcha.
Particularly notable is the “nerikiri,” which enhances the matcha’s flavor with its smooth texture and moderate sweetness, while also being visually stunning. Additionally, treats like matcha jelly and matcha ice cream make this menu a must-try for matcha enthusiasts.
Every item showcases exquisite craftsmanship. Take time to enjoy these soul-soothing sweets while gazing at Byodoin’s scenery. You’ll experience a truly fulfilling moment that nourishes both body and spirit.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Uji Matcha | ¥600 |
| Uji Matcha (Cold) | ¥650 |
| Uji Gyokuro | ¥750 |
| Uji Gyokuro (Cold) | ¥900 |
| Uji Sencha | ¥600 |
| Uji Sencha (Cold) | ¥750 |
| [Summer Special] Ice - Brewed Gyokuro | ¥900 |
| Special Sweet "Shiun" | ¥550 |
To reach Byodoin Temple from Kyoto Station, you’ll first need to get to JR Uji Station. Here’s how to get there from Kyoto Station:
The most convenient route is using the JR Nara Line.
Moreover, if you take the “Miyakoji Rapid Service (bound for Nara)” express train, you can reach Uji in just 16 minutes, making this the recommended route for tourists from Kyoto Station.
The closest stations to Byodoin Temple are JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station. Both are within walking distance, and the path from either station to the temple offers many unique Uji experiences.
It’s about a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station to Byodoin Temple. After leaving the station and following the main street, you’ll enter an area lined with Uji tea specialty shops and Japanese confectionery stores. There are many shops offering Uji matcha desserts and others filled with the aromatic scent of roasted tea, perfect for sampling as you walk.
It’s about an 8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station to Byodoin Temple.
The charm of this route lies in the beautiful view of the Uji River as you cross Uji Bridge. Tea houses and sweet shops line the riverbank, where you can enjoy Uji tea and sweets in a tranquil atmosphere. The tea house district that unfolds after crossing the bridge is especially memorable for experiencing Uji’s traditional atmosphere.
Uji Bridge itself is particularly notable as one of Japan’s three ancient bridges. According to tradition, it was established in 646 (Taika 2), boasting a history of about 1,400 years. The current bridge maintains the historical ambiance and blends beautifully with the Uji River landscape.
Read more about Uji Bridge
Getting off at JR Uji Station and visiting Uji Bridge on your way to Byodoin isn’t a detour, so we definitely recommend stopping by the bridge.
Along the way to Byodoin, you’ll find many shops selling matcha desserts and Uji tea. Particularly popular are the rich matcha soft-serve ice cream and elegantly sweet matcha dorayaki. There are plenty of takeout options, perfect for enjoying while walking.
Additionally, there are shops offering unique Uji tea experiences where you can try whisking matcha yourself and taste fresh Uji tea straight from the source. If you spot an interesting shop along the way, don’t hesitate to step inside.
Take your time experiencing Uji’s atmosphere as you make your way to Byodoin.
Byodoin Temple stands as one of Japan’s premier World Heritage sites, preserved across a millennium. The vermillion Phoenix Hall seems to reflect the Pure Land paradise on Earth, its elegant form mirrored in the pond’s surface quietly captivating visitors.
The Phoenix Hall displays different faces throughout the day and seasons: the phoenix statues gleaming in the morning sun, the building’s reflection reddening the water’s surface at dusk, and seasonal decorations of cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
Among Byodoin’s attractions, the interior viewing of the Phoenix Hall is absolutely unmissable. The massive Seated Amida Buddha and 52 Cloud-Borne Bodhisattva statues showcase the pinnacle of Heian period Buddhist art. As recommended in this article, securing your interior viewing time immediately upon arrival ensures a smooth visit.
Furthermore, the authentic Uji tea experience at the temple’s tea house, the precious cultural artifacts in the Hoshokan museum, and the refined souvenirs at the museum shop all contribute to making Byodoin a truly special place.
Byodoin does more than preserve history; it continuously renews its value while embracing modern aesthetics. The refined modern Japanese design of the Hoshokan museum and other contemporary cultural facilities demonstrate how the temple continues to evolve even after 1,000 years, transcending the traditional framework of ancient temples. I believe it’s this progressive spirit that makes Byodoin such a special place.
Byodoin is just a 10-minute walk from either JR or Keihan Uji Station. The path is lined with long-established Uji tea and Japanese confectionery shops, with the scent of tea wafting along the approach to the temple. Your journey to Byodoin begins with your very first step from the station.
Byodoin Temple: Japan’s treasure that the world takes pride in. Use this guide to embark on your own journey to encounter this timeless beauty.
