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Golden phoenixes gleaming in the morning sun, with an elegant vermilion structure reflected upon the water—this is a space where the Pure Land of Buddhist paradise seems to have materialized on earth.
Byodoin Temple has maintained its breathtaking beauty for over 1,000 years since the Heian period and is now recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The graceful structure depicted on Japan’s 10-yen coin is truly one of Japan’s greatest treasures.
However, knowing a few tips will help you experience its beauty and significance more deeply. For instance, interior tours of Phoenix Hall are available only at limited times, and missing your slot means you won’t be able to see inside. The grounds also feature a tearoom serving authentic Uji tea and a museum that reveals the temple’s rich history.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the best timing for interior tours to recommended sightseeing routes and exceptional Uji tea experiences. Get ready to fully experience the world of beauty woven through a millennium of history at UNESCO World Heritage Byodoin Temple!
Byodoin is a UNESCO World Heritage temple located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Founded in 1053 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, it features elegant architecture designed to represent the Pure Land of Buddhist paradise. Phoenix Hall is particularly famous, and its graceful form is depicted on Japan’s 10-yen coin.
While this historic temple is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” the grounds also feature refined facilities with a Japanese modern atmosphere, including a museum shop and café. This harmonious blend of history and contemporary beauty makes it one of Japan’s premier tourist destinations.
| Facility | Hours | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Garden | 8:45 am - 5:30 pm | Open year - round |
| Phoenix Hall Interior Tour | 9:30 am - 4:10 pm | Open year - round |
| Goshuin (Temple Seal) | 9:10 am - 4:45 pm | Open year - round |
| Byodoin Museum Hoshokan | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Open year - round |
| Tearoom Toka | 10:00 am - 4:30 pm | Mon, Tue, Wed (Open on holidays) |
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥700 |
| Junior/Senior High School | ¥400 |
| Elementary School | ¥300 |
Phoenix Hall is an Amida hall built in 1053 during the Heian period by Regent Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Constructed on an island in the pond, it is designed to represent the palace of the Pure Land of Buddhist paradise. The expansive water surface reflects the vermilion and gold of the hall like a mirror, creating a mesmerizing sight.
When viewed from the front, the structure resembles a bird with wings spread wide, which is how it came to be called “Phoenix Hall.” The roof is adorned with phoenix statues soaring toward the heavens, giving the entire hall a light and elegant appearance.
This precious architecture preserves the splendor of the Fujiwara regency era and maintains its timeless beauty across the centuries.
A pair of phoenix statues adorns the roof of Phoenix Hall. Since ancient times, the phoenix has symbolized “peace and prosperity” and is the origin of the hall’s name. While these phoenix statues were originally placed during the Heian period, the ones currently on the roof are replicas—the originals are displayed in the Hoshokan Museum on the temple grounds.
The golden phoenixes gleaming against the blue sky enhance the beauty of the hall even more. When you visit, be sure to look up at the roof.
The interior tour of Phoenix Hall allows you to view the nationally designated treasure “Seated Amida Nyorai” up close. Created by the Heian-period Buddhist sculptor Jocho, this statue is characterized by its serene and gentle expression and has been revered as a guide to the Pure Land of Buddhist paradise.
Interior tours accept same-day registration, but wait times may occur during busy periods. Photography is prohibited inside the hall, so take your time to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery before you.
Upon entering Phoenix Hall, rows of small bodhisattva statues lined up near the ceiling walls catch your eye. Known as “Unchu Kuyo Bodhisattva Statues” (Bodhisattvas on Clouds), they were created to represent the world of the Pure Land of Buddhist paradise. There are 52 statues in total, each depicted riding on clouds, dancing or playing musical instruments.
These bodhisattva statues were crafted by Heian-period Buddhist sculptors, and each one features unique expressions and movements. From bodhisattvas playing instruments like the biwa lute and sho mouth organ, to those with hands pressed together in prayer, to those with gentle smiles—all are elegant and create an ethereal atmosphere throughout the hall.
Photography is prohibited inside Phoenix Hall, so when you visit, be sure to observe these bodhisattvas’ delicate expressions and graceful poses as if dancing among the clouds.
Interior tours of Phoenix Hall accept same-day registration only. Register at the interior tour reception area within the garden. (¥300 per person)
Tours are conducted 3 times per hour (at :10, :30, and :50) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but due to popularity, you may not be able to join the nearest available tour (capacity: 50 people per session).
| Hour | 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 pm | 12:10 pm | 12:30 pm | 12:50 pm |
| 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, you might go to register before leaving only to find it’s crowded and there are no openings for the next hour.
To avoid unexpected delays, we recommend registering for the Phoenix Hall interior tour as soon as you arrive at Byodoin.
The interior tour registration is located on the north side of Phoenix Hall. After walking from the main gate to the pond, you’ll find the registration counter immediately to your right facing the pond.
Hoshokan is a museum adjoining Byodoin Temple where you can view the temple’s history and precious cultural treasures from Phoenix Hall up close.
The museum displays the original phoenix statues from the roof and some of the “Unchu Kuyo Bodhisattva Statues” from inside Phoenix Hall, allowing visitors to experience Byodoin’s beauty more deeply. Another highlight is the nationally designated treasure “Bonsho” (temple bell). Cast during the Heian period, this bell is counted among Japan’s Three Famous Bells and is a precious cultural artifact adorned with elegant decorations. The museum also features exhibits tracing Byodoin’s history from the Heian period to the present day, including scale models of Phoenix Hall with colors restored to their original brilliance.
The Hoshokan building itself is worth seeing. Designed around the theme of “wood and light,” it offers a simple yet warm space. Natural light gently streams into the museum, highlighting the exhibits beautifully. In this quiet and serene atmosphere, you can take your time exploring the history of Byodoin.
The museum also features a shop selling exclusive Byodoin original goods not available anywhere else. From sundries and accessories to stationery, the shop offers many stylish Japanese modern items that you’ll find hard to resist.
My personal recommendation is the “bookmark.”
The design is lovely, with a premium feel and quality craftsmanship. It’s a pleasure to own and practical to use. Every time I visit Byodoin, I buy a bookmark, and I’ve been using them for over 10 years now. They’re truly wonderful, and I highly recommend them.
Tearoom Toka is a Japanese tea specialty shop located on the grounds of Byodoin Temple, offering authentic Uji matcha and fine Japanese sweets in a Japanese modern café setting. After visiting the temple, you can relax and savor traditional yet contemporary beauty and flavors.
The interior exudes a calm Japanese atmosphere, and large windows offer views of Byodoin’s garden and beautiful seasonal scenery. Savoring a cup of matcha while enjoying cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage is truly a moment of bliss.
The matcha at Tearoom Toka uses carefully selected tea leaves from long-established Uji tea gardens, featuring rich aroma and smooth bitterness. The appeal lies in being able to casually enjoy authentic Uji matcha beloved in the world of tea ceremony.
Each cup of matcha is carefully whisked to order, creating an impressive vivid green foam. The perfect balance of gentle bitterness and sweetness pairs excellently with Japanese sweets. You can enjoy it hot or as iced matcha.
The visually beautiful Japanese sweets are perfect companions to matcha. Tearoom Toka offers seasonal namagashi (fresh confections) and elegantly sweet wagashi designed to complement matcha.
Particularly noteworthy is the “nerikiri,” which enhances the flavor of matcha. It features a moist texture and subtle sweetness with gorgeous presentation. The menu also includes matcha jelly and matcha ice cream—a lineup irresistible to matcha lovers.
Every item on the menu showcases delicate artisanal craftsmanship. Try enjoying these soothing sweets while gazing at the scenery of Byodoin. You’ll experience a healing time that satisfies both mind and body.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Uji Matcha | ¥1,000 |
| Uji Matcha (Iced) | ¥1,100 |
| Uji Gyokuro | ¥1,000 |
| Uji Gyokuro (Iced) | ¥1,200 |
| Uji Sencha | ¥800 |
| Uji Sencha (Iced) | ¥900 |
| [Summer Limited] Ice - Brewed Gyokuro | ¥1,200 |
| Signature Sweet "Shiun" | ¥550 |
To get to Byodoin from Kyoto Station, head to JR Uji Station. Here’s how to get there from Kyoto Station.
The most convenient route is the JR Nara Line.
If you take the Rapid “Nara Line Miyakoji Rapid (bound for Nara),” you can arrive in just 16 minutes, making this the recommended route for sightseeing from Kyoto Station.
The nearest stations to Byodoin are JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station. Both stations are within walking distance, and the path from the station to Byodoin is filled with unique Uji experiences.
From JR Uji Station to Byodoin is about 10 minutes on foot. Walking from the station along the main street, you’ll enter an area lined with Uji tea specialty shops and Japanese sweet shops. Many stores offer Uji’s signature matcha sweets and fragrant hojicha aromas, perfect for eating while walking.
From Keihan Uji Station, you can reach Byodoin in about 8 minutes on foot.
The appeal of this route is the beautiful scenery of the Uji River visible when crossing Uji Bridge. Tearooms and sweet shops line the riverside, where you can enjoy Uji tea and sweets in a relaxed atmosphere. The tea house district beyond the bridge is particularly notable for experiencing Uji’s traditional ambiance.
Uji Bridge is counted among Japan’s Three Ancient Bridges with a distinguished history. It is said to have been built in 646 (Taika 2nd year), boasting approximately 1,400 years of history. The current bridge preserves the style of that era and blends beautifully into the scenery of the Uji River.
Read more about Uji Bridge
Even if you stop by Uji Bridge after getting off at JR Uji Station before heading to Byodoin, it won’t be a detour, so be sure to visit Uji Bridge.
On the way to Byodoin, you’ll find many shops offering matcha sweets and Uji tea. Particularly popular are rich matcha soft serve ice cream and elegantly sweet matcha dorayaki. With plenty of takeout options available, you can enjoy eating while walking, surrounded by the aroma of matcha.
There are also shops where you can experience tea-making unique to Uji, including whisking your own matcha or tasting fresh Uji tea from the production area. If any shop catches your eye along the way, be sure to stop by.
Take your time heading to Byodoin while enjoying the atmosphere of Uji.
Read more about Uji Gourmet
Byodoin is one of Japan’s most distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Sites, passed down through a millennium of history. Phoenix Hall, adorned in vermilion, possesses an elegance as if projecting the Pure Land of Buddhist paradise into this world, and its graceful reflection in the pond quietly captivates visitors.
Phoenix Hall reveals various expressions depending on the season and time of day—the phoenix statues gleaming in the morning sun, the vermilion form dyeing the water surface at dusk, and scenery colored by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
Among all the attractions at Byodoin, the interior tour of Phoenix Hall is particularly unmissable. You can experience the finest Buddhist art of the Heian period, including the magnificent Seated Amida Nyorai and 52 Unchu Kuyo Bodhisattva Statues. As introduced in this article, registering for the interior tour immediately upon arrival ensures a smooth visit.
Furthermore, authentic Uji tea at the tearoom on the grounds, precious cultural treasures at Hoshokan Museum, and stylish souvenirs at the museum shop—all these elements color the special space that is Byodoin.
Byodoin doesn’t simply preserve history; it continues to update its value while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. From the refined Japanese modern design of Hoshokan Museum to the on-site facilities opened as cultural venues adapted to the times, its evolution over 1,000 years transcends the typical ancient temple framework. I believe it’s this forward-thinking approach that makes Byodoin such a special place.
Byodoin is about a 10-minute walk from JR or Keihan Uji Station. Along the way, long-established Uji tea and Japanese sweet shops line the streets, and the aroma of tea wafts through the approach. The small journey to Byodoin begins with your very first step off the train.
Byodoin—a Japanese treasure admired worldwide. Use this article as a guide and embark on a journey to experience timeless beauty.
