Discover Byodoin Temple, Featured on Japan’s 10-Yen Coin!

Byodoin Temple, located in Uji, Kyoto, is a historic temple with ties to the influential Fujiwara family. It’s well-known in Japan for being featured on the 10-yen coin, making it a familiar sight to many Japanese people.

When people think of Byodoin, the Phoenix Hall often comes to mind. This striking red building, beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond, creates a serene and dignified atmosphere.

Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Byodoin has become an internationally recognized destination. Here, I’ll introduce the highlights of Byodoin along with some recommended nearby spots from the perspective of a Kyoto native.

What is Byodoin Temple?

Byodoin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Uji, Kyoto, with strong ties to the influential Fujiwara family.

Originally affiliated with both the Tendai and Pure Land sects since the 17th century, Byodoin now operates as an independent temple without specific sect affiliation.

Famous for its Phoenix Hall, depicted on Japan’s 10-yen coin, and its Amida Buddha statue, both of which are National Treasures, Byodoin was also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

The History of Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple was founded in 1052, during a time when the Mappo belief was widespread in Japan. Mappo, a concept from China, held that true Buddhism would decline 2,000 years after the Buddha’s passing, leading to societal disorder.

In 1052, considered the first year of Mappo, the Fujiwara family was at its peak, yet natural disasters, famine, and disease plagued the country, deepening people’s fears and anxieties.

As a result, many nobles dedicated themselves to building temples, hoping for rebirth in the Pure Land, an ideal world in the afterlife. Byodoin was established when Fujiwara no Yorimichi, one of the most powerful nobles of the time, converted his father’s villa into this magnificent temple.

How to Get to Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple is located in Uji, Kyoto, which is a bit outside the main city of Kyoto. You can easily reach it by train or car.

By Train

• From JR Nara Line “Uji Station”: 10-minute walk
• From Keihan Uji Line “Uji Station”: 10-minute walk

Getting to Kyoto from Major Areas

• From Kansai Airport: 75 minutes by JR Haruka Limited Express
• From JR Tokyo Station: 2 hours 30 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen
• From JR Osaka Station: 30 minutes by JR Kyoto Line
• From Itami Airport: 55 minutes by limousine bus

Must-See Highlights of Byodoin – From the Famous Phoenix Hall to Hidden Gems

Byodoin Temple is home to many cultural treasures, including the Phoenix Hall and the seated Amida Buddha statue, both designated as National Treasures. Each piece tells a story of Japan’s rich history.

Surrounded by nature, the temple grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and the sounds of birds, making it a relaxing spot to explore.

Since admission is required, you’ll want to make the most of your visit. Here, we’ll guide you through the must-see paid areas and some lesser-known gems you won’t want to miss!

1. Byodoin’s Main Attraction: The Phoenix Hall

The Phoenix Hall is the iconic symbol of Byodoin Temple and might be familiar to you from TV or magazines.

Modeled after the Pure Land paradise described in Buddhist scriptures, the Phoenix Hall is the only remaining building from the mid-Heian period, showcasing a dazzling style that continues to captivate visitors.

One of its most striking features is its position on a small island in the Aji Pond, with its reflection in the water giving the impression of a temple floating in paradise.

Originally called the “Amida Hall,” it became known as the Phoenix Hall in the early Edo period, as the view from the front resembles a bird with outstretched wings, with two bronze phoenix statues adorning the roof.

Inside, you’ll find a golden statue of the seated Amida Buddha, a National Treasure. Created by the master sculptor Jocho, this 2.7-meter-tall statue is his only confirmed work, and its brilliance is mesmerizing. The Phoenix Hall was completed in 1053.

The walls are adorned with the “Nine Levels of Amida’s Welcoming Descent” and the “Pure Land Paradise,” immersing you in a graceful and tranquil vision.

To enter the Phoenix Hall, you’ll need an additional ticket, which you can buy at the main entrance. The hall limits entry to 50 people at a time, so be sure to ask about availability when you arrive.

2. The Byodoin Museum Hoshokan: A Must-Visit for Byodoin Insights

After enjoying the Phoenix Hall and gardens, head to the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan to deepen your experience. The museum is home to numerous National Treasures and cultural assets, including the famous Bonsho (temple bell), allowing you to learn about the history of Byodoin from its origins to today. Note that photography is not allowed inside.

Opened in 2001, Hoshokan was Japan’s first comprehensive museum owned by a religious institution, designed to preserve and display precious artifacts. The renowned architect Akira Kuryu designed the museum with respect to the garden’s landscape, making much of the building underground to blend harmoniously with nature and to create a calm atmosphere through carefully curated natural lighting.

In a cool, dim hallway, you’ll come across the National Treasure Bonsho. Once hung in a belfry by the southern pond near the Phoenix Hall, it is now kept here for preservation. Known as one of the “Three Famous Bells of Japan,” it features delicate carvings of celestial beings, phoenixes, and lions, symbolizing the Pure Land paradise envisioned by Fujiwara no Yorimichi.

Further inside, you’ll see the National Treasure phoenix statues, originally placed on both ends of the Phoenix Hall roof. These impressive statues are now on display for preservation and even appear on the 10,000-yen note since 2004.

The museum also houses 26 unique “Bodhisattvas on Clouds,” half of which come from inside the Phoenix Hall. These bodhisattvas are shown playing instruments, dancing, and praying atop clouds—capturing the serenity of paradise. Visitors who don’t enter the Phoenix Hall can still enjoy these stunning works up close.

Other exhibits include the important cultural asset “Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon” statue and Uji City-designated cultural properties like the “Statue of Taishakuten” and “Jizo Bosatsu.”

3. The Quiet Jodoin Temple Behind the Phoenix Hall

Jodoin Temple sits quietly to the south behind the Phoenix Hall. It was founded by the Pure Land Buddhist priest Eiku Shonin during the Meiō era (1492–1501) to help restore Byodoin.

Jodoin is home to several Uji City-designated cultural assets, including the “Standing Amida Nyorai” statue, the “Standing Taishakuten” statue, and the “Yorin-an Shoin” fusuma-e (sliding door paintings).

Located along the path behind the Phoenix Hall, Jodoin is a great spot to visit after viewing the exhibits in the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan.

Best Seasons to Visit Byodoin: Spring and Autumn

At Byodoin, you can enjoy seasonal flowers, especially the famous wisteria, along with various other plants throughout the year. Here’s a look at the unique beauty each season brings, with spring and autumn being the top recommendations.

Late March to Early April

Around Phoenix Hall, cherry blossoms—Shidare-zakura and Somei Yoshino—bloom beautifully along the edge of Aji Pond. The reflection of the hall and soft pink blossoms on the water is breathtaking.

Late April to Early May

As cherry blossom season ends, over 10,000 wisteria flowers take center stage across Byodoin’s three wisteria trellises. The wisteria by Aji Pond is especially notable, with a history of around 280 years. These elegant clusters of flowers can grow longer than 1 meter, filling the grounds with their fragrant scent, symbolizing the Fujiwara family crest.

Mid-November to Early December

About 200 maple and ginkgo trees on the grounds turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, creating a stunning scene around Phoenix Hall. Enjoy views of the hall through the autumn leaves, or watch fallen leaves reflected in the pond for a glimpse of Heian-era elegance.

Since 2017, Byodoin has offered a night illumination event in autumn, which was extended to spring for cherry blossom season due to its popularity. The illuminated Phoenix Hall, combined with the delicate cherry blossoms at night, is a truly magical sight.

To avoid the busiest times, try visiting a bit later after opening. The Byodoin Museum Hoshokan is also open during illumination, offering a different experience from daytime. Note that the interior of Phoenix Hall is not open at night, so it’s best to view it during the day.

Get a Special Souvenir: Byodoin’s Goshuin Stamps

Collecting goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) has become increasingly popular for visitors exploring temples in Japan, and Byodoin’s goshuin is highly sought after.

Byodoin offers two types of goshuin: one featuring the “Phoenix” and another with “Amida Nyorai” (the Buddha of Infinite Light). You can choose your favorite—or collect both as a memorable keepsake.

• Location: Goshuin Station
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Cost: 300 yen per stamp

The Goshuin Station is located past Phoenix Hall, so be sure to stop by. (Note: Goshuin stations for Jodoin and Saishoin are open irregularly.)

Must-See Spots Near Byodoin: Top Nearby Attractions

Uji City in Kyoto has a rich history, with many charming and scenic spots to explore around Byodoin Temple. Here are some must-visit attractions nearby to enhance your trip to this historic area.

A Must-Visit for Genji Fans: The Uji Genji Monogatari Museum

Uji City in Kyoto is famously known as the setting for the final ten chapters of The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu. Byodoin Temple now stands on the site where Minamoto no Toru—said to be the model for the novel’s protagonist, Hikaru Genji—once had his villa.

The Uji Genji Monogatari Museum, opened in 1998, brings The Tale of Genji and Heian-period culture to life through reconstructed models and multimedia exhibits. Visitors can explore over 3,000 books related to the tale, making this museum a dream spot for any Genji enthusiast.

Adorable Rabbit Omikuji at Ujigami Shrine

Ujigami Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Asahi on the east bank of the Uji River, is one of Uji City’s most treasured sites and home to the oldest shrine buildings in Japan.

The area surrounding the shrine was once called “Usagi-no-michi” or “Rabbit Path,” so the shrine features charming rabbit-themed omikuji (fortune slips) and amulets that make for unique souvenirs.

To the southeast of the shrine hall, you’ll find “Kirihara Water,” one of the original seven famous waters of Uji. While the others have disappeared, Kirihara Water remains, adding a touch of history to this beautiful site.

Uji Bridge – One of Japan’s Three Famous Ancient Bridges

Located just steps from Keihan Uji Station, Uji Bridge dates back to Japan’s Asuka Period when it was first built by a monk from Nara’s Gangoji Temple. Alongside Seta no Karahashi and Yamazaki Bridge, it’s counted as one of Japan’s three oldest bridges.

A small space extending upstream, known as the San-no-ma, has spiritual significance, believed to honor Hashihime, the protective goddess of the bridge.

Uji Bridge is also rich in history; it’s said that the legendary warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi drew water here for his tea ceremonies. Offering stunning views of Uji’s scenic mountains, this bridge is a top photo spot.

Here, we’ve introduced must-visit spots to check out during your trip to Byodoin Temple. With its rich history and natural beauty, Byodoin offers a peaceful space to explore and relax. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your Kyoto visit or travel plans!

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