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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Kyoto - Southern Kyoto
Byodoin Temple	# 18   of 56 most visited sights in Kyoto
access  -  admission  -  hotels  -  reports  -  ratings  -  tours  -  links

Phoenix Hall Byodoin Temple (平等院, Byōdōin) is a striking example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. Together with its garden, the temple represents the Pure Land Paradise and was influential on later temple construction. Byodoin was initially built in 998 as a countryside retreat villa for the powerful politician Fujiwara no Michinaga, not as a temple. Michinaga's son turned Byodoin into a temple and ordered the construction of its most spectacular feature, the Phoenix Hall. Although the building was given another official name, almost immediately after its construction in 1053, it was nicknamed Hodo ("Phoenix Hall") because of its shape and the two phoenix statues on its roof. The hall is now featured on the back of the Japanese ten yen coin. Phoenix Hall Byodoin's buildings were repeatedly lost to fires and other calamities over the centuries, however, the Phoenix Hall was never destroyed, making it one of the few original wooden structures to survive from the Heian Period. Visitors to Byodoin can enter the Phoenix Hall on short guided tours (in Japanese) that start every 20 minutes and cost an additional 300 yen. It houses a statue of the Amida Buddha. Byodoin's unique treasure house is constructed mostly underground to not distract from the Phoenix Hall. It exhibits an assortment of the temple's most valuable artifacts, including dozens of designated important cultural properties and national treasures. The treasure house also contains informative, multilingual displays on Byodoin's construction and history. Treasure House Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there

Byodoin is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Uji Station on the JR Nara Line between Kyoto and Nara. The one way ride from Kyoto Station takes 15-25 minutes by local or rapid train and costs 230 yen. Alternatively you can take Keihan trains from central Kyoto (e.g. Gion-Shijo Station) to Uji. The one way trip takes about half an hour, costs around 300 yen and requires a transfer of trains at Chushojima Station. Byodoin is a five minute walk from Keihan Uji Station. How to get to and around Kyoto

Hours and Fees

Hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (entry until 17:15) Closed: No closing days Admission: 600 yen (additional 300 yen for a tour of the Phoenix Hall)

Hotels and Ryokan

Sponsor Hotels Satomo Ryokan A ryokan renewed in autumn 2010. 3min walk from JR Kyoto Station. Offering Japanese-style comforts and convenience. Hotel Sanoya 3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy, clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby. Ryokan Wakamiya Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel chain worldwide for 2010 by Hostelworld.com customers. 9 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station. Bed from 2,300 yen.

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News and Reports

December 2, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 30, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 29, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by scott November 28, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by scott November 27, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 24, 2011 Yoshiminedera and Southwest Kyoto by Rabbityama November 22, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 20, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker More reports...

Travel Community

Ratings for Byodoin Temple: japan-guide.com Rating:   outstanding   User Rating (by 320 users): 86/100   recommended Popularity of Byodoin Temple: Users who have been to Kyoto: 4515 Users who have been to Byodoin Temple: 689 18th of 56 most visited sights in Kyoto. 71st of 726 most visited sights nationwide. Have you been to Byodoin Temple? No - I have not been there yetYes - no ratingYes - highly recommendedYes - recommendedYes - mildly interestingYes - nothing specialYes - not recommended User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

Tours and Packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

English Links

Byodoin Official English website.

Japanese Links

Byodoin Official website.