What other travelers are saying about Byodo-in Temple
Yes, yes, and yes. You will get there anyway, as it is a well-known landmark. If, by any chance, you want to go to the place and truly enjoy it, go either at the opening or closing time. The rest is just mass/hordes tourism. That is precisely what I wish I would do and definitely will as I will be back sometime soon.
Byodoin is a stunning place to visit, even on a cloudy day. In fact, the overcast weather made the small pond look especially calm and reflective, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The main temple building is beautifully preserved and looks majestic from across the water—definitely a great spot for photos. The Phoenix Hall is iconic, but honestly, entering it might not be necessary unless you're very interested in the interior or historical details. The exterior view is more than enough to appreciate its beauty.
Highly recommended for a quiet, scenic stop with lots of photo opportunities.
Beautiful temple and lovely grounds to walk around. I came on a Sunday so it was understandably more crowded (a queue to get in too). I didn’t pay for the special entrance to view the special hall but admiring it from afar was enough for me.
There’s also an indoor museum showing the history of the temple and some other artefacts but no photos allowed. Worth a visit for first visit to Uji or if you would like to appreciate its Heian era significance. Choosing a non weekend/public holiday day is ideal for a better experience.
Such well-maintained temple with a picturesque architecture. The reflections on the water adds dramatic effect.
There are beautiful patches of wisteria flowers in the temple complex, drawing in quite the crowd.
Walking around the temple complex is serene. There are traditional old houses with well-kept gardens you can enjoy.
Walking towards and from this temple is also an experience in itself because you get to enjoy so many matcha shops on the road.
Visiting Byodoin Temple in Uji was one of the most memorable highlights of my trip to Japan. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a breathtaking blend of architectural elegance, natural beauty, and deep historical significance.
The iconic Phoenix Hall, with its brilliant vermilion color and graceful symmetry, appears to float above a serene pond. Its reflection in the still water creates a postcard-perfect view that is both photogenic and calming. Walking through the temple grounds under pine trees with the scent of fresh earth and soft rustling leaves was a truly meditative experience.
Inside the museum, I was fascinated by the well-preserved artifacts and the golden phoenix statues that crown the temple roof—symbols of rebirth and peace. Knowing that this temple is featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin made the experience even more special.
After the visit, I enjoyed a warm cup of matcha from a local tea shop nearby—Uji is famous for its high-quality green tea, and it was the perfect way to end the visit. Byodoin Temple is not just a historical site; it’s a peaceful retreat that offers a glimpse into the elegance of Japan’s past. Highly recommended for any traveler to Kyoto.
