Byōdō-in temple is great way to round out a visit to Uji. It’s best visited in spring to see the cherry blossoms or late spring for the wisteria flowers. Originally built 998 and converted into a temple in 1052 with the iconic Phoenix hall completed in 1053.
The unique design of a bird with outstretched wings is also in the 10 yen coin as pointed out to me by a local, so after you visit be sure to check that out!
The museum was a surprise and better than expected, no photos allowed but it has some unique items I haven’t seen anywhere else there and was efficient and not too crowded when I was there.
Our ticket was 700 yen and there is a separate entrance ticket to go into the Phoenix hall.
Please be respectful of the local etiquette: particularly the areas that request for no photography, stepping out of foot traffic areas for photos or just enjoying the scenery, and not being loud as this is not only the etiquette in Japan as a whole but this is a sacred site.
Highly recommend, will likely return when around the area re-upping my Uji tea supply!
A small temple, but beautiful even when there were no flowers (because winter), with incredibly moving statues of the Buddhas. Once you get in, get in line to get the ticket for the Phoenix Hall before exploring the museum and the temple grounds. A must-visit if you are a Buddhist.
Boyodin Temple in Kyoto is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and enriching experience. Nestled away from the city's more crowded attractions, the temple provides a serene atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection and appreciation of its beauty.
The temple itself is stunning, with intricate wooden architecture and traditional design that captures the essence of Kyoto’s rich history. The meticulously maintained grounds add to the experience, featuring lush gardens, stone pathways, and carefully placed flora that change beautifully with the seasons. Whether visiting in the vibrant hues of autumn or the fresh greenery of spring, the scenery is breathtaking.
Although I didn’t participate in a tea ceremony, the visit was still deeply rewarding. The temple’s museum was particularly interesting, offering a fascinating collection of artifacts, historical displays, and cultural insights. It provided a deeper understanding of the temple’s significance and Kyoto’s heritage.
One of the highlights of Boyodin Temple was the tranquility. Unlike some of the more famous sites in Kyoto, it wasn’t overly crowded, allowing for a more personal and immersive experience. Strolling through the temple grounds without the rush of large crowds made it easy to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the details.
Overall, I highly recommend visiting Boyodin Temple. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of Japanese architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this temple offers a truly memorable experience.
This is one of the must visit temples in Kyoto. You'll see the image of it on the 10-yen coin. It's a little out of the way, but with many tea shops in the area also, it's well worth it. If the main entrance is really crowded, enter through the south entrance, which is usually much less crowded. As soon as you get in, buy a different ticket to enter the main temple building, this will get you a time slot to enter, which can be easier for an hour or more. You can then visit the rest of the site, and return to line up to enter the main temple closer to your time slot to enter. There is now a new museum that explains what you'll see in the main temple, so you'll want to go there first, after you get the ticket to it.
The grounds are beautiful, and there are ample benches to just sit and take in the atmosphere from the shade to recover from walking all day. Seeing the interior is an extra 300 yen, though you aren't permitted to take photographs inside.
The museum portion was perhaps the best part, showcasing older portions of the building that had been retired and replaced over time. Throughout, there are wall plaques in multiple languages establishing the significance of everything you see, right down to the Buddhist origins of it all. I found it very moving.
I'd call it a must-see if you're in the area (in my case, after seeing the Nintendo Museum). Bring a ten yen coin to compare the image on the back with the real thing.
