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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, thePhoenix Hall. Although the building was given another official name, almost immediately after its construction in 1053, it was nicknamed Hoodo ("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.

 

Construction Notice: From September 2012 through March 2014 the Phoenix Hall is undergoing renovation works and is covered up by scaffolding. Tours of the hall's interior are suspended during the renovations. The admission fee is reduced to 300 yen.

The Phoenix Hall on November 27, 2012

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
How to get there
Byodoin is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station.
How to get to Uji

From Kyoto

Kyoto City and Uji are connected by frequent trains along the JR Nara Line. The one way trip takes about 20 minutes by rapid train or 30 minutes by local train. Both rapid and local trains cost 230 yen one way. The trip is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

The Keihan Line is useful for passengers departing Kyoto from around the Kamogawa River, e.g. the Gionarea, as opposed to Kyoto Station. Take the Keihan Main Line to Chushojima Station, transfer to the Keihan Uji Line and alight at the terminal station, Keihan Uji Station. the one way trip takes about half an hour, costs around 300 yen and in not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Hours and Fees
Hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (entry until 17:15) 
Treasure house from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:45)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen during renovation works through March 2014
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