What other travelers are saying about Byodo-in Temple
In front of the temple entrance, there are shops selling exceptionally delicious matcha ice cream. It’s best to visit during cherry blossom season in late March, when the scenery is especially beautiful.
Lovely phoenix hall, pretty peaceful at 5pm when I entered. However, they tell you the museum closes at 5pm so I knew that going in, but don’t mention that the goshuin counter is already shut by 4:45pm. No refunds for entrance fee (700¥) even though I asked within 15 mins when I realised 😟
It's on the 10yen coin!!!!
A great place to visit, be prepared for it to be a little busy with tourists.
Make sure you walk through the museum and see some of the national treasures of Japan (no photos allowed inside the museum).
This is my second visit to Byodoin and I still enjoyed it immensely.
Coming during autumn also gives you an opportunity to see some of the autumn colours.
If you're in the area, this is a must visit.
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.
