Uji · Japan

Byōdo-in Temple

templeHeian architectureUNESCOpondgoogle verified

easy

9/10

best: morning, spring, autumn

timeless, serene, historic, spiritual

A local would say...

The building on the 10-yen coin — stand in front of it and realize you've been carrying this view in your pocket all along.

One of the few surviving examples of Heian-period architecture, this temple in the town of Uji houses the remarkable Hōō-dō (Phoenix Hall) built in 1053. The hall — depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin — overlooks a serene pond and represents Amida Buddha's heavenly palace in the Pure Land. Inside are 52 wooden bodhisattva figures floating around the original Amida statue.

Added by Kenji Watanabe