The Byodo-in Temple 平等院

  • Published on : 25/06/2020
  • by : J.L.T.B. / J.R.

What is the building on the 10 Yen coin? The slendid "Phoenix Hall' at Byodo-in, near Kyoto.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently renovate in 2014, the Byodo-in is located in the center of the small town of Uji, not far from Kyoto. Very famous in Japan, this temple is considered the height of expression of the aristocratic art of the Heian period (794-1185). Do not miss a visit to this exceptional temple during your visit.

Its most remarkable feature, however, is a colossal 3 meter high statue made of wood and covered in Gold leaf. Attributed to the monk and master artist Jocho (who died in 1057), it represents the Amida Buddha in the company of Bodhisattva (being promised enlightenment). Located inside the main building, visits are done in small groups.

Large tarps covered Byodo-in between September 2012 and April 2014, as Phoenix Hall was renovated in bright vermilion, and the two phoenix statues were reborn from their ashes with new metallic sheen before the site was reopened to the public

Byôdô-in

La statue du Bouddha Amida au Byôdô-in

Wikimedia Commons

Byôdô-in

Un des phénix sur le toit

Wikimedia Commons

Comment aller au Byôdo-in à Uji ?

Le plus simple pour se rendre dans la ville d'Uji pour visiter le Byôdô-in, est de partir de la gare de Kyoto. Il suffira ensuite d'emprunter un train express sur la ligne JR Nara (compris dans le Japan Rail Pass, ou bien 240 yens - environ 2 €). Le trajet dure seulement 17 minutes. En venant d'Osaka, il vous faudra forcément passer d'abord par la gare de Kyoto.

Descendez à la station Uji, prenez la sortie Sud puis marchez 10 minutes pour atteindre le temple, qui est bien indiqué. Sur le chemin, vous aurez l'occasion de réaliser quelques emplettes dans les boutiques de souvenirs qui se succèdent dans les petites rues, où de déguster une bonne glace au matcha (la spécialité de la ville).

Si vous préférez vous rendre à Uji en voiture, pour admirer les très réputés paysages de champs de thé en terrasse, le trajet dure seulement 30 minutes.

Byodo-in, Uji - Carte
Byodo-in, Uji

@maureen_csnd, Instagram


Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Timetable

    40 minutes by train from Keihan-Sanjo to Uji Station on the Keihan-Uji Line (change at Chushojima, 310-390 yen)

    Or 30 minutes by train from Kyoto Station to Uji Station on JR Nara Line (240 yen), then 10 minutes on foot. Take the south exit.
  • Price

    Full entry ticket 600 yen / Just the Phoenix Room 300 yen
  • Access

    Open daily 9:00 - 16:00 December to February, 8:30 to 17:30 March to November.
  • Website

    http://www.byodoin.or.jp

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