Byodoin Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan

Uji Travel—Visiting Byodoin Temple (平等院; YouTube link)

Uji (宇治) is a charming town nestled between Nara and Kyoto, two of Japan's ancient capitals. It's known for its rich history, tea culture, and stunning autumn foliage. In December 2016, I made my first trip to Uji to see the autumn leaves and visit Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In May 2023, I returned with my daughter to share this special place with her.

 Byodoin Temple (平等院)

The image of Byodoin Temple ⭐⭐is the one shown at the reverse side of ¥10 coin. This is quite a testament to its importance in Japan's History. Somehow its eleventh-century Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂 ), with its glorious statue of Amida Buddha, survived war, fire and years of neglect, and today preserves a stunning display of Heian-period art at its most majestic.^[1]

Initial visit on December 3, 2016

View from the Hosho-kan Museum (鳳翔館)

Visiting Uji River for Its Autumn Colors (YouTube link)

Second Visit on 05/10/2023

Reference

1. Japan Travel: Visiting Uji for Its History and Tea
2. Kyoto and Nara: Rough Guides Snapshot Japan
3. Visiting Arashiyama (嵐山) in Kyoto—Personal Experience
4. Visiting Ohara in Kyoto—Personal Experience
5. Visiting Nigatsudo Hall (二月堂) in Nara—Personal Experience
6. Visiting Yoshiki-en Garden (吉城園 / よしきえん) in Nara—Personal Experience
7. Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)—Personal Experience
8. Temple Lodging in Koyasan—Personal Experience
9. A Solo Trip Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These 7 Rules