Kyoto
Uji

Dec 8, 2014 - 1 min read

Beyond Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in

Looking at other temples in the Byodo-in Complex

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

This restored statue of 'Kuze Funanori Kannon' is displayed inside Jodo-in Temple, part of the Byodo-in Temple Complex

Keisho-in Temple, one of the temples in Byodo-in Temple Complex

The grave of Minamoto-no Yorimasa, who tried to overthrow Heike Clan, lost the Battle in Uji and committed suicide here

Beautiful round-shaped window cut out of a white wall

Back view of the south wing of Phoenix Hall

The Fudo Hall, the main hall of Keisho-in Temple

The view seen from central chamber of Phoenix Hall. On the opposite side of the pond there is a long line of people waiting for their turn to enter the Phoenix Hall

The two phoenixes on the roof were replaced by replicas in 1968, and the genuine ones are safely kept somewhere else.

In late November of 2014, I visited the newly renovated Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in Temple in Uji City, Kyoto.

Many people lined up in the early morning to see the renewed face of Byodo-in's Phoenix Hall, a World Heritage Site. I went early, but still I had to wait for two hours before entering the hall. Every time I see this kind of scene in which people wait in a long line, I am impressed anew how much Japanese people love queuing!

There are other temples in the grounds of Byodo-in Temple besides the Phoenix Hall of course. I also visited Keisho-in and Jodo-in, and prayed in front of the Buddhist statues there before going home.

See also: Face-Lift For Byodo-in Phoenix Hall (Villa of Elite Aristocrats)

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Find out more about Byodo-in Temple.

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Masayoshi Hirose

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

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Takako Sakamoto

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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