Dec 9, 2014 - 1 min read

Face-Lift for Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

Renovated Byodo-in Phoenix Hall now unveiled in Uji

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

This is the scene that is stamped on the face of the 10-yen coin! The Phoenix Hall, was under renovation for two years, and finally made its first public re-appearance. It looks so beautiful, almost beyond recognition.

I waited for the entrance gate to open at 8:30 in the morning

The autumn leaves around the Phoenix Hall added beauty to the newly renovated hall

Wonderful contrast between the blue sky and the vermilion Phoenix Hall

The maple trees in front of the pond were not turning color yet

The main chamber of the Phoenix Hall has a cutout window in the shape of a referees' fan, through which the statue of Amida Nyorai can be seen

In early mornings there are no ripples on the pond's surface, and you can enjoy the clear reflection of Phoenix Hall on the water surface

On November 23rd of 2014, I visited Byodo-in Phoenix Hall in Uji City, Kyoto.

The Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in underwent renovation between September 2012 and March this year. The roofs were replaced, and pillars were painted anew, giving it a refreshed look. The phoenix in radiant gold on the roof of the central chamber, and the pillars and walls painted in brilliant vermilion are wonderfully eye-catching. On this sunny autumn day, the newly renovated Phoenix Hall made a striking contrast with the high blue sky, and its reflection on the mirror-like surface of the pond was just awesome!

See also: Beyond Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in (Villa of Elite Aristocrats series)

More info

Find out more about Byodo-in Temple.

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By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Following Follow

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Following Follow

Olga 9 years ago

The first 3 photos are like an ad or a postcard - stunningly beautiful!

Reply Show all 3 replies

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

You should definitely see that too. I strongly recommend that to you.

Justin Velgus 9 years ago

I have never been here. I had no idea it was made new again! I can't wait to check it out.

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

Justin-san,Thank you very much! You should definitely see that.

Mandy Bartok 9 years ago

It looks beautiful! I have wanted to visit Uji for awhile but I wanted to see Byodo-in without the scaffolding. Maybe I will visit in summer so I can see ukai too! ;)

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

Mandy-san,Thank you again! Construction of Byodo was over already. In this way, I became beautiful. Ukai is good! This is a fantastic and very nice. But, Summer of Kyoto is the very people often hot. Please be careful!

8 comments in total

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Information

Byodo-in Temple

116 Uji-renge, Uji City (Directions)

byodoin.or.jp

Olga 9 years ago

The first 3 photos are like an ad or a postcard - stunningly beautiful!

Reply Show all 3 replies

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

You should definitely see that too. I strongly recommend that to you.

Justin Velgus 9 years ago

I have never been here. I had no idea it was made new again! I can't wait to check it out.

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

Justin-san,Thank you very much! You should definitely see that.

Mandy Bartok 9 years ago

It looks beautiful! I have wanted to visit Uji for awhile but I wanted to see Byodo-in without the scaffolding. Maybe I will visit in summer so I can see ukai too! ;)