Byodoin

Amazing place in uji. Definitely should not miss. The Phoenix tour is completely in Japanese however, if you do not speak any Japanese would not suggest doing it. You do get a good 15 to half an hour look at the internal structure, as well as the Buddha, and the Reconstruction effort. The whole ground takes about two three hours to cover. Lots of photo opportunities.

After knowing that this building is actually the one carved on the back of the 10 yen coin, I just have to visit this place. Also Uji is known for it’s amazing green tea.
Entrance is 600 yen which includes the a visit to the Museum but fee to the main hall, Phoenix Hall is separate (300 yen).
We can just in a good time, the Sakura’s were in bloom and the visitors where still having lunch so less crowd.
The grounds were well maintained and is a decent size.
Saw the actual building itself and it was actually pretty normal.
It has a great historical significance so for history buff, I highly recommend this place.

El Pabellón del Fénix, construido por un rico aristócrata a finales del s. X, también merece la pena cuando se exploran los alrededores de Kioto. La construcción flota sobre un estanque que refleja su diseño chinesco de formas sinuosas y en color rojo. Es Patrimonio de la Humanidad y muy querido por los japoneses, ya que aparece en el reverso de las monedas de diez yenes.
La entrada excede los habituales 500 ¥ porque incluye una visita al pequeño museo donde se conservan las piezas originales: una campana y 52 estatuas que representan a los acompañantes de Amida Butsu flotando en pequeñas nubes mientras tocan instrumentos musicales de antigua procedencia. Muchas de estas piezas se consideran tesoros nacionales y son muy apreciadas. El edificio es nuevo y con un moderno diseño de luces y limpias vitrinas a las que asomarse.
También destaca la calle comercial que precede al Byodo-​in, pintoresca al modo turístico-​tradicional y que ensalza una de las maravillas de la zona: el té verde de Uji, conocido por su buena calidad. Si os gusta esta bebida, es recomendable comprar un poco en cualquiera de las tiendas que hay en el camino. En la zona también hay un santuario y un puente llamativo que puede completar la visita si hace buen tiempo o si se tienen ganas. Como no era mi caso (hacía frío), enfilé hacia mi próximo destino, pero ahí dejo el dato.

I have a funny episode about here. When my husband and I took a taxi bound for Chusonji Konjikido in Iwate prefecture, north eastern part of Japan, I unintentionally asked the taxi driver, «To Byodouin Hououdou». After I said it, I burst into laughter and blushed! How much do we have to pay?
By the way, if you are living in Japan, you may see this magnificent building almost every day. Please look at 10 yen coin, on which the elegant and noble building is carved on the round copper plate.
It was established almost 1000 years ago as a former villa of Michinaga Fujiwara who had power to rule over Japan in the Heian era. Later it was transformed into a Buddhist temple. I’ve never seen such a beautiful temple as this. The main hall is located on the beautiful pond as if it were the land of Perfect Bliss. I stood still watching its beautiful sight reflected in the pond with much impression.
Buddhists’ paradise was vividly and colorfully drawn on the ceiling and walls in the main hall before, but it almost faded now. I want to look at it at that time. I would like to know whether the Buddhists’ paradise is such a splendid place. If you come here, you should see a pair of bronze image of Chinese phoenixes having a long tail or a beautiful bell by all means. You will breathe a sigh of the admiration in these splendors.