Visiting Byōdō-in Temple in Uji
Visiting Byōdō-in Temple in Uji was the first point on my itinerary. You might already be familiar with it—its famous Phoenix Hall is featured on the back of the ¥10 coin.
The temple was originally built in the Heian period as a villa, and later converted into a Buddhist temple in 1052. One year after its transformation, the Amida-dō—also known as the Phoenix Hall—was completed. It’s remarkable how well the building has been preserved. Standing in front of it, reflected in the calm surface of the pond, it really does feel like a scene from another world. The garden is designed to represent the Pure Land of the Buddha, and for a moment, you can believe that’s exactly where you are.
Byōdō-in has long been considered one of the most beautiful examples of Heian-period architecture and religious landscape design. Its balance of architecture, water, and symbolism gives it a unique sense of harmony that’s hard to describe but easy to feel when you’re there.
What surprised me most was the museum next to the temple. The exhibits are beautifully curated, and I spent much longer inside than I had expected. One highlight was the collection of Bodhisattva statues riding on clouds, full of grace and movement, suspended as if floating in space. They’re some of the most delicate and expressive wooden sculptures I’ve seen in Japan.
Another small but fun detail: one of the bronze phoenix statues from the roof of the Phoenix Hall was printed on the old ¥10,000 note.
Unfortunately, photography wasn’t allowed inside the museum—but the experience left a strong impression even without photos.
If you’re heading to Uji, I’d definitely recommend taking the time to stop by Byōdō-in. It’s easy to access, right near Uji Station, and worth it for both the architecture and the atmosphere.
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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