Jun 5, 2014 - 1 min read

The Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in

A World Heritage Site in Uji City, Kyoto

By Hugo Kempeneer

Community writer

The many different faces of the Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂) of Byōdō-in (平等院): A World heritage Site in Uji City, Kyoto. If you look closer, in the center of the Phoenix Hall you can still see one of the Raigō paintings on the wooden door of the Phoenix Hall, depicting the Descent of the Amida Buddha. They were painted by Tamenari Takuma in the 11th century. They are an early example of Yamato-e, Japanese-style painting, and contain representations of the scenery around Kyoto.of the 11th century

This is the Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂) in April 2009, when I first visited Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City. This is a HDR version

The Omote-mon gate (表門) of the Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. This is the main gate to the temple grounds from the Byodoin Omote-sando (shopping street)

This is a memorial stone to Minamoto no Yorimasa (源頼政-1106–1180), head of the Genji clan who fought in Uji against the powerful Heike family. He lost against Taira no Kiyomori (平清盛-1118 – March 20, 1181) and committed suicide by seppuku at the Byodo-in temple while reciting waka poems. Every year, on May 26, a memorial service is held here to commemorate this historical event

Frontal view of the Kannon-do (観音堂) of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. Inside is a statue of Rengeshu Bosatsu (Avalokiteśvara) from the Heian period

The Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂) of Byōdō-in, a popular spot to have your picture taken

Inside the Chudo of the Phoenix Hall is a statue of Amitabha Tathagata (阿弥陀如来), dating back to the Heian Period. This statue was carved by Jōchō (定朝) in 1053 and is made of wood covered with gold leaf, reaching a height of almost 3 meters

Ryūzu Gawara (龍頭瓦) Dragon Head Tile on the roof of Ho'o-do of the Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. There is a legend about these “Dragon Head tiles”. Uji is compared to a great dragon’s palace, and the Uji River, which flows through it, is where the founder of Byōdō-in, Fujiwara Yorimichi, watches over his masterpiece as a dragon god. Dragons also come out quite often in Buddhist teachings as creatures which uphold Buddhist law. Dragons also are featured alongside snakes - which are symbols of fertility - in much folklore and legends in Japan

If you want to take a little break, you can take a rest in this small pavilion and enjoy the scenery of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto

Buddhist figure on a boat in front of the Hondo of Jodo-in (浄土院) of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto

The Hondo of Jodo-in (浄土院) of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. After passing through the Nan-mon (南門) or south gate, the Jodo-in is on your left side

Inside the Rakan-do (羅漢堂) are wooden sculptors of Chashi Hoshino Dōsai(茶師星野道斎) and his disciples. The Rakan-do was established in 1614. A Chashi is a master tea connoisseur in the art of selecting and blending tea

The Nan-mon (南門) or south gate of the Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto

Fujidana Wisteria Trellis (藤棚) in the precincts of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. I was a little late to see its flowers, I did hear though that it is quite impressive. This wisteria tree is believed to be around 250 years old and blooms from late April to early May. This is a Golden Week favorite for many

Since March of this year, the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in, was once again visible. For the past two years it was covered in scaffolding because of renovation. There is still a small part in the back that is still undergoing construction though. This fall the work should be completed. The famous Phoenix Hall is the main attraction and inside is a statue of Amitabha Tathagata, by the renowned sculptor Jōchō. It dates back to 1053 and is made of wood covered with gold leaf, reaching a height of almost 3 meters. You can still see the Raigō paintings on the wooden doors of the Phoenix Hall, depicting the Descent of the Amida Buddha. They were painted by Tamenari Takuma.

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Hugo Kempeneer

By Hugo Kempeneer

Community writer

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