All Reviews of Byodoin

We visited the famous World Cultural Heritage Site Byodoin, a classic masterpiece of the Heian-period aristocracy.

When we visited in early spring, the cherry blossoms by the pond were in full bloom. The snow-white and pale pink petals swayed in the breeze, complementing the blue sky and the vermilion hall reflected on the water, creating an exquisite, breathtaking scene. The famous Phoenix Hall is featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin, so travelers shouldn't forget to pull a coin from their pocket, line it up with the hall in the distance, and take a classic overlapping photo.

Besides admiring the grandeur of the hall from afar, the Hoshokan Museum on the grounds is also worth exploring quietly. Each National Treasure radiates a thousand years of solemnity and purity. It's a perfect place to slow down and quietly take in this timeless historical beauty amid the fragrance of flowers and the gentle breeze.

The sunlight sparkles on the water, and Phoenix Hall is reflected in the pond, gently swaying with the ripples stirred by the breeze. The scenery is very beautiful and makes you stop to admire the exquisite design and aesthetics of ancient Japanese architecture. Don't forget to take out a 10-yen coin and compare the image on it.

Byodoin is a World Heritage Site, and the Phoenix Hall is elegant and beautiful, reflected in the pond like a painting.

The grounds are peaceful and filled with a sense of history and culture. It’s a relaxing place and a Kyoto landmark that’s well worth taking your time to appreciate.

My favorite place of all.

There’s something almost magical about the reflection at Byodoin—it instantly makes you feel calm. Watching the Phoenix Hall perfectly mirrored on the pond is something I could never get tired of. No matter how many times I see it, I fall in love with it all over again.

Compared with the crowds at Kyoto’s other popular spots, Byodoin has a special elegance.

What I love most is sitting down at the wisteria tea house there, ordering an authentic Uji sencha and dessert, and gazing out at the greenery and garden outside the window. Enjoying that peaceful, Zen-like moment without any interruptions was honestly one of the best parts of my trip. It feels like a secret hideaway just for the people who truly appreciate it.

And the tea is so, so good—I still miss it.

The image of Byodoin Phoenix Hall is not just something you see on the 10-yen coin. Seeing it right in front of me in real life, with its symmetrical vermilion architecture reflected on the water, it had such a solemn and sacred atmosphere. So this is what the Pure Land in this world looks like.

However, when I went inside, there was a विशाल Buddha statue seated there. Even though I only partly understood the Japanese explanation, just being there filled me with joy and made my heart feel incredibly calm.

As soon as you arrive at Uji Station 🚉, the whole vibe feels super chill. It’s absolutely paradise for matcha lovers!

Walking along Uji Bridge, it almost feels like the whole city is filled with the aroma of matcha 🍵. It’s kind of amazing!

Byodoin, a World Heritage Site, is packed with visitors.

The architecture is gorgeous, and on a nice day, the reflections in photos look extra dreamy!

The glass-built Hoshokan Museum also has a super Zen atmosphere that makes you want to just relax and zone out.

Even though I couldn’t capture the reflection of Byodoin on the pond’s surface, the temple’s solemn and majestic atmosphere left a deep impression on me. When you visit Byodoin, don’t forget to look up at the roof and see the two gilt bronze phoenix statues, a symbol of nobility.

The Omotesando shopping street in front of Byodoin is filled with all kinds of goods, and the many matcha specialties and treats are not to be missed. Famous shops like Nakamura Tokichi and Itoh Kyuemon are definitely worth trying.

The sound of the bell at Byodoin is truly calming. It feels like it cleanses your soul.

The Byodoin building and its reflection on the lake blend together beautifully.

I was lucky to visit during wisteria season—absolutely beautiful! It really felt like stepping into a paradise on earth.