Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple is a Buddhist temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Its image is widely known in Japan and abroad, largely because it is pictured on the Japanese 10-yen coin. The temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu school, also known as True Pure Land Buddhism, which holds that believers will be able to enter the Pure Land of the Buddha after death in order to break the cycle of rebirth and suffering. Byodoin Temple was founded with these beliefs in mind, and its stunning architecture and garden are said to be representations of the Pure Land. The Phoenix Hall in the central building houses a statue of Amida Buddha. Only a limited number of people are allowed to enter the hall at any one time, and there is an additional fee for admission. On the premises there is also a museum that exhibits Pure Land Buddhist art which is well worth a visit.

Photographs provided by Byodoin Temple.