Phoenix hall, A Timeless Architectural Marvel Surrounded by Water
116 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
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Introduction
Byodoin Temple was originally a villa built by the Regent, Fujiwara no Michinaga. After his death, his son, Fujiwara no Yorimichi, converted the villa into a temple. In 1053, Yorimichi built the Phoenix Hall to enshrine the Amitabha Buddha statue. The statue was commissioned from the famous sculptor Jōchō and is a 2.84-meter tall, gilt wooden statue. Behind the Buddha statue, there are 52 small statues of bodhisattvas in various poses, such as playing instruments, praying, holding banners and lotus flowers, or performing a dance. The Phoenix Hall is a unique part of the Byodoin Temple complex, and visitors must pay an additional ¥300 fee and remove their shoes before entering. Photography is also prohibited. Address 116 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
