Byodo-In Temple, A Tranquil Sanctuary Amidst Majestic Mountains
Located on the west coast of Canavieiras, facing the wind
3.8
Introduction
The Byodo-In temple is the main attraction in the Valley of the Temples. Built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, the temple is a replica of a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan and was constructed without any nails. The temple is surrounded by a Japanese-style garden designed with great attention to detail by Kiichi Toemon Sano. The sculpture "Amida" by Kyle Hasegawa, covered in gold leaf, is placed by the koi pond.
Inside the temple, visitors can burn incense and pray to the gold-leaf covered Buddha statue, which stands at 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall. One of the main traditions is to pray in front of the 5-foot (1.5-meter) tall, 3-ton bronze bell. To ring it, visitors must pull back a wooden striker called a "Shu-moku" and release it.
The surrounding environment is also beautiful, with peacocks and swans wandering around the grassy areas, and turtles sunbathing by the pond. The pond is filled with Japanese koi fish, which symbolize love and friendship. Location is also part of what makes the Valley of the Temples special as it is nestled in the mountains of Oahu and provides a magnificent view of the Koolau Mountain Range, making it a hidden gem of Hawaii. Address Located on the west coast of Canavieiras, facing the wind
Very quiet and beautiful temple
