The Byodoin Temple is a special temple influenced by buddhist architecture. It has a garden that purely represents the religion, and because of its beauty influenced a lot of temples constructed thereafter. Among its most visited spots is the Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, and is currently featured in the Japanese ten yen coin.
The establishment was built during the Heian period in Japan. It was originally the rural villa of a the Minister of the Left, Minamoto no Shigenobu. Later on, Fujiwara no Michinaga, a powerful member of the Fujiwara clan, bought the property from Minamoto's wife after his death. In 1052, the place was transformed into a Buddhist temple.
Photo by: Martin Falbisoner Licensed under Creative Commons.
Some of the most notable attactions in the area are as follows:
It's a 10-15 minute walk from the JR Uji Station (Nara Line).
It is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.