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Byōdōin: World Heritage Buddhist Temple

  • The Hōōdō at Byōdōin. The structure’s reflection on the mirror-like waters of Ajiike creates a mystical effect. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    The Hōōdō at Byōdōin. The structure’s reflection on the mirror-like waters of Ajiike creates a mystical effect. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • The hall’s beauty has inspired the name “a palace floating on the Treasure Pond of the Pure Land.” (© Edit Plus)

    The hall’s beauty has inspired the name “a palace floating on the Treasure Pond of the Pure Land.” (© Edit Plus)

  • The mythical phoenix is considered sacred. The original figures that stood atop the Hōōdō are on display at the Hōshōkan, the Byōdōin’s museum on the temple grounds. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    The mythical phoenix is considered sacred. The original figures that stood atop the Hōōdō are on display at the Hōshōkan, the Byōdōin’s museum on the temple grounds. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • The statue of Amida Nyorai, its canopy, and the wall paintings are all national treasures. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    The statue of Amida Nyorai, its canopy, and the wall paintings are all national treasures. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • This seated figure of Amida Nyorai is the only one of its kind that is certifiably Jōchō’s work. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    This seated figure of Amida Nyorai is the only one of its kind that is certifiably Jōchō’s work. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • The bodhisattvas displayed at the Hōshōkan. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    The bodhisattvas displayed at the Hōshōkan. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • From left: Bodhisattva No. 20 South is a dancing figure; Bodhisattva No. 21 South plays the shō, a wind instrument used in gagaku court music performances; and Bodhisattva No. 26 South is restored to its original appearance when it was created centuries ago. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    From left: Bodhisattva No. 20 South is a dancing figure; Bodhisattva No. 21 South plays the shō, a wind instrument used in gagaku court music performances; and Bodhisattva No. 26 South is restored to its original appearance when it was created centuries ago. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • A restored section of the kuhon raikōzu. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    A restored section of the kuhon raikōzu. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • The bell currently in use is the temple’s second. On New Year’s Eve, visitors can take turns striking the bell as part of the joya no kane ritual in which the bell is rung 108 times to signify the number of worldly sins. (© Edit Plus)

    The bell currently in use is the temple’s second. On New Year’s Eve, visitors can take turns striking the bell as part of the joya no kane ritual in which the bell is rung 108 times to signify the number of worldly sins. (© Edit Plus)

  • The original temple bell is displayed at the museum. It measures 199 centimeters tall and 123 centimeters around and weighs about 2 tons. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    The original temple bell is displayed at the museum. It measures 199 centimeters tall and 123 centimeters around and weighs about 2 tons. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • The grassy area where Minamoto no Yorimasa ended his life. (© Edit Plus)

    The grassy area where Minamoto no Yorimasa ended his life. (© Edit Plus)

  • To blend in with the garden, the museum was constructed largely underground. (© Edit Plus)

    To blend in with the garden, the museum was constructed largely underground. (© Edit Plus)

  • An exhibit reproducing Hōōdō’s splendid wall paintings. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    An exhibit reproducing Hōōdō’s splendid wall paintings. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • From left: Origami paper with motifs based on Hōōdō ornamentation, decorative masking tape, and a bookmark with a cutout illustration of the Hōōdō. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    From left: Origami paper with motifs based on Hōōdō ornamentation, decorative masking tape, and a bookmark with a cutout illustration of the Hōōdō. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

  • Teahouse Tōka serves authentic Uji green tea. (© Edit Plus)

    Teahouse Tōka serves authentic Uji green tea. (© Edit Plus)

  • Chilled Uji gyokuro green tea, served with specially made Japanese sweets. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

    Chilled Uji gyokuro green tea, served with specially made Japanese sweets. (Courtesy of Byōdōin)

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