Byodoin

Byodō-in is a Buddhist temple located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It was founded in the mid-11th century under the patronage of the Fujiwara clan, and is best known for its Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō), completed in 1053 during the Heian period as part of the original Byōdō-in complex. The hall is designed to resemble a phoenix perched on the water, a layout intended to evoke the Pure Land, a vision of paradise in Buddhist thought. The principal image enshrined in the hall is Amida Buddha (Amitābha), accompanied by two bodhisattvas; the Amida statue is designated a National Treasure of Japan.

The temple precincts include carefully landscaped gardens and a pond that reflect Heian-era aesthetics and the Pure Land ideal. Although the complex suffered fires and changes over the centuries, the Phoenix Hall remains a landmark of Japanese architecture and Buddhist art. Byodō-in and its Phoenix Hall are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, recognized for their cultural and historical significance.

Today, Byodō-in operates as an active temple and a major tourist destination. The site also houses the Byodō-in Museum, which displays a collection of its national treasures and related artifacts. The temple's enduring popularity stems from its architectural elegance, its representation of Heian-era court culture, and its enduring association with Amida Buddha and the Pure Land tradition.