Byodoin Temple is gorgeous. Symmetrical towers are light, like a bird spreading its wings. The reflection in the pond is simply beautiful. If you can, we recommend visiting early in the day-- only then can you catch the morning light shining down upon the Phoenix Hall, its gold shining figure will leave you speechless.
"Why is such a magnificent building in Uji of all places?" Unlike Kyoto and Nara, Uji does not have many famous historical sites, so it is natural to wonder how a World Heritage site came here.
Though not well known today, Uji was very prosperous in ancient times.Right in between Kyoto and Nara, it had nearby water sources and was crucial for transportation. Therefore, many nobles chose Uji as a place for their villas. It was one of these nobleman's villas that later became Byodoin Temple.
Allow me to introduce the main characters in this story-- Michinaga and Yorimichi. Michinaga is the emperor’s advisor, and Yorimichi is his son. Yorimichi says, "This world is indeed my world. Like the full moon I shine, uncovered by any cloud". As second to the emperor, Michinaga held great power and was one of the richest people in the world. As Michinaga’s son, Yorimichi also enjoyed the same level of power and riches.
The power of the Yorimichi family played a big role in the founding of Byodoin Temple. To reach such levels of luxury and grandeur, it required the best materials and the best craftsman, which was only possible due to the power of the Yorimichi family and their belief that the world belonged to them.
So, are you ready to hear more about the inside of the temple? Well, for now, we will leave you in anticipation. The more knowledge you have, the more you will discover. Surely you will enjoy the inside of the temple even more once you arm yourself with some background knowledge.
Since there are restrictions to the number of visitors at a given time, let's make a reservation at the reception desk by the bridge of Phoenix Hall.
