The Phoenix Hall, built in the mid-11th century, is a building of the utmost beauty and elegance. It is remarkable that it is still standing. The central pavilion houses a large, imposing Buddha and tis flanked by well-proportioned wings, the whole ensemble supported on wooden columns and surrounded by an attractive garden. This is undoubtedly one of the loveliest buildings... More

I love Uji! Because of it's quiet surrounding, it's river, it's Byodoin Temple and green tea ice-cream. Uji is not as popular as Kyoto, so it's much quiet than Kyoto, and that's why I love it! You can spend a whole morning walking around Uji, from temple to small shop, to the park near Uji river. Byodoin Temple is old... More

About 20 minutes from Kyoto by express train on the Nara Line is Uji. Then about a 15 minute walk (which is NOT clearly marked) you will find Byodoin Temple. It is the temple featured on the 10 yen coin. In terms of preservation, cultural importance, setting, etc.... you really can't beat this temple. We saw it in January, in... More

It is well worth making the effort to stop off in Uji when heading up to Nara. Both places are on the same rail line. Byodoin Temple is a real delight. Lovely gardens and a great museum. The setting is lovely also. More

I think this temple is a must to tourists to Uji. The Phoenix Hall is very photogenic but when looked closer, it is less significant and impressive architecturally. The traditional teahouse outside the temple is more attractive. One can buy a tea set of 500 yen at the tourist office next to the temple and could enjoy a traditional green... More

This temple looks close on the maps but in reality it is fairly far outside of kyoto. It's south of the city in Uji- and unless you're already in Fushimi Inari shrine, it's not worth it to go all the way there. However, once there, you can take some very lovely photos of the restored traditional buildings. The Phoenix hall... More