The Phoenix Hall beside its reflecting pond.
Explore the garden and Hoshokan museum, with an optional separately ticketed Phoenix Hall interior visit. Interior places are limited and may sell out. Uji is a separate rail trip from central Kyoto.
The story behind this place
Fujiwara no Yorimichi, a powerful court noble, turned a family villa into this temple in 1052. The Phoenix Hall was built to evoke the Buddhist Pure Land, an ideal realm of peace. Its image appears on Japan’s ten-yen coin, making it familiar even to people who have never visited Uji.
Good to know
- Check the official opening calendar and last admission before travelling.
- Allow extra time for crowds, station walks and transport connections.
- Respect worshippers and follow posted photography rules.
Check the official visitor information ↗ before travelling.
