The Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in

A World Heritage Site in Uji City, Kyoto

Hugo Kempeneer Jun 05, 2014 - 1分鐘閱讀時間

<p>This is the Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂) in April 2009, when I first visited Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City. This is a HDR version</p>

<p>The Omote-mon gate (表門) of the Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. This is the main gate to the temple grounds from the Byodoin Omote-sando (shopping street)</p>

<p>This is a memorial stone to Minamoto no Yorimasa (源頼政-1106–1180), head of the Genji clan who fought in Uji against the powerful Heike family. He lost against Taira no Kiyomori (平清盛-1118 – March 20, 1181) and committed suicide by seppuku at the Byodo-in temple while reciting waka poems. Every year, on May 26, a memorial service is held here to commemorate this historical event</p>

<p>Frontal view of the Kannon-do (観音堂) of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. Inside is a statue of Rengeshu Bosatsu (Avalokiteśvara) from the Heian period</p>

<p>The Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂) of Byōdō-in, a popular spot to have your picture taken</p>

<p>Inside the Chudo of the Phoenix Hall is a statue of Amitabha Tathagata (阿弥陀如来), dating back to the Heian Period. This statue was carved by Jōchō (定朝) in 1053 and is made of wood covered with gold leaf, reaching a height of almost 3 meters</p>

<p>Ryūzu Gawara (龍頭瓦) Dragon Head Tile on the roof of Ho'o-do of the Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. There is a legend about these “Dragon Head tiles”. Uji is compared to a great dragon’s palace, and the Uji River, which flows through it, is where the founder of Byōdō-in, Fujiwara Yorimichi, watches over his masterpiece as a dragon god. Dragons also come out quite often in Buddhist teachings as creatures which uphold Buddhist law. Dragons also are featured alongside snakes - which are symbols of fertility - in much folklore and legends in Japan</p>

<p>If you want to take a little break, you can take a rest in this small pavilion and enjoy the scenery of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto</p>

<p>Buddhist figure on a boat in front of the Hondo of Jodo-in (浄土院) of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto</p>

<p>The Hondo of Jodo-in (浄土院) of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. After passing through the Nan-mon (南門) or south gate, the Jodo-in is on your left side</p>

<p>Inside the Rakan-do (羅漢堂) are wooden sculptors of Chashi Hoshino Dōsai(茶師星野道斎) and his disciples. The Rakan-do was established in 1614. A Chashi is a master tea connoisseur in the art of selecting and blending tea</p>

<p>The Nan-mon (南門) or south gate of the Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto</p>

<p>Fujidana Wisteria Trellis (藤棚) in the precincts of Byōdō-in (平等院) in Uji City, Kyoto. I was a little late to see its flowers, I did hear though that it is quite impressive. This wisteria tree is believed to be around 250 years old and blooms from late April to early May. This is a Golden Week favorite for many</p>

Since March of this year, the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in, was once again visible. For the past two years it was covered in scaffolding because of renovation. There is still a small part in the back that is still undergoing construction though. This fall the work should be completed. The famous Phoenix Hall is the main attraction and inside is a statue of Amitabha Tathagata, by the renowned sculptor Jōchō. It dates back to 1053 and is made of wood covered with gold leaf, reaching a height of almost 3 meters. You can still see the Raigō paintings on the wooden doors of the Phoenix Hall, depicting the Descent of the Amida Buddha. They were painted by Tamenari Takuma.

Hugo Kempeneer @hugo.kempeneer

I was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and enjoyed my teenage years during the peak of the "Flower Power Hippie" generation. I hitchhiked through Europe, living on a beach south of Agadir, Morocco for some time to learn English. Aside from Japan, I have lived in Indonesia, the Philippines, South Kore...