In Japan, the mythical Phoenix was adopted as a symbol of the imperial family. This mythical bird represents fire, sun, justice, obedience, and loyalty. It symbolizes rebirth and triumph, as well as the renewal of self. Where can you meet it? Time to go to Uji.
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| Phoenix Hall - the main building of Byōdō-in Temple in Uji |
Byōdō-in Hoodo is a 15-minute walk from Uji JR Station. We move through the narrow streets with shops and restaurants, where you should look around and stop to admire the Japanese approach to beauty or order.
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| On the way to Byōdō-in Temple |
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| On the way to Byōdō-in Temple |
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| On the way to Byōdō-in Temple |
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| On the way to Byōdō-in Temple |
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| On the way to Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Byōdō-in Temple and school trips |
The main attraction of the Byōdō-in temple complex is the Phoenix Hall (Hoodo). The Phoenix Hall depicts the mythical Chinese Phoenix (Hoo) descending to the ground, with the central hall as a bird's body, side corridors, wings and tail represented by the back corridor. The mythical phoenix motif comes from China, and the bird was considered the protector of Buddha. The significance of Byōdō-in Hoodo in Japan is demonstrated by his Phoenix Hall on the reverse of the Japanese 10 yen coin.
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| 10 yen coin with Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
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| Phoenix Hall |
Byōdō-in Hoodo is not the only attraction of the complex. It's worth walking around here and seeing all the buildings like Kannon-do Hall, Saisyo-in Temple, Byodoin Museum Hoshokan, Jōdo-in Temple, Rakan-do Hall, and Fudo-do Hall.
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| Kannon-do Hall |
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| Kannon-do Hall |
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| Saisyo-in Temple |
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| Byodoin Museum Hoshokan |
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| Jōdo-in Temple |
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| Jōdo-in Temple |
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| Jōdo-in Temple |
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| Rakan-do Hall |
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| Fudo-do Hall |
Yorimasa during the war Genpei commanded Minamoto forces defending Byōdō-in. Unfortunately, the opponent managed to break through the defense and seize the temple. Suffering from failure at Uji, he committed suicide in Byōdō-in. The ritual suicide of Minamoto no Yorimasa by seppuku may be the earliest recorded suicide in the face of failure.
According to legend, after his death, the servant took Yorimasa's head to prevent her from falling into the hands of Tairi. Then he attached it to a rock and threw it into the Uji River so that it could not be found.
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| Grave of Minamoto no Yorimasa |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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| Around Byōdō-in Temple |
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