History:

is a temple of the Myōshinji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. Located in Heian-kyō (Kyoto), it was originally built in 779 in order to calm the troubled spirit of Prince Shōtoku and has since undergone multiple reconstructions and renovations. Its main hall dates to the late 17th century, and is the oldest surviving Zen temple structure in Kyoto. It is nationally designated as an Important Cultural Property. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Byōdō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. 2. It was founded in 998 and is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai. 3. Byōdō-ji is closely associated with the Fujiwara family and it is said that the temple was founded by Fujiwara no Michinaga. 4. Byōdō-ji is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its temple bell, which is usually tolled at noon each day. 5. The main hall of the temple is the Phoenix Hall, a wooden replica of the Phoenix Hall at the temple of Chūson-ji in Hiraizumi. 6. Byōdō-ji is also home to several ancient Buddhist statues. 7. Each year, the temple plays host to a few festivals, including the Tenbō-mairi festival in April and The Festival of the White Monkeys in October. 8. The temple is one of the oldest surviving examples of architecture in Japan and is often described as the “Paradise of the Phoenix”. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

The Byōdō-ji in Japan is a Buddhist temple complex that preserves and practices the rituals of traditional Buddhism. The temple is located in the city of Uji in southeastern Kyoto. The complex is divided into two parts: an inner and an outer precinct. The inner precinct is the main area of worship and contains the main hall, the Inner Hall of the Most Honorable Shrine for Meditation, and the Amitabha Hall. The wooden structure of the mostly single-storied building is known as the Shōsōin, or Divine Storehouse. It is dedicated to the deified Amida Buddha and contains many items including antiques, sacred Buddhist objects, and paintings. The outer precinct is the larger area and contains numerous religious structures including a five-storied pagoda, three separate temples, a lecture hall, and a bell tower. There is also an artificial pond called Byōdō-in, which symbolises the Pure Land of the Amida Buddha and serves to collect the prayers of devotees. Worship at Byōdō-ji usually begins with the chanting of sutras, recitations of blessings, and a short service within the temple complex. Devotees offer flowers, incense, and food as offerings, with prayers aimed at invoking Amida Buddha and his guidance. Other rituals may include bowing, circumambulating the structure, burning paper talismans, and offering drinks to the Amida Buddha. Devotees may also take part in an annual festival known as Byōdō-ji Festival, which is held on the last Sunday of May. The festival typically consists of chanting, a procession, and various events and activities. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Byōdō-ji is open from 8am to 5pm daily. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Byōdō-ji is located near the town of Uji in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The easiest way to reach the Byōdō-ji temple is by taking a train from Kyoto Station. Take the JR Nara Line bound for Uji Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs about 240 JPY (2 USD). From Uji Station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the temple. Alternately, you can take a bus or taxi if you’d like. famous temples in Japan