Byōdō-in in Uji, near Kyoto

Today, I'm sharing a few pictures from my last trip to Kyoto, which was about two years ago. It was my fifth time there, and since I was with my parents, we mostly did touristy things.

This time was very different from my previous visit to the city. Japan’s borders had reopened, and the tourists were back with a vengeance. I didn't really want to go to Kyoto because of that, but I indulged my parents because it was most likely their final trip to Japan (they're now too old for such a big trip).

However, foreign tourists tend to flock to the same spots, and some lesser-known places remain enjoyable.

One of those places is Byōdō-in.

Located in Uji, on the outskirts of Kyoto (on the way to Nara), this temple dates from the Heian period, roughly one thousand years ago when Kyoto became the capital of Japan and traditional Japanese culture rose to prominence. It is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which Japanese people are always very proud of.

I won't describe the place in detail; I advise you to visit the Wikipedia page or the official website instead. Just know that, while it's not that famous abroad, it's a big deal in Japan. In fact, it's depicted on the 10 yen coin. Not many landmarks are depicted on Japanese coins — Byōdō-in is the only one.

It was harder than I thought to focus on both the coin and the temple (at least with my phone’s camera. I was traveling light). Also, my nail was a bit dirty. Whoops! I put it online anyway. Oh well.It was harder than I thought to focus on both the coin and the temple (at least with my phone’s camera. I was traveling light). Also, my nail was a bit dirty. Whoops! I put it online anyway. Oh well.

In addition to the main hall and a few other buildings, the temple has an interesting museum full of historical artifacts. (No pictures are allowed inside.)

There is also a bridge near Byōdō-in. Although it has been rebuilt many times, it is considered very ancient because it is mentioned in The Tale of Genji, one of the oldest known works of fiction in Japan and one of the oldest novels in the world.

In other words, it's a very interesting place. While it's not empty by any means, it's also a nice break from the overtourism that is unfortunately prevalent in Kyoto nowadays.

As always, thanks for reading, and if you liked this post, please share it with your contacts and loved ones.

Best,

David