Byodo-In Temple
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4.5(967)yelp
Historic BuildingFolk CulturePhoto SpotSlow-Paced
Overview
Byōdō-in (平等院, "Temple of Equality") is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, built in the late Heian period. It is jointly a temple of the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) and Tendai-shū (Heavenly Level) sects.
Practical Info
Mon8:30 AM – 4:30PM
Tue8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sun8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeA beautiful zen escape year-round, but arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening from May to September is extraordinary. This stunning replica of the Kyoto temple is built entirely without nails at the base of the fluted Koʻolau cliffs. Morning sun rays cut through valley mists, lighting the vermilion temple columns and koi ponds.
Getting ThereNestled deep within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park at 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe. Private transport is required; drive HI-83 north and pass the grand memorial park gates, following internal winding lanes to the temple. The cultural site incorporates a free paved guest lot; a small cash entry fee applies.
Travel Tips
- The Japanese Buddhist temple is located deep within the private grounds of the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park; drivers entering the cemetery gates must drop speeds below 15 mph and strictly avoid sounding horns or playing loud audio.
- Operating as a private cultural heritage monument, this shrine does not recognize NPS America the Beautiful interagency passes; admission fees must be settled independently at the entry kiosk via electronic credit/debit card transactions.
- The historic bon-sho bronze bell allows public striking, but religious code dictates it must be struck exactly once with the wooden ram prior to stepping into the main Buddha hall; striking it multiple times or post-visitation is an absolute taboo.
Reviews
Positive
- The wooden red temple against the dramatic cliffs of the Ko'olau Range looks like a serene Eastern painting, living up to its name.
- The grounds are perfectly managed; the koi ponds, Japanese gardens, and ringing the massive Peace Bell offer a fun, zen experience.
- Tickets cost just a few dollars, including spotless restrooms, flat accessible walkways, and bamboo rest areas for meditation.
- It stays far from Waikiki's noisy commercialism, offering clean air, moderate crowds, and a serene atmosphere rare in Hawaii.
Heads up
- The temple is located inside a massive private cemetery, which might make some culturally sensitive tourists feel uncomfortable.
- If not driving, taking public transit from downtown Honolulu requires multiple bus transfers and a long walk, offering poor access.
- The internal size is very small; excluding the golden Buddha and tiny gift shop, it takes 30 minutes to finish, offering low depth.
- The signs from the main highway to the lot lack clear multilingual prompts, making it easy for first-time international drivers to miss.