Overview
Founded in 1052 when Fujiwara no Yorimichi converted his father Michinaga's villa into a temple, Byodo-in exemplifies Heian-era Pure Land Buddhist architecture. The Phoenix Hall, built over a pond, is famously depicted on the back of the Japanese 10-yen coin, while its rooftop phoenix statues once appeared on the 10,000-yen note. Inside, the seated Amida Nyorai statue and 52 cloud-riding bodhisattva statues are National Treasures. Located in Uji, about 30 minutes south of central Kyoto, it pairs well with exploring Uji's matcha culture. Garden admission JPY 600. A 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station.
Travel Tips
Viewing inside the Phoenix Hall requires a separate timed ticket, sold first-come first-served. Also visit Uji Bridge and the Nakamura Tokichi matcha cafe nearby.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Kyoto, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Kyoto on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Kyoto with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Kyoto 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Byodo-in
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
A mystical shrine famed for its endless tunnels of vermilion torii gates.
📍 9.3km away
Sanjusangen-do
Japan's longest wooden building, lined with 1,001 gilded statues of the thousand-armed Kannon.
📍 11.5km away
Kyoto Tower
A 131m observation tower rising above Kyoto Station, uniquely designed to resemble a lighthouse.
📍 11.7km away
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage temple with a breathtaking 13m wooden stage overlooking Kyoto.
📍 12.0km away
Nishiki Market
Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', a 400-year-old narrow arcade with around 130 specialty shops.
📍 13.5km away
Nanzen-ji
The highest-ranked Zen temple in Japan, famous for its striking red-brick aqueduct.
📍 13.7km away
Ryoan-ji Temple
Zen temple home to the world's most famous karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden.
📍 18.2km away
Things to Do in Kyoto
Kimono Walk in Gion
Rent a kimono and stroll Gion and Yasaka Shrine. Rental about JPY 3,000-6,000
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Rickshaw
Rickshaw tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and surroundings. From JPY 9,000/30min for 2
Fushimi Inari Night Hike
Walk through thousands of torii gates at night for a mystical atmosphere. Free, open 24 hours