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Japan/Things to Do in Kyoto, solo trip

Byodoin (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Byodoin?

89%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 89% Solo-Friendly: A solo adult can explore Phoenix Hall, museum, and ponds at own pace; multilingual audio app and quiet grounds offer deep cultural immersion with minimal logistics barriers.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 20,311 reviews)
Uji: 20 Mins from Kyoto, Off the Beaten Path Day Trip!  ⛩️🍵 Byodoin Temple & Matcha Snacks 💚
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Uji: 20 Mins from Kyoto, Off the Beaten Path Day Trip! ⛩️🍵 Byodoin Temple & Matcha Snacks 💚
16.3K views • 1 year ago
uji vlog 🇯🇵 a healing day trip from kyoto, byodoin temple, uji river, land of matcha 🍵
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uji vlog 🇯🇵 a healing day trip from kyoto, byodoin temple, uji river, land of matcha 🍵
13.5K views • 2 years ago
เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น Uji, Kyoto เมืองแห่งมัชฉะ เที่ยววัด Byodoin ชมดอกซากุระ full bloom
10 min
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เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น Uji, Kyoto เมืองแห่งมัชฉะ เที่ยววัด Byodoin ชมดอกซากุระ full bloom
7.2K views • 2 years ago
UJI DAY TRIP FROM KYOTO (Eating matcha noodles, matcha grinding, Byodoin Temple) | Japan Diaries
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UJI DAY TRIP FROM KYOTO (Eating matcha noodles, matcha grinding, Byodoin Temple) | Japan Diaries
4.2K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Solo-Friendly Layout: Self-guided routes and audio guide let you explore at your own pace without a group.
  • Quiet Reflection Spots: Find benches near the temple bell or Kannondo Hall for private meditation.

Challenges:

  • Limited English Signage: Signage in the gardens may lack English; rely on the audio guide and brochure.
  • Gravel Paths: Garden paths are gravel; wear comfortable shoes and watch for uneven surfaces.
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What is Byodoin?

  • A Heian-period Buddhist temple complex in Uji, Kyoto, exemplifying Pure Land garden design
  • The Phoenix Hall, completed in 1053, houses a revered Amida Nyorai statue and holds National Treasure status
  • Surviving structures—the Phoenix Hall, Kannon-do, and bell tower—stand within a reflective pond garden inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

What is so special about Byodoin for solo trip?

  1. Use the free audio guide app for self-paced insight
  2. Join the small-group interior tour of Phoenix Hall
  3. Discover underground National Treasures in Hoshokan Museum
  4. Capture sunrise reflections of the hall in Aji Pond
  5. Relax with Uji matcha and sweets at Sabo Toka

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for self-guided audio tour, Phoenix Hall interior visit, museum exploration and a tea break.

(View Byodoin on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Byodoin

Official Audio Guide App:

Download the free app for VR, videos and audio commentary on Phoenix Hall and the garden.

Tip: Connect to Wi-Fi at reception to download before walking the grounds.

Phoenix Hall Interior Tour:

Join the 20-minute guided visit inside Phoenix Hall to see the Amida Buddha statue.

Tip: Book your ¥300 ticket immediately after entry; tours fill by midday.

Hoshokan Museum Galleries:

Explore underground galleries housing National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

Tip: Visit first to avoid narrow-gallery congestion later in your visit.

Photograph Hall Reflection:

Capture Phoenix Hall mirrored in the Aji Pond near the central bank.

Tip: Frame the shot from the south edge of the pond at early morning light.

Tea at Sabo Toka:

Sample Uji Matcha or Gyokuro with traditional sweets at the tea room.

Tip: Reserve seating at reception if you visit on weekends; matcha 800 ¥.

When is the best time to visit Byodoin (Kyoto, Japan)?

Spring (late Mar–early Apr): Cherry blossoms frame the pond, visit at 9 AM to avoid peak crowds. Summer (Jun–Jul): Lotuses bloom, check morning opening for cooler light. Autumn (Nov): Maple leaves turn bright red around the gardens.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Kyoto on Trip.com

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Reviews of Byodoin (Kyoto)

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Duy Tran

Duy Tran

Jun 2025

The temple was very pretty, and because the fact it was in the cherry blossom people there was nothing else that beautiful around. The ancient buddha statue inside of the temple is actually very cool. Near the temple is a lot of (mostly ice cream and dessert) shops, so I got some pretty good snacks.

X Pan

X Pan

Jun 2025

Byodoin is a stunning place to visit, even on a cloudy day. In fact, the overcast weather made the small pond look especially calm and reflective, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The main temple building is beautifully preserved and looks majestic from across the water—definitely a great spot for photos. The Phoenix Hall is iconic, but honestly, entering it might not be necessary unless you're...

Daniel Toeuk

Daniel Toeuk

May 2025

Nice place to visit, just be aware that there is a 700 yen entry fee and there is an additional fee if you want to see inside the temple (didn't go in, so can't tell you what the price is). There is a small museum, honestly not the best, as there were essentially no English translations, so I was not even sure what I was looking at. The grounds itself were very well maintained, and it is worth v...

Pandu Muhammad

Pandu Muhammad

May 2025

Such well-maintained temple with a picturesque architecture. The reflections on the water adds dramatic effect. There are beautiful patches of wisteria flowers in the temple complex, drawing in quite the crowd. Walking around the temple complex is serene. There are traditional old houses with well-kept gardens you can enjoy. Walking towards and from this temple is also an experience in itself b...

Zainuri Hanif

Zainuri Hanif

Apr 2025

Visiting Byodoin Temple in Uji was one of the most memorable highlights of my trip to Japan. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a breathtaking blend of architectural elegance, natural beauty, and deep historical significance. The iconic Phoenix Hall, with its brilliant vermilion color and graceful symmetry, appears to float above a serene pond. Its reflection in the still water creates a post...

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Standard admissionJPY 700
Phoenix Hall interior tourJPY 300
Matcha tea at Sabo TokaJPY 800
Total EstimatedJPY 1,800

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Byodoin

  1. Arrive at Opening: Enter at 9 AM to beat crowds at Phoenix Hall and photo spots.
  2. Ticket Purchase: Buy the combined garden and museum ticket (¥700) at the main gate to skip later lines.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Kyoto attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Byodoin

Address: Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan

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About Byodoin

Opening Hours

Monday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday:8:45 AM – 5:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 774-21-2861

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