Kyoto, Japan
It was my third time visiting this town located south of Kyoto well known for its green tea.
Just a train ride away from Kyoto, Uji is a must-visit for any visitor to Kyoto.
Located in Uji is the Ujigami Jinja, an ancient Shinto shrine.
Some believed it is the oldest in Japan.
The temple was originally built as a guardian shrine for the Byodo-in.
The Byodo-in 平等院 ,was built in 998 AD during the Heian period. The temple is a well-known national icon as it is featured on the 10 Yen coin.
Originally a private residence, the Byodo-in’s role changed in 1052 was converted into a temple by a member of the Fujiwara Clan.
Upon entry to the Byodo-in (600 Yen, 0830 – 1730), the first feature of the temple comes into a plan, one of the few existing examples of Japanese Pure Land Gardens.
The entire scenic area surrounding the temple was a representation of the Western Paradise on earth.
In the center of all these, is the famous Phoenix Hall, one of the few surviving and exemplary pieces of Heian architecture. The hall was built with the sole purpose of housing the Amida Buddha image and the roofs were adorned with bronze phoenixes. The hall cost an additional 300 Yen to enter.
Another feature of the temple is the Byodo-in Museum Hoshokan built into the terrain.
Designed by Akira Kuryu as an abstract representation of Byodoin’s main hall, the building blends into the landscape in order to achieve a harmony between the historical landscape of the Byodo-in and the contemporary architecture of the museum.
The museum houses a number of national treasures such as the Byodo-in Temple Bell, one of the most in Japan for its unconventional design during its time.
Equally mesmerizing is the 52 beautifully crafted wooden Worshiping Bodhisattvas on Clouds.
Photography is not allowed in the museum, which is a pity.
While in Uji, how can you not indulge in some tea? I dropped by Kanbayashi 三星園 上林三入本店 for a snack.
I had a Uji Kangetsu (650 Yen), vanilla ice cream topped with matcha powder and served with mocha and azuki beans as well as a cup of fine tea.
The matcha go very well with the vanilla ice cream but I was hoping for a matcha ice cream.
A snack I enjoyed very much during a hot weather.
The town of Uji is also very well-known for its link with the world’s oldest novel, the Tale of Genji.
FROM KYOTO STATION : Uji is easily accessible via train from Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, you could take the JR train to Uji on the Nara line. The ride takes about half an hour and cost 230 Yen.
FROM KEIHAN LINE (GION/DEMACHIYANAGI/ SANJO) : Alternatively, if you do not stay around Kyoto Station, you could take a train from Demachiyanagi, Gion-Shijo, Sanjo or Shichijo on the Keihan Main Line. Then transit at Chushojima and take a train to Uji on the Keihan Uji Line. The train ride takes about 26-30 minutes and cost 300 Yen.
Compared to the JR station in Uji, the Uji Keihan Train Station has more character.
The building was designed by Wakabayashi Hiroyuki, the designer of the Rapi:t express train that links Osaka Namba Station with Kansai International Airport.
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