Travel in Kyoto
Byodoin
Byodoin · 平等院
Visit Byodoin for pond-side walks and Phoenix Hall views. See the hall from the garden, then cultural treasures at Hoshokan.
Byodoin official viewing information Official sources Byodoin official access map
Visitor information
Admission
Individual garden/Hoshokan admission: adults 700 yen, junior/senior high school pupils 400 yen, elementary pupils 300 yen. Phoenix Hall interior costs 300 yen separately, with first-come same-day admission.
Opening hours
Garden 08:45–17:30, last admission 17:15; Hoshokan 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:45. Phoenix Hall interior viewing 09:30–16:10, with first-come same-day admission from 09:10. Garden/Hoshokan are listed as open year-round.
What to see at Byodoin
Phoenix Hall across the pond
Walk the garden for Phoenix Hall exterior views across the pond. You can appreciate the hall without entering it.
Byodoin pond, Phoenix Hall and Hoshokan Byodoin official viewing information
Hoshokan cultural treasures after the garden
Hoshokan exhibitions are included with the garden in basic admission. Continue to them after viewing Phoenix Hall outside.
Byodoin pond, Phoenix Hall and Hoshokan Byodoin official viewing information
How to get to Byodoin
Walk from JR Uji or Keihan Uji to Byodoin. Both are listed at about 10 minutes, but these are different stations with different river-crossing routes. Use the official map for your arrival station.
Byodoin official access map Byodoin official viewing information Summer operating exceptions Changes from 16 October
Before you visit
Apply on the day for Phoenix Hall interior viewing
Interior admission is first come on the day and can end early. Check availability on site first if interested. Religious services/events can suspend viewing.
Date-specific interior capacities and sessions
Basic guidance lists sessions every 20 minutes for 50 people, with separate date-specific changes. From 16 June–15 October 2026, capacity is 30; 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 sessions do not run. From 16 October 2026, capacity is 35. These concern interior viewing, not garden capacity. Check basic guidance and date-specific changes together.
Byodoin official viewing information Summer operating exceptions Changes from 16 October
Questions about Byodoin
Can I reserve Phoenix Hall interior viewing in advance?
No. Admission is first come on your visit day from 09:10 and costs 300 yen separately from basic admission. It can end early; allow waiting time for viewing.
Byodoin official viewing information Summer operating exceptions Changes from 16 October
Official sources
- Byodoin official viewing information ·
- Official sources ·
- Byodoin official access map ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Summer operating exceptions ·
- Changes from 16 October ·
- Byodoin pond, Phoenix Hall and Hoshokan ·
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