Travel in Kyoto
Byodoin
Byodoin · 平等院
Visit Byodoin in Uji to walk around the pond and see Phoenix Hall. View the hall from the garden, then explore cultural exhibits inside Hoshokan.
Official Byodoin visitor information Sources Official Byodoin access map
Visitor information
Admission
Individual garden and Hoshokan admission is ¥700 for adults, ¥400 for junior high and high school students, and ¥300 for elementary school students. Phoenix Hall interior viewing costs a separate ¥300 and uses same-day first-come reception.
Opening hours
The garden opens 8:45 AM–5:30 PM, with reception until 5:15 PM. Hoshokan opens 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with reception until 4:45 PM. Phoenix Hall interior viewing runs 9:30 AM–4:10 PM, with same-day first-come reception from 9:10 AM. The garden and Hoshokan are listed as open year-round.
What to see at Byodoin
Phoenix Hall across the pond
Walk through the garden to see Phoenix Hall's exterior across the pond. You can enjoy this view without entering the hall.
Byodoin pond, Phoenix Hall, and Hoshokan Museum Official Byodoin visitor information
Hoshokan's cultural exhibits after the garden
Explore cultural exhibits in Hoshokan. The museum and garden are included in basic admission, so you can continue to the exhibits after seeing Phoenix Hall's exterior.
Byodoin pond, Phoenix Hall, and Hoshokan Museum Official Byodoin visitor information
How to get to Byodoin
Walk to Byodoin from either JR Uji or Keihan Uji Station. Official guidance lists about 10 minutes from each. These are different stations with different river-crossing routes, so use the official access map for your chosen station.
Official Byodoin access map Official Byodoin visitor information Summer operating exceptions Changes from October 16
Visit tips
For the Phoenix Hall interior, use same-day reception
Interior reception is first come, first served on the day. If it closes early, you cannot view the interior, so check reception on site first if this is a priority. Religious services and events can also suspend interior viewing.
Interior capacity and sessions depend on the date
The basic visitor guide lists sessions every 20 minutes with 50 people each, but separate dated notices change this. From June 16 to October 15, 2026, sessions hold 30 people, and the 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM sessions are suspended. From October 16, 2026, capacity is 35 per session. These conditions apply to Phoenix Hall interior viewing, not garden entry capacity. Check both the basic guide and changes for your visit date.
Official Byodoin visitor information Summer operating exceptions Changes from October 16
Questions about Byodoin
Can I reserve the Phoenix Hall interior in advance?
There is no advance reservation; same-day first-come reception starts at 9:10 AM. Interior viewing costs ¥300 beyond the basic ticket. Reception can close early, so leave time to wait for a viewing session too.
Official Byodoin visitor information Summer operating exceptions Changes from October 16
Sources
- Official Byodoin visitor information ·
- Sources ·
- Official Byodoin access map ·
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- Summer operating exceptions ·
- Changes from October 16 ·
- Byodoin pond, Phoenix Hall, and Hoshokan Museum ·
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