自転車で平等院へByodoin Temple, in Uji, is one of Japan's best known temples.
It was first built in 998 C.E. as a rural villa for Fujiwara no Michinaga, a member of the Fujiwara clan.
Byodoin was converted, in 1052, to a Buddhist temple.
In the past, Uji was a a bit like the Hamptons: a retreat away from the big city for the super rich.
The temple's most famous building, the Phoenix Hall, was built in 1053, and is the only original structure left. The others were destroyed during a civil war.
The grounds are fairly small, but the gardens are quite simple and beautiful.
In addition, the Byodoin museum has on display many of the temple's treasures.
In December 1994, UNESCO listed the temple as a World Heritage Site.
Cycling to Uji from Kyoto takes about 90 minutes, two hours if you go slow and or take breaks. Two routes are possible: along the Katsura River, then via Fushimi and Route 7; or, alternatively, going south by Tofukuji Temple and Fushimi Inari on Route 24 to Route 7.
Except for a stretch from Rokujizo heading south towards Uji, the riding is mostly good and safe. South of Rokujizo, there are places where there is no sidewalk.
Information
Byodoin Temple
Daily 9 am - 5 pm (to 4 pm in winter)
116 Uji Renge, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021
Tel: 0774 21 2861
Admission to the grounds: 600 yen; 500 yen more for admission to Phoenix Hall
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