Renovations at Uji Temple Kyoto

鳳凰堂、平安の姿に　平等院が塗装色や瓦変更へ

Uji's Byodoin Temple is undergoing a face lift, its first in 60 years.

The temple is going to be restored to its Heian Period glory, in the hopes of making it look as it did when it was first built 900 years ago.

To do so, the walls are going to be made redder, and the tiles on the roof replaced.

The work continues until April 2014, and when complete should resemble the top photo. Below that is the Phoenix Hall prior to the beginning of renovation work.

Part of the work will use red lead from the previous renovations, which took place from 1950 - 1957. In addition, to achieve a red earth color iron oxide powder and ochre will be mixed.

On the roof, 90% of the 45,000 tiles will be replaced.

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

Photo©Kyoto Shinbun


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Byodoin Temple Uji Kyoto Wisteria Gets a Haircut

平等院の藤棚、集中治療　２年後再生へ

The 270-year-old wisteria on the grounds of Byodoin Temple in Uji, which is south of Kyoto, got a haircut.

In part, the work was to improve the health of the plant and is taking place as renovations are being undertaken on the main hall of Byodoin.

In good years, as many as 1,500 buds come into bloom.

In recent years, though, the tree has begun to show its age.

Hopefully, 90% of those blossoms will revive in future years.

Cycling from downtown Kyoto to Uji will take 90 minutes to two hours.

Photo © Kyoto Shinbun

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Kyoto News Byodoin Temple Phoenix Hall Repair Work to Start in September

京都宇治平等院鳳凰（ほうおう）堂の修理を9月に始める

South of Kyoto, in Uji, is the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple.

Byodoin was first constructed in 998 CE as the rural villa of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Like many other such villas, it was later converted to a temple.

In this case, Fujiwara no Yorimichi did so in 1052.

Its best known building is the Phoenix Hall. It was constructed 1053, and is the only remaining original building.

That building will be closed for repairs starting September. The work will last a year and a half, and during that time, the fabled hall will not just be closed to the public but sheathed in a protective sheet.

The ride from Kyoto to Uji takes from 90 minutes to two hours.

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Cycling Byodoin Temple Uji Kyoto

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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