Byōdō-in in Uji is one of Japan's most celebrated architectural and garden masterpieces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1052. In autumn, the garden's Japanese maples and zelkova trees turn crimson and gold, their reflections doubling the spectacle in the Aji-ike pond that surrounds the Phoenix Hall. The adjacent Byōdō-in Museum Hoshokan houses original National Treasure phoenix sculptures and temple bell in a climate-controlled gallery. The historic town of Uji, famous for matcha tea, provides a perfect half-day extension.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid to Late November
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Kyoto
- City
- Uji
Highlights
- ◆UNESCO World Heritage Phoenix Hall reflected in autumn foliage colours
- ◆National Treasure sculptures in the Hoshokan museum
- ◆Mirror-pond reflections of crimson maples and vermillion architecture
- ◆Historic Uji tea town for matcha experiences nearby
- ◆Beautifully maintained Fujiwara-period garden landscape