Not just matcha! Experience the blooming early summer in Uji.
When it comes to Uji in Kyoto, people first think of matcha. Although it is known as the world-famous hometown of matcha, in fact, Uji's charm is not only matcha.
⭕The Byodo-in Temple, built in the 11th century, was named a "World Cultural Heritage" for its well-preserved architecture, paintings, crafts, and sculpture art. The most important building is the Phoenix Hall, which enshrines the Amitabha Buddha and 52 bodhisattva statues in the clouds. The design on the back of the 10 yen coin is the Phoenix Hall, while the design on the back of the 10,000 yen note is the golden bronze phoenix statue set at the north and south ends of the central hall roof. In addition, there is a museum called the "Ho-o-do Museum" that specializes in exhibiting cultural relics of the Byodo-in Temple.
⭕Every year in mid-to-late April, the wisteria flowers in the grounds of Byodoin Temple bloom. In the gentle morning breeze, the light and shadow sway, exuding a romantic early summer atmosphere.
⭕Coming out of Byodoin Temple, continue along the Uji River to reach Uji Shrine and Uji Shrine. These two shrines have cute 🐰 figures everywhere. It is said that when the prince Tadamitsu Wakairatsuko (うじのわきいらつこ), who was one of the gods, moved to Uji, he unfortunately got lost, but fortunately met a white rabbit who showed him the way. This white rabbit was regarded as a messenger sent by the gods to guide people towards the right path. It is worth mentioning that Uji Shrine is the oldest surviving shrine in Japan.
⭕Continue forward from the shrine and you will arrive at Fudesan (Daijisan). ⛰️Not very high, with an altitude of only 131 meters, it is very suitable for hiking. The surrounding environment is lush with vegetation, and from the observation deck you can overlook the entire city of Uji.
🚞Transportation:
Departing from Osaka: Take the Keihan Uji Line and get off at Uji Station.
Depart from Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line and get off at Uji Station.
The Equality Academy Museum Fengxiang Hall is a walk away. The World Cultural Heritage Equality Academy is worth seeing, and photography is not allowed inside. The Equality Academy is on the ten yuan coin, and the Phoenix on the 10,000 yen is the Phoenix of the Equality Academy. Worth a look ~
The solemn place Japanese coin copper plate is printed. The museum in the equality courtyard is also very interesting. But no one takes pictures in the museum. I don’t know if I can’t take pictures. So I didn’t take pictures of the collection in the museum, but the photo can’t be taken outside. The maintenance is very good. It’s really beautiful.
Founded in 1052, the Equality Park is a temple garden in the Ping An era of Japan. It is near the Uji River and far from the Asahi Mountain. The scenery inside and outside the garden is excellent. The buildings in the original temple were mostly destroyed due to the fighting. Now there are Fenghuangtang, Guanyintang and Bell Tower. The Phoenix Hall is a pure land palace depicted in the Buddhist scriptures as a prototype, with a beautiful and light architectural style, and was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. Fenghuangtang is dedicated to Amituo as a Buddha, formerly known as Amituotang, because there is a pair of gilded phoenix symbolizing nobleness on the roof of the temple, and the Edo era was renamed Phoenixtang. The hospital has a museum displaying the national treasures of the hospital, Fengxiang Hall, in addition to Fanzhong, Fenghuang, and Yunzhong to support Bodhisattva (26 Zun), as well as the sculptures of the Ping An era headed by the 11th Guanyin statue.
I recommend everyone to go in early in the morning. The first batch can see the unmanned equality hospital. It is really beautiful.
Very interesting place worth visiting haha
I will regret not coming. Hahaha... There was a lot of food along the way. I bought Ito's strawberries and mocha chocolate. I ate Mocha buckwheat noodles and brought Dafu fruit. Haha ha ha ha.... First I bought tickets and waited until the visit time. After eating and shopping, I bought a pile of souvenirs and books (it's so beautiful) and returned home full of them. Buy, eat and eat along the way... Ha ha ha