Beautiful springtime views of purple wisteria at the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple is a World Heritage Site in Uji, Kyoto. It is known for its wisteria flowers. During peak viewing season, the purple wisteria hang low to create curtains. Through the gently swaying wisteria, you can see the Hoodo building that was built in the Heian period (794-1185). As you walk through the fresh greenery marking the beginning of a warmer season, enjoy the beautiful spring colors that you can only see during this time of year.

Byodoin Temple was built during the Heian period to represent paradise. The Hoodo building is depicted on the 10 yen coin, and it is a historical structure that is important in Japan. You can go inside to see a special figure and decorations on the walls and ceiling. To go inside, you need to get a ticket on the day-of, and there are limited tickets, so be sure to visit early. During the spring, the wisteria are in full bloom, and you can see them reflected in the garden pond. It’s a magical sight. Surround yourself with the history of the World Heritage sight and the scent of purple wisteria, and enjoy spring in Japan to the fullest.
Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Going inside buildings 9:30 AM – 4:10 PM (First come first served) |
Address | Renge-116, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
Access | 10-min. walk from Uji Station on the JR Nara Line / 15-min. walk from Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Line for Yodoyabashi, ride to Chushojima Station. Transfer to the Keihan Uji Line and ride to Uji Station. Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From Sanjo Station on the Keihan Line for Yodoyabashi, ride to Chushojima Station. Transfer to the Keihan Uji Line and ride to Uji Station. |
URL | https://www.byodoin.or.jp/en/ |
Base of this trip
Hotel Tavinos Kyoto
3-min walk from Shimizu-Gojo station on the Keihan line/7-min walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma line/10-min walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto line
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
5-min walk from Kyotoshiyakushomae station on the Tozai line