* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Kansai
Byodoin Museum Hoshokan
平等院鳳翔館
Overview
The museum of Byodoin Temple (World Heritage, National Treasure), housing the Buddhist art treasures of the renowned Phoenix Hall. The collection includes Important Cultural Property votive swords and sword fittings dedicated by Heian nobles and warriors, representing some of the earliest surviving examples of Japanese sword mountings. The primary focus is the extraordinary set of 26 National Treasure 'Cloud Bodhisattva' sculptures from the Phoenix Hall. Essential for understanding the intersection of Heian court culture, Buddhism, and early sword aesthetics.
Highlights
- Twenty-six National Treasure wooden Bodhisattva statues of cloud-dwelling attendants—serving Amida Buddha in Phoenix Hall. Their delicate carvings depicting musicians in the clouds rank internationally as the highest masterpiece of Heian Buddhist sculpture.
- Integrated viewing of Phoenix Hall—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure built in 1053, renowned for its design on Japan's 10-yen coin. Combined with Houoshokan Museum's treasures displayed in state-of-the-art conservation, providing a comprehensive panorama of Heian culture.
- Combined with Ujigami Shrine and the Tale of Genji Museum—deepen your encounter with Heian culture through a one-day Uji tour linking Japan's oldest existing shrine architecture (UNESCO World Heritage) with the setting of the "Uji Chapters" from The Tale of Genji.
- Twenty minutes from Kyoto Station, blending matcha heritage with Uji tea culture—birthplace of premium matcha. After your visit, savor matcha and Uji confections at a centuries-old teahouse for an unparalleled cultural indulgence.
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.