The many different faces of the Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂) of Byōdō-in (平等院): A World heritage Site in Uji City, Kyoto. If you look closer, in the center of the Phoenix Hall you can still see one of the Raigō paintings on the wooden door of the Phoenix Hall, depicting the Descent of the Amida Buddha. They were painted by Tamenari Takuma in the 11th century. They are an early example of Yamato-e, Japanese-style painting, and contain representations of the scenery around Kyoto.of the 11th century (Photo: Hugo Kempeneer)

The Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in

A World Heritage Site in Uji City, Kyoto

Hugo Kempeneer   - 1 min read

Since March of this year, the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in, was once again visible. For the past two years it was covered in scaffolding because of renovation. There is still a small part in the back that is still undergoing construction though. This fall the work should be completed. The famous Phoenix Hall is the main attraction and inside is a statue of Amitabha Tathagata, by the renowned sculptor Jōchō. It dates back to 1053 and is made of wood covered with gold leaf, reaching a height of almost 3 meters. You can still see the Raigō paintings on the wooden doors of the Phoenix Hall, depicting the Descent of the Amida Buddha. They were painted by Tamenari Takuma.

Hugo Kempeneer

Hugo Kempeneer @hugo.kempeneer

I was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and enjoyed my teenage years during the peak of the "Flower Power Hippie" generation. I hitchhiked through Europe, living on a beach south of Agadir, Morocco for some time to learn English. Aside from Japan, I have lived in Indonesia, the Philippines, South Kore...