Originally named Amida Hall, from the statue of Amida Buddha taht is enshrined on the main shrine, the building of Byodo-in in Uji is well know today as the Phoenix Hall.

The name comes from the fact that the four components of the building, the central hall and the 3 corridors are forming the image of a bird with spread wings.

And since there are two sculptures representing phoenixes on the roof of the central hall, the entire construction became known as Hoo-do, Phoenix Hall.

Phoenix Hall, Byodo-in, Uji, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Otedama, traditional Japanese children game