Byōdō-in Temple in Uji is open in slightly different time blocks depending on what you want to see. The temple garden (the main grounds where you view the Phoenix Hall) is open from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last entry at 5:15 p.m.
The Byōdō-in Museum Hōshōkan is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with last entry at 4:45 p.m. If you want to go inside the Phoenix Hall, interior viewing runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. on timed entry, and tickets are sold at the on-site reception (which opens at 9:10 a.m.)—so arriving earlier is the safest way to secure a slot on busy days.
Closing time
Byōdō-in Temple’s main grounds (the garden area where you view the Phoenix Hall) close at 5:30 p.m. The last entry is 5:15 p.m., so it’s best to arrive with enough time to walk the route at an easy pace rather than slipping in right at the end.
If you’re also visiting the Byōdō-in Museum Hōshōkan, it closes at 5:00 p.m. with last entry at 4:45 p.m.
Closed days
If you’re wondering about Byodoin Temple closed days in Uji, Kyoto, the simple answer is that there are no regular closed days for general visitors. The temple’s garden grounds and the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan are open 365 days a year, so you can usually visit any day that fits your itinerary.
The one exception to keep in mind is the interior tour of the Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō). That special inside viewing may be suspended due to stormy weather or temple events, even when the grounds are open as usual.
Lastentry
Byōdō-in Temple’s last entry time depends on which area you’re visiting. For the main garden grounds, the last entry is 5:15 p.m., even though the grounds stay open until 5:30 p.m. The Byōdō-in Museum Hōshōkan has an earlier cutoff, with last entry at 4:45 p.m.
(closing at 5:00 p.m.). If you want to go inside the Phoenix Hall, the interior viewing runs on timed entry and the final session begins at 4:10 p.m., so it’s something you should aim for earlier in the day, especially when Uji is busy.
Byodoin Temple packing
When you visit Byōdō-in Temple in Uji, pack for a calm garden walk with a little bit of waiting, because the best photo angles of the Phoenix Hall often come with small crowds. Comfortable shoes are a good idea since you’ll be walking the garden paths and spending time standing near the pond for reflections. A light layer is also useful, because mornings can feel cool and the air by the water changes quickly, even on sunny days.
A compact umbrella or rain jacket is worth bringing in any season. The Phoenix Hall looks beautiful in soft rain, but you’ll enjoy it more if you can stay dry while moving between the grounds and the museum. If you’re visiting in summer, water and sun protection make the walk far more comfortable, and in winter a warm inner layer helps because Uji can feel colder than you expect once you slow down to take photos.
If you plan to join the Phoenix Hall interior viewing, a small amount of cash can make the process smoother, and arriving earlier helps you secure a timed slot before it fills up. A portable charger is also handy, because Byōdō-in is one of those places where you take more photos than you planned, especially when the pond reflection is perfect.
Aadmissiondays
Byōdō-in Temple in Uji is open to visitors every day, so admission is available year-round. The temple’s official visitor FAQ states that the garden grounds and the Hōshōkan Museum are open 365 days a year, with the note that operations could change only in exceptional situations.
The one part that can vary is the interior viewing of the Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō), which the temple explains may be suspended due to stormy weather or special temple events, even when the rest of the precinct is open as usual.
Byodoin temple entrance fee
Byōdō-in Temple’s regular entrance fee (which includes the garden grounds and the Byōdō-in Museum Hōshōkan) is 700 yen for adults, 400 yen for junior/senior high school students, and 300 yen for elementary school students. If you also want to go inside the famous Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō), that interior viewing is handled separately and requires an additional 300 yen per person on top of the main admission, with timed entry slots that can fill up on busy days.
Dress code?
There isn’t a strict “Byodoin Temple dress code” like you might see at some cathedrals, but it’s still a Buddhist site, so it’s best to dress in a respectful, clean, and simple way. In practice, that means avoiding beach-style outfits and anything too revealing, and keeping your overall look modest rather than flashy.
One small detail that helps: hats and sunglasses can feel out of place once you’re inside sacred spaces, so many Japan travel etiquette guides recommend removing them when appropriate. Also, because some temple areas in Japan may ask you to remove your shoes indoors, wearing socks (and choosing easy-on shoes) is a smart, no-regrets choice—especially if you’re planning to join special interior viewing
