A Piece of Japanese History

Located in the Valley of the Temples at the foothills of the Ko'olou Mountain Range you'll find the Byodo-In Temple.  This stunning temple was constructed in 1968 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese settlers arriving on Oahu.  This temple is a smaller scale replica of the original, 950 year old, Byodo-In Temple which is located in Uji, Japan.  Although the temple is a Buddhist Temple, people of all faiths are welcome to visit and meditate or just to take in the beauty of the architecture and surrounding landscape.  

Parking & Entrance

As you reach the parking lot located on the southern most point of the Valley of the Temples you will notice a small ticket booth before the bridge.  This is where you will pay for entrance to the temple. General admission is $4 and children may enter for $2.   Even before crossing the bridge, you can see the stunning temple off in the distance.  This is one of the best places for a quick photo op before entering onto the temple grounds.

Bon-Sho (Sacred Bell)

As soon as you cross the bridge you will notice a very large bell to your left.  This brass bell is 5 feet tall and weighs in at 3 tons!  Bon-Sho, or sacred bell, was cast in Osaka Japan and closely resembles the bell which hangs at the original Byodo-In Temple.  As you enter the grounds it is customary to take your turn to ring this bell using the wooden log called a shu-moku.  The deep tones are very calming and tranquil and are said to cleanse the mind of evil and temptation.  

Tranquil Spots

The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped.  They also bolster a great number of Japanese koi carp and a number of wild peacocks.  Directly in front of the temple there is a large reflection pond.  To each side there are small paths that lead to more private meditation areas.  There are also a number of small waterfalls near these paths. The sounds of the bell's deep tones echo through the grounds adding to the peace and tranquility of the temple.

Step into another world

As you enter the temple you will be amazed by the simple yet intricate architecture.  The center piece of the temple being the 9 foot tall golden Buddha.  This Buddha is said to be the largest Buddha figure carved outside of Japan.  Surrounding this giant golden Buddha are 52 other smaller sculptures.  The hall where the Buddha is located is known as the Hoo-do, or the Phoenix Hall. Named after the birds perched on either end of the hall.  

Before entering please remove your footwear.  Once inside you are welcome to light some of the incense with the provided candle.  Take this moment to enjoy the tranquility of the space or to offer up a prayer.