Byodo-in Temple

The Byoudouin (平等 院) is a Buddhist temple located in the quiet little town of Uji, south of the province of Kyoto. It is best known for its main building,The Pavilion of the Phoenix (which remains in the center of a quiet lake, flanked by phoenix on the roof) and it is this building that is featured on the back of the 10 yen coin! The temple's history dates back to around X century and makes it one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Asia. The temple belongs to the Buddhist branch "Pure Land" which, along with the branch "Zen", is one of the most influential and well-known schools of Buddhism throughout Asia.