Byodo in Buddhist Temple, Valley of Temples, Oahu Island

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Byodo in Buddhist Temple, Oahu

 

The Byodo-In Temple is located along the Kahekili Highway in the Valley of Temples in Oahu Island in Hawaii. It is a non-denominational Buddhist temple is a replica of a Buddhist place of worship at Uji in Kyoto, Japan which dates back to nine hundred years ago. The temple was built to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the entrance of Japanese culture to Hawaii.

The Byodo-In Temple is home to the largest wooden Buddha made by hand in over nine hundred years. The Lotus Buddha is nine feet high, and is covered in lacquer and gold.

Outside the temple is a brass peace bell that weighs in at three tons. Large enchanting koi ponds surround the temple. The ponds cover two acres of space, and around them are picturesque Japanese gardens beautifully set against the Ko’olau mountains. The gardens often attract playful sparrows and colorful peacocks.

Thousands of tourists and worshippers from all over the globe visit the Byodo-In Temple every year. The temple is open to people belonging to varying faiths and traditions. The temple is also a very popular venue for weddings and office meetings.

The Byodo-In Temple has undergone restoration in 2001. Improvements to the structure will be made continuously in the spirit of preserving the Japanese ancient heritage.