Byodo-in is a very famous temple compound in Uji, Japan built in 998 CE during the Heian period. It’s featured as the image on the back of the 10 yen coin (basically a dime), and an image of one of the phoenix statues is on the back of the ¥10,000 bill (~$100).

Phoenix Hall — D200 & Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8 @ f/8


The two iconic phoenix statues sit facing each other on either side of the roof. Of course, crows hold national treasures in no particular esteem.

Phoenix & Crow — Nikon S10 P&S


I wasn’t particularly thrilled with a lot of the photos I got here. The ultra-wide Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8 was a good lens to bring, but I need to spend more time with it. I think this photo would have been better if I had gotten lower so that the middle beam of the bridge’s handrail was in the center rather than the top one.

Byodo-in — D200 & Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8 @ f/8


On the other hand, I was very happy with this photo I took that day from my Nikon S10 Point & Shoot which I had brought to cover focal lengths i would miss with the ultra-wide. This shot was from a bridge just outside Byodo-in.

Boat Perch — Nikon S10 P&S ~35–350mm equivalent


A couple more photos I didn’t have time to put up yesterday. The first is of some boats lining the Uji river, the second of a side building at byodo-in, rather than the main Phoenix hall.

Boats in Uji — D200 & Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8


D200 & Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8

Tiny link: http://taii.cc/1N