Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple was pure “wow” from the moment we turned onto their road. You just so happen to drive through the most peaceful cemetery, that also seemed to be a haven for cats, on your way into the temple grounds. The gorgeous temple is backdropped with the rugged, green Ko’olau Mountains and set just behind a large pond of Koi. It felt like there was no need for words here. The sounds of water and the occasional ringing of the sacred bell were best enjoyed in silence. 

Byodo-In is a Buddhist temple that was built in the 1960s as a replica of the larger scale one that has been in Japan for a millennium to mark the 100 year anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese to Hawai’i. Those from all faiths are invited to soak in the beauty of the grounds, take some time to be quiet, offer a prayer, and even feed the birds and fish at the state landmark.

After visiting the mediation garden and going inside the temple (shoes off), we made our way to feed the koi and variety of birds ourselves. Time with animals is usually our favorite part of any where we visit and this was no different. We paid for a bag of feed in the gift shop and found a bench by the water where we fed an assortment of birds, including ducks and pigeons, from our hands. 

We have never been to Japan but we feel like we got a glimpse into it at Byodo-In Temple. We highly recommend this visit. It’s a beautiful drive from Honolulu.