Completion of the Byodoin Temple's Phoenix Hall in Uji (1053)

The Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, was originally the villa of Fujiwara-no-Yorimichi, a man in power during the Heian period (794-1185). He was the regent and chief advisor to the emperor under three Japanese emperors. The Byodoin Temple's Ho-oh-do (Phoenix Hall) is a National Treasure. The hall enshrines a statue of the Buddha of Boundless Light. It was completed in 1053. The roof of the two corridors that stretch symmetrically from the main hall are said to look like a phoenix with spread wings.