What I mean is that it looks really great from a distance. When you get closer, you see it’s a cheap knock-off of the real thing in Japan. Inside, there is a big statue of Buddha. There’s a little space around the temple to walk around, see some koi, snap some pictures, go to the bathroom, buy some stuff from the gift shop and away you go. Why do I give it 4 stars or ovals or whatever? It’s still kind of neat and you get some nice pictures. And it’s something to do, other than a beach or a lookout. Sometimes a little variety helps. An interesting aspect of this site is where it is located and why it exists, at least my opinion of why it exists. First where: in a commercial area called Valley of the Temples. What’s the commercial aspect? It’s basically a series of cemeteries with plots for sale. Why a series of cemeteries? The developer sold off plots to build various churches and temples for different religions and I assume their congregants are buried there. The Byodo temple is basically, as far as I see it, a way to bring people to come to the Valley to see how beautiful it is and hopefully they’ll be dying to get in. Heck, when you get to the temple there’s signs and a table set up with one or two people hawking cemetery plots. Besides they charge a fee to get in to the site and it appears by the ample crowds they probably generate a hefty revenue stream from that alone, asides from gift shop proceeds, soda machines and snacks, too, I believe. And they sell ice cream bars in the shape of Buddha. Just joking.That’s capitalism. Whatever works.

Pretty and peaceful place. Nothing spectacular. In a way, it did seem like what another reviewer had mentioned, just a way of selling burial plots. Ringing the bell was a cultural experience. Don't miss the stunning mountains behind the temple. Looks better from a distance than close up.

It's a gorgeous and peaceful spot but there is not much to do here except maybe meditate. Would be nice if the gardens were more extensive or something. The area surrounding the temple is all cemetery and there are salespeople at the temple which felt kind of strange. Would be good as part of a multi-stop tour, but not as great on its own.

Ample parking but could get congested when tour buses are in. $5 entrance fee to the temple. The temple is a replica of a temple in Japan’s Kyoto prefecture. The Byodo-In Temple is situated inside The Valley of the Temples property which is a huge cemetery. There was a sales rep promoting and selling cemetery plots. After the bridge there is a huge bell (bonshō) that people ring. You remove your shoes before getting inside the temple where the Buddha is for picture taking. The upper part of the temple was closed. Outside the temple is a gift shop and bathrooms. Koi pond was a nice touch. The garden area is small. I was expecting to be wowed and a bigger place to explore. Imo it is okay to visit for photography.

The only reason I didn't rate it a 5 was because it was a bit crowded, we had difficulty finding a parking spot, and it was raining. This temple and the surroundings were beautiful. I did not go to the gift shop. You remove your shoes to visit the temple. And please remember to be respectful. It doesn't take long to visit. My sister and I took longer because there was a cat colony living on the grounds throughout the area. They were beautiful, and we couldn't resist stopping at the nearby grocery store to give them a bit of food. We also saw some mongoose. The backdrop of the mountains and the clouds were surreal.

The grounds and temple were beautiful. A good spot to take a few minutes and reflect. Can feed the fish, shop a little and find a quiet spot to spend a little time The parking was limited.