Byodo-in

Byodo-in's Phoenix Hall is the only temple featured on Japan's ten-yen coin, a testament to its iconic status. The hall appears to float above its lotus pond, creating an ethereal reflection that has captivated visitors for over 970 years. Constructed in 1053, it houses a 2.4-meter-tall wooden Amida Buddha statue, one of the few remaining works from the Heian period master Jocho. This structure outranks #10 Tenryu-ji in historical significance, being the sole surviving pure land palace from its era. The temple's garden layout, with its pond designed to mirror the hall, is 30% older than the typical Zen gardens found elsewhere on this list, offering a rare glimpse into late Heian aristocratic aesthetics.