9 Things No One Told You About the Byodo-In Temple on Oahu

Nestled against the majestic Ko’olau Mountains, on the windward side of Oahu, rests Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Behind what has to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world is the Byodo-In Temple.

Constructed in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in Hawaii, this gorgeous temple should be on everyone’s Oahu itinerary.

Unlike traditional Japanese temples, there are no resident monks at the Byodo-In Temple, so people of all faiths are welcome to visit and explore the grounds. While the temple functions as a cultural site/tourist attraction, there are occasional ceremonies held there, such as memorial services and weddings.

Millions of people visit this beautiful site every year. However, here are 9 things no one told you about the Byodo-In Temple:

It’s Iconic

This temple is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Phoenix Hall, also known as Byodo-In Temple, in Japan.

This iconic structure has been engraved on 10-yen coins in Japan since 1951. It is as recognizable to Japanese citizens as the nickel’s engraving of Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, is to Americans.

Giant Buddha

Inside the temple, there is a golden Buddha statue standing over 18 feet tall, called the Amida Buddha. It is believed to be the largest Buddha statue outside of Japan.

Built Without Nails

This modern replica was constructed mostly with concrete. However, the wooden components were built using traditional Japanese joinery techniques, which fit wooden pieces together without nails or screws.

This ancient technique is called ‘kanawatsugi’ and allows the wood to more easily expand and contract, helping to preserve the structure over time.

3-Ton Bell

While visiting the Byodo-In Temple, you can ring the giant bell. At over 6-feet tall and weighing 3 tons, the bon-sho (sacred bell) is supposed to purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation before entering the temple.

A soft wooden log called the ‘shu-moku’ is used to strike the bell. The design of the bell creates a deep, resonant tone believed to have a calming effect on the mind.

It’s a Movie Star

The temple has made appearances in several movies and TV shows, such as Pearl Harbor, Lost, Hawaii Five-0, and Magnum P.I.

Hidden Time Capsule

During the construction of the temple in 1968, a time capsule was buried on the grounds. It is meant to be opened in 2068 on the temple’s 100th anniversary.

Symbolic Design

There are many symbolic designs and details throughout the temple. Such as

• curved roofs in Japanese architecture are used to ward off evil spirits
• the Koi fish in the temple’s ponds symbolize perseverance and strength, due to their ability to swim upstream against strong currents
• strategic placement of the temple within the landscape aligns with feng shui principles
• the lotus flowers in the temple ponds symbolize purity and enlightenment, as they bloom beautifully above muddy waters
• the temple’s reflection in the pond was an integral part of the design, meant to symbolize the Buddhist concept of duality and reflection in the pursuit of enlightenment

Rare Japanese Calligraphy

Inside the temple, there are examples of Japanese calligraphy created by renowned calligraphers. They were commissioned specially for the Byodo-In Temple and are considered highly valuable. These calligraphy works are supposedly infused with spiritual significance, but are usually overlooked by visitors.

Untold Stories of Craftsmanship

Calligraphers were not the only Japanese artisans commissioned to work on the Byodo-In Temple on Oahu. Master craftsmen in traditional woodworking, tile-making, and stone carving contributed to the construction of this incredible structure.

Some of the craftsmen left behind personal notes and carvings hidden within the temple, adding layers of mystery to the temple’s fabric.

A visit to the Byodo-In Temple is a must-see when you’re on Oahu.

It’s fairly cheap, with admission priced at $5 for adults and $2 for children. It also doesn’t take up much time. We’ve been 3 times and only spent an hour or less at each visit.