Byodo-In Buddhist Temple

Of the 100 or more large and small Buddhist temples in Hawaii, Byodo-In Temple (Equality Temple) is without doubt the one most worth visiting. It is a copy of the famous temple bearing the same name in the Japanese town of Uji and was opened on June 7th 1968, the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese workers in Hawaii. Even the heavy brass bell in front of the entrance is an exact reproduction. Its deep tone creates an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

As is customary, shoes must be removed before entering the temple. The wooden statue of Buddha inside (almost 10ft/3m tall and covered with gold and lacquer) was carved by the contemporary Japanese sculptor Naszo Inui and is the largest wooden statue of Buddha