Byodo-In Temple

We went to Japan today! No, not really, but this temple is often used to portray Japan in movies and magazines. In reality it’s here on Oahu in Kaneohe.

The setting and grounds are beautiful and there are a number of activities that make it fun for kids. Feeding the wildlife, exploring a small bamboo forest, talking in a pavilion with neat acoustics, staring up at the giant Buddha and of course ringing the big bell.

Oh, and almost forgot to mention the ever popular activity of playing with and eating gravel - I think that was my girl’s favorite part of our outing today!

There’s a little store next to the temple that sells fish/bird food for $1/bag and we did our best to keep them in business. We fed the koi fish, the pigeons, some sparrows, a swan and even a turtle.

My girl wanted to walk into every body of water we came to and my boy wanted to stand on the edge of the bank when feeding the fish but somehow everyone came home dry. A friend went with us and having an extra set of adult eyes and hands was helpful, plus adult conversation for Mom is always nice!

To Do It Yourself:

Just google ‘Byodo-In Temple’ and you’ll find everything you need from hours (8:30 – 4:30 daily) to directions. Prices shown online vary. Here’s what was posted today:

They just charged me for one kid. Maybe the one year old was free? Mosquito spray came in handy when our exploring took us away from the temple itself.

Enjoy! And if you don't live on Oahu - put it on your 'to see' list when you come to visit!