A real bird was circling above the phoenix mounted on the roof of Byodo-in Temple

The sky was wide open above the Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, built in 1053. Dedicated to the Amida Nyorai, the hall is also a World Heritage site. At both ends of the central hall's roof perches a phoenix, which is also the origin of the hall's name. The phoenixes are spreading their wings and look as if they are about to take off into the sky.

As I gazed blankly at the phoenix, which is designated as a national treasure, a real bird flew in out of nowhere. It was circling above the phoenix. It was as if it was inviting the phoenix, which was spreading its wings, to fly into the sky with it.