Temple, originally for the Shingon Buddhist Sect, is approached from a
long uphill path traversing the original temple compound and cemetery.
is then directed, indirectly, through a simple series of two gesturing
white-washed concrete walls of light and shadow that eventually lead one
to what seems like a pool of water.The
pool itself is filled to its outermost perimeter, forming a boundless
horizon line about which it infinitely reflects its surroundings of
mountains, sky, rice paddies and bamboo groves.The stillness of the water has a meditative effect and perhaps
implications of a spiritual cleansing.
concrete stairway which cuts the circular pool in two symmetrical halves
descends down into momentary darkness from the light, below the water,
and, eventually, into the sacred space of the Buddhist temple.Contrary to the monochromatic approach through the white walls and
neutral concrete stair, the interior of the temple is saturated with
color.The circular space is filled
with an intense red-orange light which seems to be pulsating from its
core, the inner most and most sacred space of the temple which houses the
one does not approach the inner sanctuary of the temple directly but
circulates around the inner sanctuary where the color gradually becomes
more and more intense and eventually reveals itself as one follows the
silky smooth concrete walls to the light source.
vermilion red color is most intense during sunset as light radiates
through a western facing window.This
western light has symbolic meaning because Buddha originates from the west
(India).The precedent for
this relationship between temple and western light is Jodo-ji Jodo-jo
temple in Hyogo-ken prefecture by Buddhist monk and architect Chogen in
located on Awaji Island not far from the Water Temple is Awaji
Yumebutai, a mixed-use complex containing a hotel, conference center,
chapel, gardens, restaurants, outdoor auditorium and green houses by Tadao
with special thanks to Ko Teramoto
How to visit
train (from Osaka) take JR line to Maiko Station (45 min.).At Maiko Station follow signs leading to Ko-soku Maiko bus terminal
which is located outside of and above the train station on the bridge
leading to Awaji Island.Take the
bus to Higashiura inter-change bus terminal.From here take the local bus to Tateishikawa bus stop (3-5 min.) or
walk to Water Temple (20 min.).
is a shuttle bus that transports people around the island to various
destinations.Awaji Yumebutai and
The Water Temple are two stops on this route.See www.shozen.com
for more information on this bus or telephone +81 799 62 5222.
temple is open from 9am-5pm daily.
more information call
+81 799 74 3624.
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