Water Temple (Shingonshu Honpukuji)
1310, Ura
Higashiura-cho, Hyougo-ken (Awaji Island)
Tsuna-gun
Hyogo
Japan
Tadao Ando 1991
The Temple, originally for the Shingon Buddhist Sect, is approached from a long uphill path traversing the original temple compound and cemetery.
One 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.