Honpuku-ji, Buddhist temple in Katata, Ōtsu, Japan
The temple features a circular pool of water above ground level, leading through stairs to an underground sanctuary filled with red-orange light.
Established in 1310, Honpuku-ji temple underwent reconstruction in 1991 under architect Tadao Ando, transforming it into a modern concrete structure.
The temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect, with the main hall housing a statue of Buddha as the central focus of worship.
The temple offers optimal viewing experiences between May and September when waterlilies decorate the reflecting pool surface.
The temple design creates a journey from natural light through white-walled passages into an underground sanctuary illuminated by vermillion hues.
Location: Otsu
Inception: 1310s
GPS coordinates: 35.11120,135.91936
Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:03
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