Chapel on the Water, Wedding chapel in Shimukappu, Japan
Chapel on the Water, also known as Mizu no Kyōkai, is a wedding chapel in Shimukappu, Hokkaido, designed by Tadao Ando. The building features a concrete structure with a large glass window that frames a reflecting pool and the surrounding forest, creating a setting where water, light, and greenery are integral to the design.
Designed by Tadao Ando in 1985, the chapel was built as part of the Tomamu resort development. It received the BCS Prize in 1990, recognizing its architectural value.
The chapel's name comes from the central role of water in its design, with a shallow pool surrounding the cross. Visitors often notice how the space is used for weddings and quiet reflection, and the glass doors that slide open to let in the sounds of the forest.
Visitors can reach the chapel easily from Tomamu Station via a free shuttle bus that takes about five minutes. It is advisable to check the schedule for public visiting hours, as the chapel may be closed during wedding ceremonies.
The chapel's cross stands in the middle of a shallow pool, making it inaccessible by foot and emphasizing its sacred character. Four concrete crosses on the roof surround a skylight, a detail that is easy to miss from the ground.
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