Honpukuji Water Temple

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Honpukuji Water Temple

A Unique Main Temple Hall Underneath a Lotus Pond! A Mysterious Temple Filled with Natural Light.

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This temple is of the Omuro school of the Shingong sect of Buddhism, and it is said to have been built in the latter half of the Heian period (794-1185). Located atop a small hill, visitors can look out over Osaka Bay from the temple’s grounds. The main temple hall, the “Water Temple,” was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, and it has become quite the hot topic.

To get to the main temple hall, visitors must take the stairs down through the center of the lotus pond. Inside is enshrined the temple’s principal object of worship, a Bhaisajyaguru that has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Awaji City. Natural light cascades into the hall, creating a wonderful atmosphere, and the hall becomes even more beautiful at sunset. When you leave, as you step back up the stairs, it feels like you’re walking out into the sky.

Among the many lotuses floating on the lotus pond is the exceptionally rare Oga sacred lotus, discovered about 2000 years ago. Water lilies are in full bloom in the pond from May through September, and the lotuses are in full bloom from June through July, filling the entire pond with gorgeous colors.

Highlights

  • A historic temple offering a panoramic view of Osaka Bay from its grounds.
  • Unique main temple hall “Water Temple” was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.
  • The main temple hall beneath the lotus pond is a stunning space filled with natural light.
  • There is a rare Oga sacred lotus in the lotus pond, discovered about 2000 years ago.
  • Water lilies are in full bloom from May through September, and lotuses are in full bloom June through July. Cherry blossoms bloom along the temple approach road during the springtime.

Photos

  • The main temple hall is beneath the lotus pond
Awaji Island Tourism Association

    The main temple hall is beneath the lotus pond Awaji Island Tourism Association

  • The main temple hall is beneath the lotus pond 
Awaji Island Tourism Association

    The main temple hall is beneath the lotus pond Awaji Island Tourism Association

  • Go down the stairs to reach the main temple hall
Awaji Island Tourism Association

    Go down the stairs to reach the main temple hall Awaji Island Tourism Association

  • The lotuses bloom in the summertime
Awaji Island Tourism Association

    The lotuses bloom in the summertime Awaji Island Tourism Association

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

English pamphlets available.

Q

Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?

A

Yes.

Q

Is parking available?

A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Reviews

3
  • Jessie Cheng

    到寺廟建立在荷花池下,從外觀上一點也看不出來,這也是安藤忠雄大師的功力。

  • Alex Chen

    完全沒有寺廟的感覺,反倒像是一座博物館。

  • Bun Suini

    建築大師安藤忠雄的作品,把佛像神壇移到蓮花池底下,顛覆了世人對於傳統寺廟建築的想法框架。

Details

Name in Japanese
本福寺水御堂
Postal Code
656-2305
Address
1310 Ura, Awaji City, Hyogo
Telephone
0799-74-3624
Open hours
9 am – 5 pm
Closed
Never
Admission
Adults 400 yen, children (junior high school students and younger) 200 yen
Access
About a 10-minute walk from the Awaji Kotsu Transit Line’s “Tateishigawa” bus stop
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)