Water Temple, A serene journey from lotus pond to sacred temple

1310 Ura, Awaji city, Hyogo prefecture 656-2305 Japan

4.5

Introduction

Translated content: Mizumido is a building located on the hill behind Japan's Honpukuji Temple, built in 1991. The entire building is inclined from top to bottom, with a lotus pond on the ground and a shrine underground. To reach Mizumido, you need to pass through an old temple, follow a path lined with lush greenery, and pass through some concrete walls. Once you reach an open space covered with white gravel, you can see an elliptical lotus pond. The building is hidden beneath the lotus pond, and you need to descend the stairs in the center of the pond as if entering the water. Unlike common religious architecture that ascends, Mizumido's design slowly takes you into the temple surrounded by the lotus pond, cleansing your mind. The peacefulness by the lotus pond carries a sense of Zen, while the shrine exudes a solemnity that should not be taken lightly. After walking through the mysterious passage, you enter the main hall and find that the interior has a square shape with columns and walls, the lighting contrasting strongly with the outside. The entire hall is red, with the Buddha facing east, and the setting sun shining through from behind the Buddha, casting long shadows on the ground, deepening the dominance of the red color that envelops the Buddhist devotees. The unique and mysterious atmosphere elevates them from the daily hustle and bustle.