Designated a National Treasure by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, Shiramizu Amidado is a stunning temple located in Iwaki, coastal Fukushima prefecture.
A part of the larger Ganjoji Temple, the Shiramizu Amidado hall was constructed by Princess Tokuhime, daughter of the late Heian period (794-1185) warlord Fujiwara no Kiyohira, as a memorial to her husband, Iwaki Norimichi.
The famous landmark sports dark, curved roofs, that exist in graceful harmony with the surrounding Pure Land-style garden. Though the temple grounds are beautiful year-round, although visiting in autumn visits is especially recommended. The gradation of the yellow and bright red colours of the 600-year-old ginkgo tree beautifully adorns Amidado from late October until late November.
During the autumn foliage season, the hall and trees are lit up at night, meaning that the fantastic autumn colours illuminated in the evening darkness can be enjoyed even more. In recent years, projection mapping has been used to further higlight the beauty of the inner temple, and its immaculate, painted ceilings.
More information can be found on Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization's official website:
https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1006479.html
For special transit pass information applicable to the surrounding region, click here:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/eastpass_t.html?fbclid=IwAR0V_zgW8oNNadz-fB-LJlbc5e90IYmV5bO4nwDFAhugnp9jhE8jI0lct64
Access :
20 minutes by bus from JR Iwaki Station.
Opening hours :
April to October: 8:30 to 16:00
November to March: 8:30 to 15:30
* Temple entrance admission until 15 minutes before gate closing
Closed days :
- 4th Wednesday of every month
- February 3 (Setsubun-kai)
- Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Days
- August 12 to 16
- August 24 (Buddhist lantern festival)
- December 20 to 31
Other notes :
- Temple halls closed (temple grounds open) January 1 to 3, August 5 to 6, December 31
- Temple open only in the afternoon on the Sunday directly before January 26 for fire drill (Fire Prevention Day for Cultural Heritage)
- May be closed irregularly for mountain religious events, typhoon (strong wind or rain), snowfall and other occasions
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