HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Autumn illumination of national treasure temple Shiramizu Amidado

Enjoy the nighttime view of a beautiful Buddhist paradise garden and a National Treasure prayer hall

Iwaki Tourism and City Planning Bureau

The prayer hall Shiramizu Amidado, built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Iwaki and the only piece of architecture designated as a national treasure in Fukushima Prefecture. Tokuhime, a daughter of the powerful grand lord Fujiwara no Kiyohira, built the temple to hold a memorial service for her late husband, the lord Iwaki Norimichi in 1160. Inside the prayer hall are five Buddhist statues which are designated as Important Cultural Properties. 

The beautiful ponds and garden, which were restored from the remains, represent the Buddhist ideal of the Jodo or ‘Pure Land’ paradise garden. Every autumn, the garden's maple and 600-year-old gingko trees put on a glorious display of colors, made even more impressive by night-time illumination. This illumination event, which takes place in November, is entitled Amida Night after the prayer hall, Shiramizu Amidado. As part of the event, projection mapping is used to revive the faded, almost invisible ceiling pictures in Shiramizu Amidado.

Visit the official website for recent information regarding the illumination.

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, take the express on the Joban Line to Yumoto Station (2 hours 25 minutes). From Yumoto Station, take the normal Joban Line to Uchigo Station (about 5 minutes).

From Haneda, take the Tokyo Monorail Airport Express to Hamamatsucho Station (20 minutes). From Hamamatsucho Station, take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station. Finally, take the express on the Joban Line to Yumoto Station and the normal Joban Line to Uchigo Station (about 3 hours 40 minutes).

221 Hirohata, Gohakusui-cho, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima-ken

Links

Shiramizu Amidado

More Information

Tohoku Region | JNTO Official Website

Fukushima Prefecture | JNTO Official Website