Tadao Ando's Komyoji Temple

Komyoji Temple

When Komyoji Temple in Saijo on Shikoku decided to rebuild the temple they chose Ando Tadao to design it. Probably the best known internationally of contemporary Japanese architects, Ando is primarily associated with concrete.

Some of the ancillary buildings are made of concrete but the temple's main hall is made out of wood. Somewhat minimal, but inspired by traditional temple architecture, the main hall is surrounded by a shallow pool of water, another Ando trademark.

I had visited the temple once before, on a cloudy day, and took the opportunity to revisit on a nice sunny day to take advantage of the strong shadows that are often found in Ando's work. Sometimes it is illuminated at night, but not the day I visited.

If there is enough interest then I will post photos taken in the interior.

Purchase a selection of ema from GoodsFromJapan