Honpukuji

Honpuku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple on Awaji Island that was completely reimagined by architect Tadao Ando in 1991, and the result is unlike any religious building in Japan. From the outside, all you see is a large oval lotus pond; the temple itself is hidden below, reached by descending a narrow staircase that cuts through the center of the water. Inside, the worship hall is bathed in a warm red glow from vermillion-painted wooden lattice screens, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The interplay of water, light, concrete, and ancient Buddhist symbolism makes this a profound architectural experience, even for those with no particular religious interest.