Hompukuji Water Temple: A Sanctuary Beneath a Lotus Pond
Discover a unique Buddhist temple on Awaji Island, where modern architecture meets spiritual tradition in a serene, lotus-filled setting.
The Hompukuji Water Temple, designed by Tadao Ando, is a modern Buddhist temple on Awaji Island featuring a lotus-covered reflecting pool above its main hall. Descend through the water to discover a vermilion-lit sanctuary, blending contemporary architecture with spiritual symbolism.
A brief summary to Hompukuji Water Temple
- 1310 Ura, Awaji, Ura, Hyogo, 656-2305, JP
- +81799-74-3624
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the summer months (May-September) to see the lotus flowers and water lilies in full bloom.
- Arrive in the late afternoon to witness the vermilion glow of the main hall as the sun sets.
- Take the Awaji Loop Bus for convenient access to the temple.
- Allow ample time to explore the temple grounds and experience the multi-sensory journey into the sacred space.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Sannomiya Station in Kobe, take an express bus to Higashiura Bus Terminal on Awaji Island (approx. 60 minutes). From there, transfer to the Awaji Loop Bus, which stops directly in front of the Hompukuji Water Temple. The Awaji Loop Bus costs ¥500 for a single journey or ¥1,000 for a day pass.
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Car
The temple is about a 5-minute drive from the Higashiura Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. Parking is available at the temple (30 spaces). There is no fee for parking. From the parking area, follow the signs to the temple entrance.
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Ferry & Bus
Take the Akashi-Awaji Ferry from Akashi Port to Iwaya Port on Awaji Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately 15 minutes and costs ¥500 for adults and ¥220 for a bicycle. From Iwaya Port, take the Awaji Loop Bus to the Hompukuji Water Temple. The bus stop is directly in front of the temple. The Awaji Loop Bus costs ¥500 for a single journey or ¥1,000 for a day pass.
Discover more about Hompukuji Water Temple
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