A Paradise in Fukushima: The Classic Beauty of Shiramizu Amidadō

After being designated a national treasure in 1952, the Amidadō’s roof was replaced with kokerabuki, thin layers of wood shingles, which is the same material used when the structure was built. (© Nippon.com)

This bridge represents passing from the everyday world to the Pure Land. (© Nippon.com)

The hills rising behind the temple are an example of the shakkei “borrowed landscape” technique. (© Nippon.com)

Lotus flowers blooming in high summer. (Courtesy Ganjōji)

Colorful autumn foliage is reflected in Aji Pond. (Courtesy Ganjōji)

The Pure Land garden, restored in the 1970s, is a nationally designated historic site. (Courtesy Ganjōji)