Architecture of Temples in Japan

Many see the architecture of Temples in Japan as a manifestation of the complexities of Buddhist philosophy. Though the architecture of these temples has undergone several changes over the years yet the basic elements have persevered.

The temples in Japan are supported by gigantic wooden columns, each of which stands on a large piece of stone. These columns impart individual rooms to the temples. The most attractive feature about the architecture of temples in Japan is their roofs. The roofs display a complex style and exhibit great variations which are worked on a common tiled sloping roof. The older temples are distinguishable from the newer ones owing to their upturned flaring corners. The newer temples in Japan have flatter and smoother roof corners.

The architecture of temples in Japan can be traced to China, from where Buddhism too found passage.

Whether a grand structure exuding magnificence in the heart of the city or a humble building sharing the serenity with a country side, the temples in Japan are unified by the following common features-

Lecture Hall - known as kodo in the native tongue, lecture hall houses the replicas of Lord Buddha under whose benevolent presence meetings and lectures are organized.

Main Hall - or kondo, hondo or amidado, as it is called in Japanese, is where all the devotees come to pay homage to their Lord. Various holy objects and statues add to the sanctity of this hallowed place.

Pagoda - owes its origin to the Buddhist stupas in India. Pagodas are essentially known to treasure sacred relics of Buddha. Depending on the number of stories, a pagoda may be- Sanju No To or three storied; or Goju No To or five storied.

Gates - The main gate marks the entrance to a temple in Japan. The pathway which leads from the main gate to the temple is usually lined with a beautiful garden.

One of the aspects that set temples in Japan apart from the shrines is that they are built in the open space. Dwelling in a close proximity with nature, the temples seem to share almost a symbiotic relationship with it. Thus the serenity and calmness that marks the temples in Japan belongs no less to the bountiful nature that surrounds it.