Shiramizu Amidado

What to know

Shiramizu Amidado (白水阿弥陀堂) is a revered temple in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. Built in 1160 by a member of the Fujiwara clan, it was designated a National Treasure in 1952—the only one in Fukushima. The temple sustained some damage in the 2011 earthquake but was repaired and reopened the following year.

The temple is famous as a rare surviving example of a Pure Land garden, a style popular during the Heian Period (794–1185). These gardens feature ponds, islands, and pavilions designed to evoke the Buddhist Pure Land paradise. No complete Pure Land garden remains today; other partial examples include Byodoin in Uji and Motsuji in Hiraizumi.

Visitors can freely stroll around the pond area, but viewing the Amidado Hall up close requires an admission fee. Entry into the hall is not permitted. Inside are five wooden statues, including the main object of worship: a wood-and-lacquer statue of Amida Buddha.

From Iwaki Station, take a bus bound for Kawadaira (川平) and get off at the Amidado bus stop (あみだ堂, 20 minutes, 420 yen one way, one bus every 1–2 hours). The temple is a 5–10 minute walk from the stop. Alternatively, it is a 30-minute walk from Uchigo Station. Free parking is available at Shiramizu Amidado.