‘Kuri’ Designed By Kengo Kuma is The Highlight! – “Shiunzan Zuisho-ji Temple” in Perfect Harmony with Historical & Modern Architecture

Shirokanedai is a town with lush green spots such as HAPPO-EN, cafes and restaurants that you can visit when you want to spend a luxurious time. Shirokanedai Station is 1 station away from Azabu-Juban Station and Nakameguro, and it also allows you to access Shinagawa Station by bus without any transfer. This time, we’re going to introduce “Shiunzan Zuisho-ji Temple”(紫雲山 瑞聖寺), which is located within walking distance from Shinagawa Station. This temple has a history of over 350 years since it was built and the building called ‘Kuri'(庫裡) designed by Kengo Kuma has become a hot topic as a hot spot.

“Shiunzan Zuisho-ji Temple” was built in 1670. It is one of the 3 Japanese Zen Buddhism and is a temple of the Obaku sect that spread in the Edo period. (1603‐1868) The main building at the temple is Daio-hoden. This building is used the Irimoya style (building with a half-hipped roof) which is well-known for shrine and temple architecture, it’s a beautiful Buddhist temple with a tiled roof that alternately combines flat tiles and round tiles. It is said to be very valuable because it’s one of the few existing Buddhist temple architecture. In 1992, it was designated as a nationally important cultural property.

The historical temple has rebuilt the building, Kurii where food is prepared in memory of the 350th anniversary. It was designed by Kengo Kuma, who worked on the “National Stadium” and “Takanawa Gateway Station”. Wooden louvers are used abundantly on the outer wall. In addition, this building is designed with a U-shaped corridor, and a square pond is placed right next to it. One of the highlights is that you can see the Daio-hoden reflected upside down on the surface of the water. In spite of dignified Daiohoden and modern Kuri, they have a harmonious appearance by arranging wood and a pond. A quiet space spread out, so please visit when you want to spend a relaxing time.