In Japanese mythology, it is said that when the two gods Izanagi and Izanami stirred the surface of the chaotic land with the Ame-no-Numahoko ( the lance which was given by the first gods of Japan and still exists in the top of the mountain of Takachiho in Miyazaki prefecture), the drops of salt that dripped from the tip of the spear hardened and formed Onokoro Island (There are various theories, but the most likely is that this island is the current Numashima Island). Izanagi and Izanami became husband and wife on Onokoro Island and went on to give birth to the islands of the Japanese archipelago one after another. The first of these to be born was Awajishima Island.
Awajishima is a large island belonging to Hyogo prefecture, located in Osaka Bay. It’s the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea. Located between Hyogo prefecture and Tokushima prefecture, this island connects the Main island (Honshu) and Shikoku Island with 2 bridges. Awajishima has a long history and a rich culture. The island’s size is almost the same as Singapore and Guam and it features a lot of unique modern architecture.
Zenbo Seinei by Shigeru Ban
This building is aligned with the 135 degrees east longitude. The purpose of this structure is to offer a Zen experience and a fresh mind with an amazing view of nature from the wooden terrace with a roof. Overnight stays are also available at this unique facility. Ban Shigeru, who designed this facility, is one of the legendary architects in the world. In 2014, he received the Pritzker Architecture Prize, an international award in the field of architecture, and was awarded the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.
About Tadao Ando Tadao Ando is an internationally well-known Japanese architect, currently 82 years old (in 2024) who is famous for his buildings made of exposed concrete. What makes him also unique is that he studied architecture by himself in a year what usually you would study in 4 years since he could not afford to go to University back then.
Representative work include:
- Chichu Art Museum, 2004, Naoshima(Kagawa), Japan
- Omotesando Hills, 2006, Tokyo, Japan
- Pulitzer Art Foundation, 2001, Missouri, USA
- Museum San, 2012, Gangwondo, South Korea
- Bourse de Commerce(interior), 2021, Paris, France
His numerous accolades include:
- Architectural Institute of Japan Prize for Architecture (1979)
- Mainichi Art Prize (1987)
- Japan Art Academy Prize (1993)
- Pritzker Architecture Prize (1995)
- Praemium Imperiale (1996)
- RIBA Gold Medal (1997)
- AIA Gold Medal (2002)
- Kyoto Prize for Arts and Philosophy (2002)
- UIA Gold Medal (2005)
- John F. Kennedy Center Gold Medal for the Arts (2010)
- Goto Shinpei Prize (2010)
Honpukuji Mizumido by Tadao Ando
Honpukuji is a temple built on a small hill in the northeastern part of Awaji Island, offering a panoramic view of Osaka Bay. It has a unique design with the main hall located beneath an oval-shaped lotus pond made of reinforced concrete. The building resembles a lotus flower, which is significant in Buddhism, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its tranquility. The main facility of the temple is located underground of this structure.
Awaji Yumebutai by Ando Tadao
This complex, designed by Ando Tadao, houses several facilities. The concept is to create buildings that coexist harmoniously with animals, nature, and humans. The on-site restaurant serves Japanese cuisine, including sushi, tempura, shabu-shabu, and wagyu, as well as a special hamburger. The complex features 100 flower beds, five exhibition rooms, a greenhouse, an adjacent hotel, and an international conference center.
We can take you to Awajishima by land or by sea- take a private car from Kyoto ot Osaka, or embark on a private cruise from Kobe port. Located in the middle of Kansai and Setouchi area, this is the perfect place to visit for a unique and off the beaten path experience. For those who love architecture and design, we will suggest to visit Awajishima along with Naoshima and other art islands in this region.
By Yuki
