Shiramizu Amida-do was built in 1160, during the late Heian period, by Tokuhime, the wife of Iwaki Norimichi. Tokuhime, daughter of Fujiwara Kiyohara, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, built the Amida-do hall and the Pure Land style garden, reflecting the influence of Hiraizumi culture.
The Amida-do hall is a single-story, hosshin-zukuri style building with dimensions of four pillars on each of its four sides, with three spaces between the pillars. The roof is thatched with Japanese cypress bark.
Inside the hall, five Buddhist statues are enshrined: the central Amitabha Tathagata, flanked by the Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu statues, and two Deva Kings (Jikoku-ten and Tamon-ten). These statues are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The Amida-do is surrounded by a pond on three sides (east, west, and south), with a pathway leading to the hall from the south, via a central island. The north, east, and west sides are enclosed by mountains, creating a space centered on the Amida-do that embodies the Pure Land style garden prevalent in the late Heian period.
Shiramizu Amida-do is beloved by many for not only its historical significance but also its architectural beauty and the stunning beauty of its garden. If you're visiting Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to make a stop!
About 15 minutes by car from the Iwaki-Yumoto IC on the Joban Expressway.
From Iwaki Station on the JR Joban Line, take a bus bound for Kawadaira and get off at the Amida-do bus stop. It's a 5-minute walk from there. Show route
Op.Hours
April - October 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Closing time)
November - March 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Closing time)
*Admission ends 15 minutes before closing.
Cld.Days
The 4th Wednesday of January through November
February 3rd (Setsubunkai Festival), Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Days (higankai), August 12th-16th (Urabon Festival)
August 24th (Mantoukai Festival), December 20th-31st (Temple Closing, New Year's Preparation etc.)
*January 1st-3rd, August 5th-6th, and December 31st: Hall interior viewing is unavailable (exterior worship is permitted).
*The Sunday before January 26th (Cultural Properties Fire Prevention Day) will have afternoon-only viewing due to fire drills.
If the 26th falls on a Sunday, the fire drill will be held that day.
*Other temporary closures may occur due to mountain temple religious events, typhoons (strong winds/heavy rain), or heavy snowfall.
Fee
<Individual> Adults: ¥500, Children (elementary school only): ¥300, Preschoolers: Free
<Group> 20 or more people: 10% discount, 100 or more people: 20% discount
<Student Groups> Elementary school: ¥100, Junior high school: ¥150, High school: ¥200
INFO
Currently, due to circumstances, restrooms are not available on the temple grounds. The restrooms are located in a building at the back of the free parking lot owned and managed by Iwaki City. To get there, cross the "red bridge over the river" before Byakusui Amida-do hall and it's on the right-hand side.
A large portion of the Pure Land garden surrounding Byakusui Amida-do (including the pond) is owned and managed by Iwaki City.