"Yeah. There's something wrong with me."
It was an honest impression when I first saw main hall in Tsukiji Honganji.
When I anticipate this kind of thing and see something different from what I expected, there is a feeling that I do not want to recognize the difference, saying, "Isn't it different?"
Speaking of Honganji, the Great temple complex has a strong presence in the city of Kyoto.
I can't help but remember the magnificent wooden buildings.
It is a national treasure building that conveys the gorgeous breath of Momoyama culture. A garden with special scenic spots and historic sites.
I was expecting such a structure, but he removed it brilliantly.
If you exit the first entrance of Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line and look east side, it is the main gate of Tsukiji Honganji Temple.
Against the backdrop of the clear blue sky of Tokyo in winter, a huge building of ancient Indian style sits.
It is a white, shining stone building with towers on both wings.
What was different from my expectations?
First of all, the building must be in an ancient Indian style.
The structure is not a wooden building.
There is no Shichido garan that forms the spread of the temple.
In other words, it is far from the image of a Japanese temple that I envisioned.
When I was used to visiting buildings several times, I learned about Chuta Ito, an architect and historian who was active from the Meiji era to the Showa era.
I am involved in the design of many shrines and temples such as Yushima Seido Temple and Yasukuni Shrine shrine gate.
It also has large-scale constructions such as the Kanematsu Auditorium of Hitotsubashi University and the Okura Museum of Art.
The main hall of Tsukiji Honganji was also designed by Dr. Chuta Ito.
Why didn't many people involved in the construction of temples and shrines use wooden buildings?
According to related materials, Dr. Chuta Ito was invited as a design advisor to Kanda Myojin Reconstruction in 1926 (Daisho 15).
This is to rebuild the shrine hall, which was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
At that time, we recommend the use of a steel-framed reinforced concrete structure, which is very rare at that time.
This is undoubtedly a choice to enhance the earthquake resistance and fire resistance of the building due to the experience of the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Tsukiji Honganji also burned down Dou due to the Great Kanto Earthquake.
At the time of reconstruction in 1934 (Showa 9), it appears that the purpose of using the structure as steel-framed reinforced concrete was non-combustible seismic resistance.
One part of this was that Shichido garan was brought together and a large space in front of main hall.
If you are an architectural historian, the architectural style of ancient India, with Japanese temples, the birthplace of the Buddhist Omoto, Historical Buddha, and ancient Indians.
The design in front of the central dome is "Bodhi tree leaves". "Lotus flower" is blooming in it.
The concrete surface is covered with marble, or a makeup brick is used to accentuate it.
The winged lion statue roars on both sides of the main hall front stairs. It is a figure similar to a sphinx, not a guardian dog.
Press the front door and enter the inside of main hall. Sanomune temple.
inner sanctum uses plenty of gold leaf.
Statue of Amida Nyorai stays fast.
The shadow of the saints and high priests.
"Folding coffered ceiling" shows shrines and temples's character.
The smoke of incense drifts vigorously as many as the number of worshipers.
On the other hand, the windows are made of vivid stained glass and pipe organs are installed.
I feel the strength of absorbing diverse cultures that are not bound by things in Asia and Western Europe.
Chuta Ito placed a very cute design everywhere in the building.
In particular, animals connect the temple as something more familiar.
Elephants, cows, horses, etc. can be easily found. When it comes to chickens, monkeys, and phoenixs, concentration is required.
After leaving the main hall, looking back at the main hall, the light blue wooden frame window glass glowed dullly.
Did a slightly distorted old glass reflect the light of the sun?
