By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Located within the Tomamu Resort in Hokkaido, the Church of the Water was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. By creating a “space carved out of nature,” it redefines the notion of a “sacred space.” Through the connection between the architecture and natural elements such as “water, light, greenery, and wind,” it gradually purifies the body and mind, and calms the thoughts. Together with the “Church of the Wind” and the “Church of the Light,” it is known as Tadao Ando’s “Church Trilogy.”
Located within the Tomamu Resort in Hokkaido, the Church of the Water was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. By creating a “space carved out of nature,” it redefines the notion of a “sacred space.” Through the connection between the architecture and natural elements such as “water, light, greenery, and wind,” it gradually purifies the body and mind, and calms the thoughts. Together with the “Church of the Wind” and the “Church of the Light,” it is known as Tadao Ando’s “Church Trilogy.”
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Get married at the Church of the Water and feel the beautiful blessings of nature. (Image source ／waterchapel)
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The Church of the Water features a bare concrete structure with large panels of transparent glass, simple yet beautiful. (Image source ／shakariki-natsuko)
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The front of the Church of the Water is completely open to the natural elements of water, light, greenery, and wind. (Image source ／waterchapel)
In the Church of the Water, there are no altars, stained glass windows, hymns, or pipe organs, overturning traditional notions of a church. Tadao Ando’s philosophy of “coexistence with nature” is perfectly embodied in the space of the Church of the Water: the completely open facade allows the natural elements of water, light, greenery, and wind to be conveyed fully to the visitor’s five senses.
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The nighttime view of the Church of the Water remains serene and beautiful. (Image source ／minkara)
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Without lavish man-made decorations, it presents the simplest and most natural sacred space. (Image source ／waterchapel)
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