Kyoto Trip Pt 3: Tadao Ando Day

The grand finale of my Kyoto trip was by far one of the biggest highlights. I was lucky enough to have my dear friend Pierre from Tokyo come out to meet me! Saturday morning we ventured off to travel to Awaji Island, it was cold, it was raining, but it didn't matter...we were determined. We were racing the clock in hope that we could make it to our destination before closing time. After many, many unnecessary trains (Thanks to Pierre who likes to train hop) from Kyoto to Osaka, Osaka to Kobe, and a 45 minute bus ride from Kobe over to Awaji Island...we made it! Tadao Ando's very famous water temple...Honpukuji. It's the experience of getting there that makes it worth while...it's tucked in the islands country hillside and without good directions, could be somewhat complicated to find. We arrive and wait...ITS CLOSED? No! Fortunately, we missed the rock trail leading up to it, phew! I almost near cried and was ready to break in if I had to. Finally I could experience this place first hand, all of the pictures in books, magazines, websites just doesn't do this temple justice. It is beautiful.

To my advantage, Pierre was the perfect traveling partner because his architectural knowledge led us to another one of Tadao Ando's famous projects. One of which I had no idea even existed! The Westin Hotel. It was a 30-minute walk from the temple and I must admit that as we walked up to this massive place, I was not too impressed. It wasn't until we made the hike up to the top when my jaw dropped. The place was massive and it went on forever. I still can't believe how Tadao Ando even got the funding to do something like this...he literally just did whatever he wanted with this place. I could spend days sketching here...just when I thought it ended, it kept going. It was a huge concrete water feature...never mind the hotel. Truly inspiring and well done.

Seriously?

Still in awe...

We dedicated the whole day for this and I am happy to say that I got my dose of Tadao Ando. Thanks Pierre! Back to party away in the crazy town of Osaka but before, Kobe Beef in Kobe!!! Delicious!