When you visit temples and shrines, where do you focus your attention on the buildings?
While it's wonderful to admire the overall grandeur, if you pay attention to the curvature of the roofs and the complex wooden structures supporting the columns, you will find the incredible determination of our ancestors in how they battled harsh nature, along with the truths of the universe (such as feng shui and beliefs) hidden in the blueprints.
This time, while briefly touching on the basic terminology of traditional Japanese architecture, we will guide you through the definitive differences between "Kyoto and Nara architecture" and "Aizu architecture," as well as the mysteries of feng shui hidden in castles. Knowing this will dramatically enhance your temple visits starting tomorrow!
1. Aizu vs Kyoto and Nara! Differences in Architectural Philosophy
In short, while the architecture of Kyoto and Nara is characterized by "refinement of style and authority," Aizu's architecture contrasts with "adaptation to harsh nature and unique designs."
① Roof Shape (Fighting Snow)
- Aizu (Snow Country Specification): Designed with a very steep slope to withstand the weight of snow (snow load) and to shed snow. The attic uses a "suspension structure" made of thick logs, providing a sturdy framework that can withstand vertical pressure.
- Kyoto and Nara (Emphasis on Aesthetics): With less concern for snow, the roof's peak gracefully arches upwards, emphasizing the elegant curve known as "sori-mashi".
② Roof Material (Fighting Freezing)
- Aizu (Red Tiles): The "red tiles (salt-glazed tiles)" seen in places like Tsuruga Castle. These are high-tech materials that are coated with a glass-like surface, preventing moisture absorption and protecting the tiles from breaking (frost cracking) during winter freezes.
- Kyoto and Nara (Clay Tiles and Hinoki Bark): Due to the mild climate, prestigious "hinoki bark roofing" and heavy black "clay tiles" are used.
2. Show off your knowledge! The "Insider Highlights" of Shrine and Temple Architecture
There are a vast number of architectural terms, but here are a few key highlights that you should definitely remember when sightseeing.
3. Structure that controls invisible forces (Feng Shui, sorcery)
Not only physical "strength," but Japanese architecture incorporates urban planning-level Feng Shui (the four guardian deities) to protect the city from "invisible disasters (demons and evil spirits)."
It is famous that Kyoto is an ideal Feng Shui city, but in fact, Aizuwakamatsu is also designed as a perfect Feng Shui city modeled after Kyoto.
For example, in Kyoto, Hieizan Enryakuji is placed to block the northeast "demon gate (an ominous direction where evil spirits enter)." The exact same structure exists in Aizu.
Aizu's demon gate sealing: Tsuruga Castle and Hanyatsu Shrine
The Hanyatsu Shrine in Inawashiro, where the founder of the Aizu domain, Masayuki Hoshina, rests, is located exactly in the northeast (the direction of the demon gate) when viewed from Tsuruga Castle. Following Masayuki's will to "become a god and protect Aizu's demon gate after death," Tsuruga Castle (the center of the present world) and Hanyatsu Shrine (a spiritual breakwater) work together to create a massive L-shaped barrier to protect the city of Aizu from calamities.
Additionally, the northeast corner of Tsuruga Castle's stone wall is intentionally recessed as a Feng Shui sign of protection, indicating "no horns = no demons."
Experience overwhelming wisdom and beauty through fieldwork
How was it?
Surpassing the rules of Kyoto and Nara, Aizu boasts unique architectural miracles such as the "Aizu Sazae-do (double spiral structure)" born from the rationality unique to snowy regions and intense faith, as well as the massive open space without walls, "Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatsubo," which has evolved independently.
"Tabinoito" offers tours in an academic style that unravel the meanings of these architectural elements and the grand design of the city based on Feng Shui while breathing in the local atmosphere.
"Why is this roof shaped like this?" "Why was it built in this direction?"
Join us on an architectural exploration for adults that deciphers such historical codes. Let's go out together to dig deeper into the profound charm of Aizu!
