To the origins
Recognizable by its roof topped by an okichigi - a forked ridge - the Sumiyoshi-taisha shrine in Osaka is the oldest Shinto shrine in the country (3rd century). See its red-clad toriis (doors), separating the profane from the sacred, and its lanterns leading to the honden, the main building. A simplicity and harmony found in all Shinto shrines. The first kofun - burial mounds housing the graves of the elite - appeared at the same time. Lock holes, scallops, squares or circles: their shapes are multiple. Protected by moats, these tumuli are also surrounded by hinwa, clay cylinders with figurative shapes. The Mozu-Furuichi complex impresses with its gigantic dimensions, while the Ishibutai Tomb intrigues with its megalithic structure. The first capitals of the country bear in their layout the influence of China, which inspired the emperors with chessboard plans that allowed clarity and functionality and respected the codes of geomancy and feng shui, in order to ensure the protection and prosperity of the city. The Chinese influence can also be seen in the architecture of Buddhist temples and palaces: wooden frame and timber framing on stone platforms, multi-storey structures, and roofs with curved and tiled ends are among their attributes. To discover the great witnesses of this period, visit the various archaeological sites of Asuka, and of course the Horyu-ji Temple, which houses the oldest wooden constructions in the world, including its superb 5-storey pagoda. The Heijo Palace impresses by the monumentality of its large audience hall and the harmony of its superb Toin-Teien garden. Finally, go to Kyoto to discover the masterpieces of the Heian period characterized by the architectural refinement of its pavilions connected to nature by terraces and galleries. Don't miss the Byodo-in or Phoenix Temple and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. An omnipresence of nature found in Kyoto-Gosho, an imperial palace surrounded by a vast park.
From the Middle Ages to the Edo Era
While large traditional Buddhist temples, such as the monumental Sanjusangen-do in Kyoto, continue to be built, Zen is making its appearance, resulting in an architecture without pagodas but centred on gardens, supports for meditation. The Kennin-ji and Nanzen-ji temples in Kyoto are fine examples. During the Muromachi era, the tradition of pavilions was perpetuated and they were the object of all decorative attention, as the superb Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto testify. The Azuchi Momoyama era saw the birth of tea architecture, which is considered to be the foundation of the traditional Japanese home. Sobriety, simplicity and respect for materials, whose original purity is revealed, characterize this architecture. But medieval Kansai also knows how to be powerful and defensive, as the most famous of the country's castles, Himeiji-jo, testifies. Its superb 5-storey keep is surrounded by dozens of yaguras (castelets), watchtowers and moats, but also many green spaces proving that defensive architecture can also be refined, especially in private areas. Wakayama Castle is also a site not to be missed. The castles of the great Edo era are becoming real tools of prestige. Triumphant verticality, massive volumes, complex defensive structures, a strict hierarchy of spaces and rich interior decoration characterize these symbols of power and prosperity. Nijo Castle in Kyoto and Hikone Castle are superb examples. The Edo period also saw the appearance of the machiya, or traditional wooden houses, whose lines lined the shopping streets. Their roofs, covered with powerful dark grey kawara tiles, follow one another in an undulating movement creating a beautiful harmony. Very beautiful examples are to be seen in the small commercial city of Omihachiman, whose activity was also organized around its canal, also dating from the Edo era.
Modern and contemporary Kansai
The Meiji era was accompanied by an astonishing westernization of culture, with the buildings of the time adorning themselves with the finery of Renaissance, Baroque or classical styles. In Japan, this style was called the Imperial style. The national museums of Kyoto and Nara, and the Osaka City Hall, are fine examples. Post-war architecture is a testimony to the way Japan has risen from its ashes. A monumental reinforced concrete observation tower dominating the city, the Kyoto Tower is the symbol of this revival, as is the very red and twisted Kobe Tower. Kansai was then transformed into a land of architectural innovation. Osaka is the birthplace of one of the greatest contemporary architects: Tadao Ando, who imagined buildings of great sobriety where light reigns supreme. The Azuma House, an astonishing concrete block illuminated by a superb interior garden, is his first dwelling house. As for his Sayamaike Museum, it is harmoniously reflected in the surrounding water. Bubbling, Osaka has welcomed other great names in architecture: Kengo Kuma imagined the Capitol Hotel all in glass and steel, César Pelli designed the undulating National Museum of Art, Dominique Perrault created the Fukoku Life tower with its mirror-covered façade, Jun Aoki designed the Louis Vuitton boutique with its inflated façade, like a sail, while Renzo Piano imagined a terminal with an asymmetrical roof reminiscent of the wing of an airplane for the Kansai airport. The Umeda Sky Building and the Abeno Harukas (Japan's tallest building) also bear witness to the effervescence of Osaka. Kobe is also bubbling! You can't miss the stunning metallic silhouette of its Maritime Museum. After the terrible earthquake of 1995, Tadao Ando completely redesigned the waterfront, of which the Museum of Modern Art is the central element. Its three blocks of glass on a stone base symbolize the rebirth of the city after the tragedy. Kansai, land of history, rebirth and future!
