Consider a temple that bridges centuries. This is Zuishoji Temple. Founded in 1670, Zuishoji Temple stands as a testament to Tokyo’s rich history. It also embraces modern design.
Zuishoji Temple is the first temple in Tokyo of the Obaku Sect. This Zen Buddhist school was brought to Japan by Priest Ingen during the Edo Period.
Look around you. Notice how the historic religious building blends with its modern additions. The famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed these modern quarters for the local priest. The temple’s compound in Shirokanedai showcases a perfect cohabitation. The old and new buildings are separated by three and a half centuries.
The priest’s quarters surround a central basin. This design underscores the solemnity of the historic Zuishoji Temple. Mr. Yoshinobu Furuichi, the priest, emphasizes the importance of transmitting stories. He believes the temple’s objects, both ancient Buddha statues and modern USM Haller furniture, share these stories.
Mr. Furuichi chose the furniture for its durability. He wanted pieces that would enhance the space. The interior designer suggested USM Haller. Mr. Furuichi selected black for its sobriety. He appreciates its clean design and robust materials.
Even the Zuishoji Temple garage reflects Japanese cultural values. In Tokyo, owning a parking space is a luxury. The garage’s interior is coordinated in gray and black. A large USM Haller piece stores documents without blocking the windows. A USM Haller showcase displays Mr. Furuichi’s artwork.
Interestingly, a rustic wooden chair sits in the garage corner. It is a reproduction of a design by Bruno Taut. He designed it while staying at Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple. Both temples belong to the Obaku Buddhism movement.
The temple was renovated by Kengo Kuma to commemorate its 350th anniversary. The new addition considered the peculiar arrangement of Chinese temple architecture.
Notice the axis extending from the temple’s repository. The design reflects the orientation and depth typical of Chinese temples. A U-shaped cloister on the south side makes the temple more accessible. The courtyard’s water pool and raised stage encourage community events.
The building uses a combination of steel and wood. The wooden joists and louvers create a geometric pattern. This highlights the uniqueness of the Obaku Sect.
The Zuishoji Temple is listed as an Important Cultural Property in Japan. It features traditional Chinese architecture, such as deep eaves. The design reinterprets these elements through a contemporary intervention. It aligns with the temple’s main axis.
The new volumes house the priests’ rooms. They are arranged around a water pool and stage. The roof’s wooden joists extend beyond the halls. This creates a continuous overhang. The wood contrasts with the slender metallic columns.
Zuishoji Temple connects different eras and styles. It creates a sense of universal value. Here, time moves slowly. The Zuishoji Temple stands as a place where history and modernity converge.