Baisui Amidadō: Highlights, visiting hours, admission fees and access

Contents

Highlights of Byakusu Amidadō Hall
Basic Information about Shiramizu Amidado
Access to Baisui Amidadō

Highlights of Byakusu Amidadō Hall

The Byakusu Amidadō Hall at Ganjō-ji is said to have been built in the late Heian period by Tokuhime, daughter of Fujiwara no Kiyohira, to commemorate her husband, Iwaki Norimichi.

Byakusu Amida-do was designated a National Treasure in 1952 and is the only National Treasure building in Fukushima Prefecture. This valuable structure from the late Heian period has a hōgyō roof, whose roof planes slope from the apex in four directions. Deep eaves and the pronounced pitch of the large roof create its elegant appearance.

Amida Triad and Statues of the Two Heavenly Kings

The Shumidan altar in the hall houses 5 statues: a seated Amida Nyorai, statues of his attendants Kannon and Seishi, and standing statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten. All are Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Traces of polychrome decoration remain on the inner sanctuary’s side walls and coffered ceiling, conveying the flourishing of Pure Land Buddhism in the late Heian period.

Pure Land Garden with One Island and Two Bridges

The landscape, where the pond-centered Pure Land garden and Amida Hall form an integrated whole, is another highlight. Archaeological excavations revealed the typical layout of a Pure Land garden, with Amida Hall built on an island in the middle of a large pond. “One island and two bridges,” connecting the pond and the hall with two bridges, is a rare design. The grounds of Byakusu Amida Hall are also designated as a national historic site.

The Giant Ginkgo and Autumn Leaves

The great ginkgo tree within the temple grounds is a natural monument of Iwaki. In autumn, the ginkgo and maple trees change color, adding beauty to Amida Hall and the Pure Land Garden. The peak viewing period for the autumn foliage is usually said to be from late 10 to mid-11, but the timing varies with the weather.

Basic Information about Shiramizu Amidado

The information below was checked against official sources on September 19, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.

🔗 Official Website

Check visiting hours, admission fees, the address, and the latest notices.

願成寺　国宝白水阿弥陀堂

平安時代の浄土庭園を兼ね備えた　類を見ない御堂は　県内唯一の国宝建造物｜2023年9月8日(金)に発生した台風13号に伴う豪雨災害により、内郷地区は広範囲に浸水し、白水阿弥陀堂は床上浸水の被害を受けました。願成寺としましては、「国...

📍 Address

221 Hirohata, Uchigo Shiramizu-machi, Iwaki, Fukushima 973-8405

🕒 Visiting Hours

4–12 9:00–16:15 (gates close; last admission at 15:45)
1–3 9:00–15:45 (gates close; last admission at 15:15)

⚠️ The interior of the hall is normally open during visiting hours, but on festival and event days, worship may be limited to the area in front of the hall.

🚫 Closed

Regular closure The 4 Wednesday of each month
Temple closure days 2 3; the spring and autumn equinoxes; 8 12–18; 8 24; and 12 20–31
Days when the hall interior is closed 1 1–3; 8 5–6; and 12 31

⚠️ On the Sunday immediately before Cultural Property Fire Prevention Day, 1 26, visits are available from the afternoon due to a fire drill. If 26 falls on a Sunday, the drill is held that day. The temple may also close temporarily because of religious ceremonies, typhoons, strong winds, heavy rain, snow accumulation, or similar conditions.

💶 Admission

Adults 500 yen
Elementary school students 300 yen
Preschool children Free
Groups of 20 or more 1 off the standard admission fee
Groups of 100 or more 2 off the standard admission fee

⚠️ Student group rates require application documents submitted by the school.

🎫 Tickets

Admission closes 30 minutes before the gates close. Groups and school parties should confirm the required documents and admission procedure in advance.⚠️ On days when the hall interior is closed, worship is limited to the area in front of the hall.

⏱️ Suggested Visit Duration

Amida Hall and the Pure Land Garden About 40 minutes
For a leisurely visit including the autumn foliage and a goshuin temple seal About 45 minutes to 1 hours

⚠️ The time required varies depending on whether you enter the hall, wait to receive a goshuin temple seal, encounter crowds, or spend additional time in the garden.

Access to Baisui Amidadō

Route buses

From platform 3 at Iwaki Station, take the local bus bound for Kawada to “Amidado.” The ride takes about 18 minutes, followed by a walk of about 5 minutes. From the entrance to Uchigo Station, the bus in the same direction takes about 5 minutes, followed by a walk of about 5 minutes. This route operates only on weekdays, so consider another way of getting there on weekends and public holidays.

By car

It takes approximately 20 minutes from the Iwaki-Chūō IC, and the free parking area accommodates 30 vehicles. The road leading north is not accessible by car, so head to the main entrance on the south side.

For directions by public transportation or car, see the official access information.