IWAKI, Fukushima Prefecture—Post-disaster restoration work is complete at the Shiramizu Amidado hall, which is now lit up at night.
IWAKI, Fukushima Prefecture—Post-disaster restoration work is complete at the Shiramizu Amidado hall, which is now lit up at night.
On Nov. 9, the lights picked out the rich colors of autumn leaves in the temple garden. The garden is a government-designated historic site.
The March 11, 2011 earthquake damaged the main temple building, including the Amida Nyorai statue, which is designated as an important national cultural asset. The Amidado hall was built in the late Heian Period (794-1185).
The disaster also resulted in a drastic drop in the number of visitors. Iwaki is more than 40 kilometers from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.
With repairs now complete, and visitors gradually returning, local companies rallied behind the idea of nocturnal illuminations, which continue through Nov. 20.