Lotus Fountain

The Lotus Fountain stands in the plaza directly in front of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and serves as one of the symbolic landmarks linking Kyoto Station with the temple. Inspired by the shape of a lotus flower—an important Buddhist symbol—the fountain creates a graceful transition between the modern city and one of Kyoto’s largest historic temples.

The fountain is believed to have been created during the early Taisho period. It was designed by pioneering architect Goichi Takeda, while the lotus-shaped centerpiece is attributed to the celebrated Nihonga painter Takeuchi Seiho. Rather than serving simply as a decorative feature, it was conceived as an integral part of the temple’s forecourt, harmonizing modern urban planning with Kyoto’s traditional religious landscape.

History

The Lotus Fountain was created during the early Taisho period (1912–1926) as part of Kyoto City’s urban landscape improvement program. It was designed by pioneering architect **Goichi Takeda**, while the lotus-shaped centerpiece is widely attributed to the celebrated Nihonga painter **Takeuchi Seiho**.

Takeda played a leading role in shaping modern Kyoto through landmark works such as the Kyoto Prefectural Library and the original Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art (now the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art). Rather than serving simply as a decorative fountain, the Lotus Fountain was conceived as an elegant forecourt leading to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, creating a harmonious transition between Kyoto’s historic religious architecture and its emerging modern cityscape.

Highlights

Design by Goichi Takeda

See a rare example of urban landscape design by one of Japan’s leading modern architects.

Beautiful Temple View

Enjoy one of the finest perspectives of Higashi Hongan-ji’s monumental entrance across the fountain.

Historic Urban Landscape

Experience a surviving example of Kyoto’s early twentieth-century city planning.

Evening Illumination

Visit after sunset to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere created by the illuminated fountain and temple.

Gateway from Kyoto Station

The fountain is an ideal first stop on the short walk from Kyoto Station to Higashi Hongan-ji.

Visit Tips

The plaza is especially beautiful in the early morning, when soft light illuminates the temple behind the fountain and visitor numbers remain low. It is also an excellent location for wide-angle photographs of Higashi Hongan-ji.

Architecture enthusiasts should consider combining this visit with other works by Goichi Takeda, including the Kyoto Prefectural Library and the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, to gain a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s outstanding modern architectural heritage.