Tradition Meets Modernity: Unique "Integrated Temples" on Midosuji Street, Osaka

Today, I visited Osaka for some errands.

​When people think of major cities in Western Japan, Osaka is the place. Areas like Umeda and Midosuji are filled with skyscrapers, giving the city a real sense of growth and energy.

​While walking down Midosuji Street, I came across two very interesting temples.

​The first is Minami Mido (Namba Betsuin). What’s amazing here is that they built a massive complex at the entrance that integrates the temple’s hall with a hotel! The building has a huge circular opening so that the temple behind it remains visible. The contrast between the sleek, modern architecture and the traditional temple hall is incredibly bold and fresh.


​Further down toward Namba, there is another surprising sight: Candeo Hotels, which has built its entrance right around an entire temple! This is Mitsutera Temple. To preserve the aging structure and ensure its future, they chose this unique path of integrating it with a hotel. It has become such a cool-looking landmark!

​If you ever go sightseeing along Midosuji in Osaka, be sure to keep an eye out for these architectural wonders.

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