Mountainside Memorial Features 100 Blooming Gardens That Change with the Seasons

On an island in the Hyogo Prefecture within the memorial city of Awaji, there's an array of buildings and green space known as Awaji Yumebutai. This complex, which was created in the mid-1990s by architect Tadao Ando, was originally designed to sit on the side of a mountain–an area that had previously been excavated for landfill development–as a natural space where people could gather.

The ambitious architect expanded on his initial plans, going so far as to actually convince the local authorities to purchase the surrounding land as additional space for this innovative park. Before he could complete his vision, however, a violent earthquake shook the island and took the lives of more than 6,000 people. In the aftermath, Ando revised his plans and converted the Awaji Yumebutai into a memorial, which includes the stunning Hyakudanen, also known as “the 100 Stepped Garden.”

This gorgeous landscape is the site of a group of 100 flower beds arranged as small square gardens. They're built on an incline and spread over several levels, with blooms that change and correspond to the four seasons. The flowers serve as a symbol to those who lost their lives during the earthquake.

Hyakudanen also features a 10-meter-wide step-cascade of continuously flowing water that's adjacent to standard stairs. Viewers can trek the incline, seeing each garden as they go, or take a free-standing elevator to the top of the memorial. Here, a viewing platform offers a look at the garden in all of its beautiful glory.

Above photo credit: Caspar Borkowsky

Photo credit: Jeffrey Friedl

Photo credit: Caspar Borkowsky

Photo credit: Scott Hsu

Photo credit: Caspar Borkowsky

Photo credit: Jeffrey Friedl

Photo credit: Caspar Borkowsky

Photo credit: Scott Hsu

Photo credit: ? ????

Photo credit: wata_masa

via [Amusing Planet]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content