Sublime

Keihan Uji Station, located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, serves as the terminal station on the Keihan Railway Uji Line. The station was originally opened on June 1, 1913. In 1995, it underwent a significant redesign by architect Hiroyuki Wakabayashi. His design introduced a circular, open-concept structure that emphasizes natural light and spatial fluidity. This architectural approach marked a departure from traditional station designs, aiming to create a more inviting and harmonious public space. The innovative design of Keihan Uji Station was recognized with the Good Design Award in 1996. Further acknowledging its significance, the station was selected in 2000 as one of the “Best 100 Stations in the Kinki Region” by the Kinki District Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Wikipedia Beyond its architectural merits, the station serves as a gateway to several of Uji’s cultural landmarks, including the historic Uji Bridge, Ujigami Shrine, and the Tale of Genji Museum.

The architectural composition of a traditional Japanese Noh theatre. The stage is typically constructed from hinoki (Japanese cypress). Originally, noh was played in open fields. When a theatre is recreated inside a building, it’s designed complete with details such as a roof, bridge with a handrail and a pine tree painted on the back wall. The complete noh stage is comprised of the hon-butai (main playing area), hashigakari (bridgeway), ato-za (seating section for musicians and stage attendants) and the jiutai-za (seating section for the chorus). The main playing area is 5.4m per side. At the back of the stage is the kagami-ita (back panel, usually displaying a painted pine tree). In the front of the stage is the kizahashi (decorative staircase). Coming off the left side of the stage is the hashigakari (bridgeway). At the end of the hashigakari is the agemaku (curtain) which marks the entrance to the backstage area. 📸: @joannakawecki