All 3,000 tons of white marble used in the construction were imported from Carrara, Italy.
The sculptor Itto Kuetani lived in Carrara for decades to master marble carving techniques before creating this project.
The hill reaches an elevation of approximately 15 meters above the temple grounds.
The site includes a 'Tower of Light' which serves as the highest point of the marble installation.
Unlike traditional Japanese rock gardens that use granite or local stone, the use of exclusively Italian marble is unique for a temple-affiliated garden in Japan.
The Hill of Hope, or Miraishin-no-Oka, is a 5,000-square-meter white marble garden located within the Kosan-ji Temple complex on Ikuchijima Island. Sculptor Itto Kuetani designed the entire landscape using Italian Carrara marble, which was transported directly from Italy to Japan. The site features various structures, plazas, and pathways carved from marble, contrasting against the blue sky and surrounding island greenery. It is situated on a hillside overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The project took approximately 16 years to complete. The landscape serves as a site for artistic contemplation and architectural study. The white surfaces reflect significant sunlight, creating a high-contrast environment.
From the highest point at the 'Tower of Light' looking back toward the Seto Inland Sea.
Wear sunglasses, as the reflected light off the white marble can be intense on clear days.
Visit on a clear, sunny day to witness the maximum color contrast between the white marble and the blue sky.
Stay hydrated, as there is very little natural shade across the open marble landscape.
Attempting to visit during heavy rain, as the white marble surfaces can become extremely slippery.
Avoid climbing on or touching the smaller delicate marble sculptures; stay on designated pathways.
