The Heian Period
Despite the fact that China and Korea had a big impact and influence on the architecture in the Asuka period, the Heian period was a time when Japanese started to develop more of their own style. Their inspirations towards their buildings was their country itself. Due to Japan being a tight island, distant from other countries, they thought their buildings had to reflect of this as well, being completely unique.
During this era, the temple layout was predominantly based on the landscape of nature, such as gardens and ponds, which were usually found in villas, but were adapted for use in the temples. This new style of temple building attracted many people, as it was more focused on their religion, rather than the money that were put into the buildings nor the intricate designing on the temples.
The style of the building were also designed symmetrically and in a way that it was seen as if the building complex had arms, and embracing the garden in front of it. This definitely showed people's respect for nature and how simplicity is also beautiful.
During this era, the temple layout was predominantly based on the landscape of nature, such as gardens and ponds, which were usually found in villas, but were adapted for use in the temples. This new style of temple building attracted many people, as it was more focused on their religion, rather than the money that were put into the buildings nor the intricate designing on the temples.
The style of the building were also designed symmetrically and in a way that it was seen as if the building complex had arms, and embracing the garden in front of it. This definitely showed people's respect for nature and how simplicity is also beautiful.