23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Light of Awaji

A cross of natural light cuts through the darkness at the Chapel of the Sea (Umi no Kyōkai) on Awaji Island. Tadao Ando’s masterpiece uses raw concrete and shadow to turn a simple ray of sun into a spiritual experience.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Awaji Island, Japan
Camera: GFX100 II
Copyright: © Xingfan Xia