A True Temple...

On a recent visit to Japan, we visited the Nanzengi temple in Kyoto. A few of the shrines are located in the mountain, literally. We had to hike up to get to it. It was the most beautiful and peaceful temple I have ever been to. Consisted only of a wooden shelter, for the main shrine, then smaller ones put up on rocks, under a waterfall or even one inside a cave. The shrines themselves were very simple, just a cup of water, some incense. But being out there, on the mountain, surrounded by trees and soft sounds of a stream flowing by, was the most peaceful I have felt in any temple! It seemed like a real tribute to creation!
Reminded me of a thought I have had a few times, why do we build such extravagant houses for God, clearing out trees, animals and streams that might have been there? Now I myself am not exactly religious, but isn't God said to have created these natural things ? I wonder, shouldn't the church or temple just be the creation itself?