2025 Hiraizumi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

[Access] 202 Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture [Points] ~Enjoy the World Heritage Site at your leisure~ It is said that Chusonji Temple was founded in 850 by Ennin, a high priest of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. Chusonji Temple is said to be a treasure trove of Heian art and a national treasure and important cultural property, and once you step inside, you will feel a sense of calm. This is a spot you cannot miss when sightseeing in Iwate. *Information as of May 2023. #Tourism

Name: Konjikido Covering Hall Location: 202 Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Visited: 22.11.08 This is the old hall that is said to have been built by the Kamakura Shogunate to protect the Konjikido from rain, wind, and snow. The current new covering hall was built in the Showa era. I think it shows how important the Konjikido is as a building that needs to be protected. Looking at the autumn leaves, I wonder if there were four seasons hundreds of years ago and great men of the past also looked at the autumn leaves😊 #Autumn leaves #Autumn leaf viewing #Chusonji Temple #Hiraizumi #Historical site #Trip to experience historical culture

#Chusonji #Hiraizumi Chusonji Golden Hall. The main hall of this temple, known as a World Heritage Site, is very impressive. In fact, you can visit the main hall for free. There is a fee to enter the Golden Hall, and photography is prohibited, but I was overwhelmed by the sight I had never seen before. It is said that Matsuo Basho also visited this place and composed his haiku. Benkei's grave is also near Chusonji. The land of Chusonji is very vast, and there is a small shrine inside the temple, so it is well worth seeing! Also, since it was a weekday, there were few tourists and it was easy to see. #Historic site with a sense of history

Chuson-ji Temple is located in Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region. Founded in 850, it is dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha and is one of the 33 Kannon temples in Oshu. Chuson-ji Temple has many national treasures and cultural heritage sites, and is known as the most important treasure house of Heian Buddhist art in eastern Japan. In 2011, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land."

An amazing place, we drove there ourselves. Within the precincts of Mōtsū-ji Temple, there is not only a vast Jōdo (Pure Land) garden, but also an area where you can view up to 30,000 irises, as well as various ruins and a treasure museum. With Mount Tōzan to the north as a backdrop and Ōizumi Pond at the center, the surroundings feature sandbars, water-dividing stones that mimic waves crashing against rocky shores, standing stones resembling breakwaters, and rock formations in the style of dry landscape gardens, creating an enchanting natural scenery. This garden has preserved the ideas and techniques from Japan's oldest gardening book, the Sakuteiki, for over 800 years, still harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding trees and landscape, maintaining its original beauty. The temple's introduction is written clearly, so even first-time visitors won't have to worry about where to go for worship.

#japantrip Chūson-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hiraizumi, Iwate, is a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist heritage. Founded in 850 by the Fujiwara clan, the temple complex is famed for its stunning Konjikidō (Golden Hall), a lavishly gilded structure housing sacred Buddhist statues. Surrounded by serene cedar forests, Chūson-ji offers a peaceful retreat with scenic walking trails and historic treasures. The temple’s rich history, intricate architecture, and cultural significance make it a must-visit for history and spiritual seekers alike. In autumn, vibrant foliage enhances its beauty, while winter blankets it in a magical layer of snow, creating a breathtaking scene.

Sakanoue Tamuramaro dedicated Bishamonten in a cave to commemorate the conquest of Ezo. Built on a cliff, Bishamon-do Temple was rebuilt every time it suffered a fire. The six-foot-tall Fudo Myo-o statue (a prefectural designated cultural property) sculpted during the Heian period and the "Iwa-faced Buddha" (carved Buddha) known as the northern limit are also worth seeing. The entire territory is designated as a historical site. #2024TravelReview

Motsu-ji Temple Grounds with Attached Shrine Ruins [Special Historic Site] Motsu-ji Temple Garden [Special Scenic Spot] (Hiraizumi Town) Motsu-ji Temple, recognized for its cultural value as one of Japan's foremost Pure Land gardens, is doubly designated by the nation. Like Chūson-ji Temple, it is said to have been founded by the Great Master Jikaku in the 3rd year of Kashō (850). The construction was initiated by the second-generation lord Motohira and completed during the era of the third-generation lord Hidehira. In its prime, it boasted 40 temple buildings and 500 monk quarters, with the Golden Hall Enryū-ji being praised as "unmatched in our country." The pond, known as Ōizumi-ga-ike, retains the elegant landscaping style of the Heian period, offering tranquility to visitors.

Part of Hiraizumi's Cultural Heritage Motsu-ji Temple Grounds and Adjacent Shrine Ruins [Special Historic Site] Former Kanjizaio-in Garden [Scenic Spot] (Hiraizumi Town) This garden, adjacent to Motsu-ji Temple, is said to have been established by the wife of Fujiwara no Motohira. The garden features a central pond called Maizuru-ga-ike, with rocky formations, sandy shores, and islands. On the northern shore of the pond are the ruins of the Great Amida Hall and the Small Amida Hall. Today, the garden has been restored and maintained as a historic park, providing a relaxing space for visitors. Access Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Hiraizumi-Maesawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway Approximately 6 minutes on foot from JR Hiraizumi Station on the Tohoku Main Line

Located almost midway between Chuson-ji Temple and Motsu-ji Temple, there is a legend that a pair of golden roosters were buried here to protect Hiraizumi. This mountain, where successive generations of the Oshu Fujiwara clan built sutra mounds at the summit, became the standard for the town planning of Hiraizumi. When Matsuo Basho visited Hiraizumi, he noted the impression of this mountain by saying, 'Only the shape of Mount Kinkeizan remains.' Near the entrance, there is a five-ring pagoda said to be the grave of Yoshitsune's wife and children. Access About 15 minutes by car from Hiraizumi-Maesawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway About 5 minutes on foot from Suzusawa Bus Stop

#voyagevibes Chuusonji was opened in 850 by Ennin, the master of Jikaku of Enryaku-ji Temple in Mt. Hiei, and at the beginning of the 12th century, more pagodas were built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan. Many of the buildings burned down in the 14th century, but more than 3,000 Heian art works still remain and are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. " The "Kinden Hall" is the only building that conveys its original appearance to this day, and the interior and exterior of the hall are beautifully decorated with gold leaf. Access - About 5 minutes by bus from "Hiraizumi Station" on the JR Tohoku Main Line, about 15 minutes on foot from "Chusonji Bus Stop"

When I went to Iwate, I went to the Konjikido 🍁 This year, 2024, is the 900th anniversary of the Konjikido, and they had limited edition goshuin and omamori charms!!! 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 ✔️Recommended points 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 ⚫︎On the way to Chusonji, there are halls and wankosoba restaurants, so it's fun to take a walk 👣 ⚫︎There are limited edition cut-out goshuin and omamori charms for the 900th anniversary! ⚫︎Photography is prohibited at the Konjikido 🙅♀️, so you have to go to the site to see it! It was really beautiful and gold, so I recommend you go and see it!!! ⚫︎You can also enjoy the autumn leaves from October to November🍁 I went in late October, so I was able to enjoy the green to red gradation and it was beautiful...!!! ⚫︎Each temple along the way has a different goshuin, so it's also recommended for those who collect goshuin🤤 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 You can also enjoy the autumn leaves at this time of year, so it's a place that I recommend for those who like goshuin while enjoying the autumn leaves🍁!!! Maybe because it's 900 years old, the parking lot was full and it was very crowded, so I recommend going in the morning🫶 ---- 📍 Access 🚄Tohoku Shinkansen Tokyo to Ichinoseki Station about 2 hours 20 minutes 🚃Tohoku Main Line Ichinoseki to Hiraizumi Station about 10 minutes 🚌Hiraizumi Station Shuttle Bus Hiraizumi Station to Chusonji Temple About 10 minutes 👣About 15 minutes walk from the bus stop 🍁Prices Golden Hall admission ticket Adults 1,000 yen High school students 700 yen Middle school students 500 yen Elementary school students 300 yen ※Admission is free for all buildings except the Golden Hall. 🕰️Opening hours (precincts open all year round) March 1st to November 3rd / 8:30-17:00 November 4th to the end of February / 8:30-16:30 ※Ticket issuance stops 10 minutes before. ---- #Domestic travel record #Chusonji Temple #Iwate tourism #Temple stamp #Autumn leaves

Chūson-ji Temple is one of the cultural heritage sites in Hiraizumi, and it was included in the World Heritage list in 2011. It is the main temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region. Entering Chūson-ji from the Tsukimizaka entrance, you are immediately greeted by towering centuries-old trees and the solemn atmosphere of the ancient temple. Along the path, you can see more than a dozen small temples of various sizes. The main hall is the largest area, with the principal Buddha being Amitabha. The Konjikidō, which requires a separate ticket for entry, is the only structure that has been preserved in its original form since its creation. Photography is prohibited inside the hall. It is worth spending some time to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship. The Treasure Hall across from it houses over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties.

The cultural heritage of Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture was designated as a World Heritage Site in June 2011✨ Although it is not widely known throughout Japan, it is actually a spot with a lot of attractions! The components of Hiraizumi's World Heritage Site are as follows: - Chuson-ji Temple - Motsu-ji Temple - Kanjizaio-in Ato - Muryoko-in Ato - Mount Kinkeisan Among these, Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, and Kanjizaio-in Ato are popular with tourists and can be visited in a day! Additionally, a one-day free pass is available for 550 yen, making it an economical way to tour the area☺️ Mochi is also famous here, so it's recommended for lunch!

#traveldiaries #japan #japantrip #iwate What I find particularly captivating about Iwate is its connection to Japan’s history and spirituality. Sites like Chuson-ji Temple and the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi showcase the region’s ancient Buddhist heritage, while also offering moments of reflection and beauty. The prefecture’s historical festivals, such as the Chagu Chagu Umakko horse festival, keep traditional customs alive in a vibrant way. Iwate’s combination of unspoiled nature and rich cultural experiences makes it a remarkable destination for travelers looking to connect with Japan’s traditions while enjoying its scenic grandeur. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life.

#TravelWithMe The Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple is a World Heritage Site. The Golden Hall is a structure that conveys its original appearance to the present day. It was named "Golden Hall" because it was built using an abundance of gold leaf. There is plenty to see, such as the gold lacquer and brilliant colors on the interior, and the openwork metal fittings. It is also recommended as a place where you can relax and unwind.

There are buses to Chusonji from Hiraizumi Station or Ichinoseki Station. There are few buses, so be sure to check before you go. However, if you like walking, you can also walk to Hiraizumi Station. The main attraction of Chusonji is the Golden Hall, but I like Benkei-do, where Benkei is enshrined. The first photo is of the inside. The grounds of Chusonji, which start from Tsukimizaka, are vast, and there are many things to see, so I hope you will take your time. The 10th and 11th photos are of lunch at Cafe SEKIMAYA, which is located on the way from Chusonji to Hiraizumi Station. The pasta here was incredibly delicious! There are also other tourist spots such as Motsu-ji Temple, Kinkei-san, and the remains of Muryoko-in Temple. However, if you use the bus, be careful as there are few buses. #WorldHeritage #Hiraizumi #HiraizumiTourism

If you visit Chusonji Temple in Iwate Prefecture, be sure to stop by. Hakusan Shrine Within the shrine grounds is the Noh Theater, a designated cultural asset of the country. The Noh Theater is said to be the only relic of a modern Noh stage in eastern Japan, complete with a bridge and dressing room! The Noh dance was viewed by Toyotomi Hidetsugu and Date Masamune, the regents of the time, during their visit to the shrine in 1582. It's a historic place that has continued to this day. You can also pass through the Chinowa (a ring of grass) all year round! It's said that passing through the Chinowa will ward off evil spirits, so I passed through it to pray. Location: 173 Kinoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture Deity: Izanagi-no-Mikoto Izanami-no-Mikoto Regular festival: May 4th and 5th Contact: 226 Kinoseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture Hakusan Shrine Office Tel: 0191-46-4397 0191-46-2512 #PR #IwateTourism #HakusanShrine #Chusonji

[Access] About 25 minutes by taxi from Ichinoseki Station Inside Chusonji Temple [Points] Hakusan Shrine is related to the faith of Hakusan, and is said to have been spread throughout the country by ascetics who trained at the sacred mountain of Hakusan in the Hokuriku region. The Noh stage and torii gates in the shrine grounds are said to have been built and donated by the former lord of the Date clan, Date Yoshikuni, in 1853. Please visit Hakusan Shrine, where time flows at a leisurely pace. *Information current as of May 2023. #Tourist Spots

Location: Autumn leaves at Chusonji Temple, World Heritage Site [Hiraizumi] Address: 202, Hiraizumi Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture Visited: 22.11.08 It was a sacred place with beautiful autumn leaves and a sense of history. A chrysanthemum exhibition was also held. In summary, Chusonji Temple is a place of non-combat determination to comfort the spirits of all living things, regardless of friend or foe, and to build a Buddhist land, and I agree. Amazing, Chusonji Temple 😊 #Autumn leaves #Autumn leaf viewing #Hiraizumi #Chusonji Temple #A place where you can feel history #A trip to touch history and culture

Name: Chusonji Golden Hall Location: 202 Hiraizumi Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Admission Fee: Joint admission ticket for Golden Hall and Sankogura, 800 yen for adults Date of visit: 22.11.08 *Photography prohibited inside the building Golden Hall represents the Pure Land. It is a structure that conveys the original appearance of Chusonji Temple. The structure of the hall and the golden Buddha statues, including Amida Nyorai at the center of the Sumeru platform, are simply overwhelming. I am simply moved by the strength of faith and the high level of technology from hundreds of years ago. Before entering the Golden Hall, there were magnificent autumn leaves (second photo), but the area around the Golden Hall was quiet and mainly green. It was truly mystical😊 #Autumn leaves #Autumn leaf viewing #World Heritage Site #Historical site #Travel to experience historical culture #Chusonji #Golden Hall #Hiraizumi

Name: Sankozo (Sankozo) Admission fee: 800 yen for adults for a joint viewing ticket for the Golden Hall and Sankozo Date of visit: 22.11.08 Sankozo is what they call a treasure museum. No photography allowed inside the building. You will be overwhelmed from the moment you step inside. The cultural assets on display are undoubtedly witnesses to history. Before entering, I was impressed by the autumn leaves, but I was simply moved by the things created by the hands of the people inside Sankozo. Amazing, Chusonji 😊 #autumn leaves #autumn leaf viewing #Chusonji #Hiraizumi #trip to experience history and culture

The Zhongzun Temple in Iwate Prefecture was built in the 850s of the Tiantai Ancestral Temple in the northeast of the Tiantai Mountains. At the beginning of the 12th century, the early dynasty of Ouyoshi Fujiwara built a large temple. Although many temples and pagodas were burned down in the early 14th century, more than 3,000 national treasures and important cultural assets such as the Golden Church were preserved. Zhongzun Temple has now been registered as a World Heritage Site. There are many Buddhist temples in Zhongzun Temple and an outdoor energy stage. The golden church was built in 1124 and is the only building that has been preserved since the founding period. The entire hall is covered with gold foil. Because there is no picture inside and there are no buildings outside, there are no photos. The Zhongzun Temple in Pingquan and the Maoyue Temple, the Ruiyan Temple in Songdo, and the Lishi Temple in the Yamagata Mountain Temple were all created by Master Tsaoju. The so-called "Temple of the Four Temples" is also the tour of the "Oshu Trail" on the way. Passed the temple. There is a statue of a pine-tailed banana in the temple. address