- Culture
- Iwate
Chuson-ji Temple
Hiraizumi Town in Iwate Prefecture registered as a World Cultural Heritage
If you are going to see Hiraizumi in Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, take a recommended UNESCO World Heritage Sites tour. A number of World Heritage sites and related facilities are scattered around the town in walking distance from each other, they include the Konjiki-do of Chuson-ji Temple, head temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region, and Motsu-ji Temple, the special-status head temple of the Tendai sect, which has a famous stone slab with a poem by Matsuo Basho inscribed on it. Encounter history while enjoying the scenery. Would you like to enjoy special experience on your journey?
When the aged cedars of about 300 year old accompany the approach path that creates a majestic atmosphere, you will reach the Hondo Main Hall and the Konjikido Golden Hall. Konjikido was completed rebuilt in 1124 by the wishful desire of Fujiwara-no-Kiyohira who want to express the exsistence of the paradise in concrete form. It condenses the trends of lacquer craft, gold crafts, and Buddhist sculpture, and it tells us the appearance of Chuson-ji Temple that founded by its gold leaf and gemstones that look like when it was first founded. In addition, in Sankozo Museum, there are more than 3,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of the Oshu Fujiwara lords that makes you feel the Heian culture.
A short walk from Chuson-ji Temple, you will find Motsu-ji Temple, a large and important temple of the Tendai sect, with pure land gardens that was popular garden-style during the Heian Period preserved. In the precincts of the Temple stretch out, including the Hondo Main Hall, Oizumi-ga-Ike Pond, with its stone slab inscribed with the poem, “The Summer's grass, 'Tis all that's left, Of ancient warriors’ dreams,” by Japan’s most famous Hakuist, Matsuo Basho, and a treasure hall with displays of historical cultural artifacts. At Motsu-ji Temple, you can experience the charms of all four seasons. Take in the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms, irises, and fall foliage, or enjoy the Fujiwara Festival in spring and autumn, the Motsuji Iris Festival on early summer, and the New Year’s Eve Buddhist memorial service.
Location
| Name | Chuson-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.chusonji.or.jp/language_en/index.html |
| Address | 202 Hiraizumi-Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate |
| Business Hours | March 1 to November 3: 8:30 to 17:00 November 4 to end of February: 8:30 to 16:30 |
| Inquiries | TEL:0191-46-2211 |
| Admission | Adults: 800 yen; High School Students: 500 yen; Junior High School Students: 300 yen; Elementary School Students: 200 yen |
| Name | Motsu-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.motsuji.or.jp/en/ |
| Address | 58 Hiraizumi-Osawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate |
| Business Hours | March 5 to November 4: 8:30 to 17:00 November 5 to March 4: 8:30 to 16:30 |
| Inquiries | TEL:0191-46-2331 |
| Admission | Adults: 700 yen; High School Students: 400 yen; Junior High School and Elementary School Students: 200 yen |