Hiraizumi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

The Sankozo (Treasure House) Museum, a little up the hill to the left, is not to be missed and has over 3,000 exhibits. Three, large impressive wooden, gilded statues of the Buddha greet the visitor on entry and another highlight is a stunning 1.74m-tall image of a "Thousand Arms" Kannon - the goddess of mercy.

Other buildings are a 19th century thatched Outdoor Noh Stage (Nohgakudo) next to the Hakusan Shrine.

Hiraizumi's other main sight is Motsuji Temple (Tel: 0191 46 2331) known for its beautiful strolling gardens.

Like Chusonji, Motsuji is believed to have been founded by the priest Ennin in the 9th century. Most of the buildings are no longer standing except for a few foundation stones, but the exquisite, tranquil Jodo teien Heian garden with its large pond is beautifully preserved. There is a small museum to the left of the main entrance with images of Motsuji's fascinating festivals (see below).

Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Temple is a grand old temple built into a cliff rock wall approximately 1,200 years ago, and it also happens to be the next destination on your action packed day trip. The temple was built in the Heian period as a way of honoring the ruling government’s victory over the local indigenous population of the north, called the Emishi. Whilst the original look of the structure has been lost to time, it has nonetheless been rebuilt as an impressive structure in its own right, and a wonderful place to spend the afternoon and get lost in a little slice of Japanese history.