Hiraizumi 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Chuson-ji is the crowning treasure of Hiraizumi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 9th century and expanded by the powerful Oshu Fujiwara clan in the 12th century as a center of Pure Land Buddhism. Set amid towering cedars on a wooded hillside, its great prize is the Konjikido (Golden Hall), an exquisite gilded mausoleum covered in gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, and lacquer that enshrines the Fujiwara lords. The atmospheric approach and treasure hall make it the highlight of any visit to Hiraizumi.

Motsu-ji is renowned for having Japan's finest surviving Pure Land (Jodo) garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that recreates the Buddhist vision of paradise on earth. Centered on a large, serene pond ringed by carefully placed stones, islands, and a meandering stream, the garden was laid out in the 12th century beside a once-vast temple complex. Though the original halls are gone, the tranquil grounds and seasonal flowers, especially the summer irises, make it a peaceful counterpart to nearby Chuson-ji.

Kanjizaio-in Ato is the tranquil site of a 12th-century temple and Pure Land garden built by the wife of the second Oshu Fujiwara lord, now a UNESCO World Heritage component. While the original halls are long gone, the carefully restored pond garden survives, its still water, gentle islands, and lawns evoking the Buddhist paradise the Fujiwara sought to recreate. Adjacent to Motsu-ji, it is a peaceful, uncrowded spot to imagine Hiraizumi's golden age.

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 is a dramatic temple hall built into a natural rock cave at the foot of a cliff, a short drive from central Hiraizumi. Founded according to legend in 801 by the general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro to enshrine Bishamonten in thanks for victory, the vermilion hall nestles strikingly against the dark rock face. Nearby a large Buddha figure is carved into the cliff itself, making this an atmospheric and lesser-known stop steeped in early history.