Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land, is the official name given to five historic sites in Hiraizumi, by UNESCO. Hiraizumi is a town located in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Hiraizumi is home to five sites that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Hiraizumi was a cultural and political center among practicing Buddhists. Today, visitors can see the Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi by visiting Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, Muryoko-in Ato, Mt. Kinkeisan, and the historic and unique temple of Takkoku-no-Iwaya.
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According to the UNESCO website, Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land consists of five sites scattered throughout the town of Hiraizumi. History in the region dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when Buddhism was being practiced and said to be pure.
The five sites include Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, and Muryoko-in Ato. There are five other sites that were originally submitted to be nominated, including Takkoku-no-Iwaya.
Chusonji Temple
Chusonji, the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan’s Tohoku region. According to information at the site is was founded by a priest by the name of Ennin in the year 850 and was created by the Fujiwara Lord, Kiyohira.
This beautiful temple complex is built on a hill in a thick forested area. There are temples, museums, a cafe/restaurant, and many significant structures scattered throughout the area.
To fully explore Chusonji, you need a minimum of 2 hours here, but you can easily spend more time. Aside from visiting the temples and structures, the museum and Konjikido (Golden Hall). Konjikido, is an impressive Golden Hall that was completed in 1124. Gold lacquer covers the entire temple, it is truly impressive. Konjikido is protected and kept inside another building to shelter it from the elements.
Admission and Hours
Admission
¥800
Hours
8:30 – 17:00
Motsuji Temple
Motsuji Temple, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, is considered a special place to due its historical significance and natural beauty.
Walking around the complex, you might think it’s underwhelming especially compared to Chusonji, but it’s just as important and significant even though many of the original structures no longer exist.
Motsuji Temple began in 850. According to what was read at the site, around 40 temples and 500monastery compounds were erected at the site. Most if not all of the original structures were lost because of fires. But today, this site is still very significant due to the teachings of Buddhism that took place here and the Pure Land Gardens.
The gardens here have been somewhat untouched in the last 800 years. The gardens are meant to represent a “Buddhist Paradise.” The gardens are surrounded by natural trees and landscapes that were created to resemble that “paradise,” such as coastlines, footpaths made from stones, and other unique features.
Admission and Hours
Admission
¥700
Hours
8:30 – 17:00
Takkoku no Iwaya
Takkoku no Iwaya is a designated historic site although not officially listed as a World Heritage site like Chusonji or Motsuji. I feel this is one of the more unique temples I’ve seen in Japan, so if you are here to visit the other temples, might as well visit Takkoku no Iwaya.
Located about 6km to the south of the town of Hiraizumi, you can find the tranquil temple of Takkoku no Iwaya. There is a large parking area across the street from the temple grounds.
Like many temples in the region, this temple is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple. What makes Takkoku no Iwaya so unique is that the Bishamondo (Bishamon Hall) sits upon wooden support beams tucked back into a cave. Visitors can enter Bishamondo, it is well worth it.
In front of Takkoku no Iwaya’s main temple is a scenic pond with an island. If you look closely at the cliff next to Bishamondo, there is a Buddha carved in the rocks.
Admission and Hours
Admission
¥500
Hours
8:00 – 17:00
Conclusion
The historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi hold a significant place in the cultural and historical heritage of Japan. These sites have been incredibly preserved and are an important historical asset, therefore they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi show craftsmanship that were achieved in Japan during the 11th and 12th centuries. Visitors can get an insight into the religious and political aspects from the time. Although Chusonji Temple and Takkoku no Iwaya were my favorite temples we visited, all five sites plus the additional nominated sites are all worth visiting.
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