Hiraizumi-cho Trip Overview
This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Hiraizumi area!
Nestled in the mountains of southern Iwate is Hiraizumi, an ancient city that once rivaled Kyoto for its beauty and elegant surroundings. This was the capital of the Northern Fujiwara lands, an independent country that briefly flowered in the late 1100s. Today, you can see the remnants of that once-beautiful city while enjoying the gorges and other scenic beauty of southern Iwate.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that’s best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 hours
Starts: Hiraizumi-cho, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Hiraizumi-cho Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Hiraizumi area!
Nestled in the mountains of southern Iwate is Hiraizumi, an ancient city that once rivaled Kyoto for its beauty and elegant surroundings. This was the capital of the Northern Fujiwara lands, an independent country that briefly flowered in the late 1100s. Today, you can see the remnants of that once-beautiful city while enjoying the gorges and other scenic beauty of southern Iwate.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that’s best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Chuson-ji Temple, 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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?
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Chuson-ji Konjiki-do, 202 Hiraizumi Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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?
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kanjizaioin Ruins, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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?
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Chuson-ji Temple Benkeido, 202 Koromonoseki Hiraizumi Chuson-ji Temple, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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?
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sankozo, 202 Koromonoseki Hiraizumi Chuson-ji Temple, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Hakusan Shrine, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
Other buildings are a 19th century thatched Outdoor Noh Stage (Nohgakudo) next to the Hakusan Shrine.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Motsu-ji Temple, 58 Hiraizumi Osawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Takkoku no Iwaya, 16 Hiraizumi Kitazawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun 029-4102 Iwate Prefecture
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.
Duration: 1 hour