“Hiraizumi” 5th Anniversary of World Cultural Heritage Registration Hiraizumi Special Feature

“Hiraizumi” 5th Anniversary Event Guide for World Cultural Heritage Registration

Commemorative events at Chusonji Temple | Commemorative events at Motsuji Temple | Commemorative events in Hiraizumi Town

Event commemorating the 5th anniversary of Chusonji “Hiraizumi” being registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site

Chusonji Konjikido Shinbakudo The most victorious and most honorable Buddha represented by the single character mantra “Boron”. This is a secret Buddha at Chuson-ji Temple that is said to be the Nenjibutsu of the third generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, Hidehira.
The opening of this secret Buddha is irregular, and will only be opened when Chusonji Ilzan decides to open it. It will be unveiled this year, which is the 5th anniversary of Hiraizumi being registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Heian period, marquetry made of Katsura wood, statue height 76cm, important cultural property

[Unveiling of the secret Buddha “Ichiji Kanawabutsuchoson”]

❖Duration: June 29, 2016 (Wednesday, Hiraizumi World Heritage Day) to November 6, 2016 (Sunday)
❖Venue: Sankozo Secret Buddha Room
❖Admission fee: 500 yen for adults / 200 yen for elementary, junior high, and high school students
[Common admission fee with Konjikido: Adults 1,200 yen / High school students 600 yen / Junior high school students 400 yen / Small children 300 yen]
*Group discount: 10% off for 30 or more people / 20% off for 100 or more people
*Admission tickets will be issued at the Sankozo admission ticket issuing office.
*Tourist tickets from contracted travel agencies can be used. When issuing, please clearly indicate the type of admission fee for Konjiki-do, Hibutsu-do admission fee, and common admission fee.
❖Visiting hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. from November 4)

Tendaiji is an ancient temple of the Tendai sect located in Joboji, Ninohe City. Currently, the Kannon-do (main hall) and Niomon gate are undergoing the “Great Heisei Renovation,” which is the first major project in about 300 years since Genroku 3.
The statue of Sho Kanzeon Bodhisattva is called “Katsurasen Kannon” and is a one-piece Buddha statue made from a special sacred tree, and the beautiful chisel pattern is said to be a masterpiece of hatchet carving.
Heian period, single piece of wig wood, statue height 116.5cm, important cultural property

[Tendaiji “Katsura Sen Kannon” opening book]

❖Period: July 30th (Sat) – September 11th (Sun), 2016
❖Venue: Sankozo (can be visited with the regular Chusonji entrance fee)

Chusonji Temple and other commemorative events

[Hiraizumi World Heritage Day Peace Prayer Memorial and Symposium]

❖Date and time: Saturday, June 25, 2016, 1:00 p.m.
❖Venue Main Hall (Free participation, reservation required)

[“Nyoirinko-shiki” memorial service]

❖Contents The Nyoirin-ko style memorial service, which was created by Fujiwara Hidehira’s mother temple at the request of Sōken Sozu of Enryakuji Temple, will be restored and rigorously renovated for the first time in about 800 years.
❖Date: Sunday, June 26, 2016
❖Venue Main Hall (Anyone can attend)

[Main hall sermon]

❖Contents Ilsan monks, including Chusonji Kanshu, will give a sermon on the history and Buddhist culture of Hiraizumi.
❖Date and time: Sundays in September and October 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
❖Venue: Main Hall (no reservation required, hearing free)

[World Intangible Cultural Heritage Michinoku Kagura Performance]

❖Contents We will perform Kagura that has been passed down around Hiraizumi and along the Sanriku coast, including the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage Hayachine Shrine Dake Kagura.
❖Date and time: Saturday, September 17th and Saturday, September 24th, 2016, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
❖Venue Main Hall (Anyone can view)

[Prayers for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Sanriku local performing arts]

❖Contents We will perform local performing arts passed down in the Sanriku coastal area and pray together for the recovery of Sanriku.
❖Date October 1st (Sat), 8th (Sat), 15th (Sat), 2016
❖Venue: Chusonji Temple (anyone can view)

[Nenbutsu meeting ~Prayer of the Pure Land~]

❖Contents While the monks are strictly practicing sutra chanting, worshipers are also asked to recite the Nembutsu at any time while rolling large beads, and offer their own prayers.
❖Date Saturday, October 22, 2016
❖Venue Main Hall

Commemorative events at Chusonji Temple | Commemorative events at Motsuji Temple | Commemorative events in Hiraizumi Town

Motsuji Temple: Event commemorating the 5th anniversary of “Hiraizumi” registration as a World Cultural Heritage Site

The Oshu Fujiwara clan built Hiraizumi culture for about a century in the late Heian period.
Three images of the third Oshu Fujiwara lord are preserved at Motsu-ji Temple.

To commemorate the 5th anniversary of the World Heritage Site registration, three widths will be opened to the public at the same time, one of which will be exhibited for the first time.
In addition, the wooden structure of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who is enshrined in the storehouse in the back hall of the main hall of Tofukuji Temple, will also be unveiled. It is said that this statue was made from an old Japanese cypress tree that grew wild in Takadate, the place where Yoshitsune passed away.

[Simultaneous release of three images of the three Fujiwara princes and unveiling of the statue of Yoshitsune at Tofukuji Temple]

❖Period: Saturday, June 18, 2016 to Sunday, July 10, 2016
❖Venue Motsuji Kaizando
❖Fee: 300 yen for adults / free for elementary, junior high, and high school students

Motsuji Temple and other commemorative events

[Motsuji Iris Festival]

❖Contents 30,000 colorful irises of 300 varieties are in full bloom in the Jodo garden.
❖Date: Monday, June 20, 2016 to Sunday, July 10, 2016
❖Venue Motsuji Pure Land Garden

[Early morning zazen meeting]

❖Contents You can experience zazen meditation in the fresh air from 6am to 7:30am. After experiencing zazen, you can also view the grounds.
❖Date: July 10th (Sunday) – September 11th (Sunday), 2016
❖Venue Main Hall (reservation required)
❖Participation fee Adults 1,200 yen / High school students 500 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen
*Capacity is 30 people per session. Individuals can make reservations up to 3 days in advance. Groups of 10 or more must submit one week in advance.
*Admission fee is included in the participation fee.
*Not available during the Obon period (August 11th to 20th, 2016).

[Motsuji Pure Land Garden Lantern Festival]

❖Contents This is an Obon event where approximately 1,000 Buddhist lanterns with wishes written on them are floated on the Oizumi Pond in the Jodo Garden to pray for their fulfillment.
❖Date and time: Tuesday, August 16, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
❖Venue: Motsuji Pure Land Garden Oizumigaike

[Special visit to Jogyodo Hall/“20th Night Festival/Ennenmai” panel display]

❖Contents We will take a look at the inside of Jogyo-do Hall, which is normally not visible to the public, and explain the history and highlights of Motsu-ji Temple.
❖Date and time: Thursday, September 15, 2016 – Friday, September 30, 2016
❖Venue Jogyodo

[Motsuji Temple Hagi Festival]

❖Contents In the autumn sunshine, the beautiful and graceful Japanese bush clovers decorate the Jodo garden, and Ennen dance and tea ceremonies will be held.
❖Date: Thursday, September 15, 2016 – Friday, September 30, 2016
❖Venue Motsuji Pure Land Garden

[Special visit to the main hall/“Four Seasons Garden” photo exhibition]

❖Contents You can take a special tour inside the main hall. A photo exhibition will also be held at the same time.
❖Period: October 1st (Sat) – October 30th (Sun), 2016
*Some days may not be possible due to unavoidable events or memorial services. Please note.

Commemorative events at Chusonji Temple | Commemorative events at Motsuji Temple | Commemorative events in Hiraizumi Town

Hiraizumi Town: Event commemorating the 5th anniversary of “Hiraizumi” World Cultural Heritage registration

[“Temporary opening of the special historic site Muryoko-in ruins”]

❖Contents The Muryoko-in Temple Ruins is currently being developed as a historical park. The front part of the island will be filled with water and opened as a historic park.
❖Period: April 23, 2016 (Sat) – November 13, 2016 (Sun)
❖Venue Special historic site Muryoko-in ruins

[Special Exhibition “Hiraizumi Prayer Exhibition”]

❖Content In Hiraizumi, religious rituals and traditional performing arts that convey the spirit of prayer have been carefully handed down. These “Hiraizumi ideals” that aspire to peace will be introduced through panels and other means, and the appeal of Hiraizumi will be communicated.
❖Period May 1st (Sunday) – May 6th (Friday), 2016
❖Venue Koto Ward Cultural Center (Koto Ward, Tokyo)

[Special exhibition “Hiraizumi & Ogasawara World Heritage Exhibition”]

❖Contents We will be holding a joint panel exhibition of “Hiraizumi” and “Ogasawara Islands”, which were simultaneously registered as World Heritage Sites in June 2011.
❖Period: May 21st (Sat) – July 10th (Sun), 2016
❖Venue Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

[Prayer for peace]

❖Contents On “Hiraizumi World Heritage Day”, monks will read sutras, children will sing in chorus, offer prayers, and send a message of peace to the world.
❖Period: Wednesday, June 29, 2016
❖Venue Motsuji Temple

[Hiraizumi World Heritage Festival]

❖Contents We will hold an event that the whole family can enjoy, such as local entertainment stages and gourmet booths, at a world heritage site. This year, Sunplaza Nakano-kun will appear as a guest.
❖Period: Saturday, July 2, 2016 to Sunday, July 3, 2016
❖Venue Kanjizaioin ruins

[Special exhibition commemorating the 5th anniversary of World Heritage registration]

❖Contents This is a quarter-sized model that recreates the clothing lifestyle of the Heian period, when the Oshu Fujiwara clan was flourishing. You can see the elegant life of the aristocrats of that time.
❖Period: July 23, 2016 (Sat) – November 6, 2016 (Sun)
❖Venue Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

[Hiraizumi Kabuki]

❖Contents You can watch a splendid Kabuki performance performed by Ebizo Ichikawa.
❖Period: Thursday, September 22, 2016
❖Venue Kanjizaioin ruins

[Kinkishan Night Kagura]

❖Contents Traditional Southern Kagura dance will be performed on an outdoor stage in a magical atmosphere with lit bonfires.
❖Period: Saturday, October 22, 2016
❖Venue Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center Special Stage

[Rice art commemorating the 5th anniversary of World Heritage registration]

❖Contents Looking down to the north from Takadate Bridge, you can see dynamic art in the countryside.
❖Period: July to October 2016
❖Venue Near Takadatebashi

Year-round events

*Events are subject to change, so please confirm before going out.

Hiraizumi sightseeing model course

Cultural heritage and basic knowledge of Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage includes Chusonji Temple, Motsuji Temple, the ruins of Muryokoin Temple, the ruins of Kanjizaioin Temple, and the surrounding area centered on Mt. Kinkeisan. These five places have been registered as World Heritage Sites. It is a splendid heritage site of the golden culture, including Buddhist temples and Pure Land gardens, which developed independently during the last hundred years of the Heian period while accepting the culture of the capital. It was highly praised as an outstanding example of local culture during the transition period from ancient times to the Middle Ages. This is the first cultural heritage site in Tohoku to be registered as a World Heritage Site.

History and overview of HiraizumiIntroduction to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage
More details (Hiraizumi cultural heritage related links)

➀Hiraizumi Tourist Information Center

Conveniently located in front of JR Hiraizumi Station. You can learn anything about your trip to Hiraizumi, such as the highlights of each World Heritage site and points to visit. Iwate prefecture character ” Omocchi ” in charge of the southern area of ​​the prefecture also took a commemorative photo. “ Omocchi ” has a tenacious personality. From now on, we will introduce tourist attractions in Hiraizumi together with our reporter.

• Address: 61-7 Izumiya, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Phone: 0191-46-2110
• Business hours/8:30-17:00
• Closed/No holidays
• View homepage

[3 minutes by car]

②Motsuji Temple

Motsuji Temple was founded in 850 and built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan. Although the building was destroyed by repeated fires, the Pure Land garden and the remains of the temple, which are said to represent the land of Buddhism throughout the precincts, still remain in almost perfect condition. It has been designated as a special historical site and a special place of scenic beauty by the government, and was registered as a world heritage site in 2011. This time, I took a walk with Omocchi , thinking about the elegant world of the Heian period.

• Address: 58 Osawa, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Inquiries: 0191-46-2331 (Motsuji Temple Office)
• Visiting hours: 8:30-17:00 (November 5th – April 4th 8:30-16:30) *Last entry is 15 minutes before closing time.
• Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school students, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students
• View homepage

[2 minutes on foot]

Kanjizaio-in Temple Ruins

The ruins of Kanjizaio-in Temple, located next to Motsu-ji Temple, are said to have been built by the wife of Motohira, the second generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. Along with Motsu-ji Temple, it is considered a typical Jodo-style garden, and has been maintained as a historical park with the Maizuru pond at its center.

• Location: Shirasanchi, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Inquiries: 0191-46-4012 (Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center)

[5 minutes by car]

Muryokoin ruins

Muryoko-in Temple is said to have been built by Hidehira, the third generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, in imitation of the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Uji. The temple was destroyed by fire, and only the ruins of the pond, the middle island, and the foundation stone remain. Since it is located in the center of Hiraizumi, between Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji, it is assumed that Muryoko-in was the main temple at the time. The signboard in front of the ruins displays a CG image of the temple as it was back then, so you can get a feel for what the building looked like back then.

• Location: Hiraizumi Hanatachi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Inquiries: 0191-46-4012 (Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center)

Kinkeisan (Kinkeisan)

Mt. Kinkei, which can be seen on the west side of Muryokoin Temple, is a mountain that is said to have buried a pair of golden chickens, a male and a female.There are traces of multiple sutra mounds built on the top, and it is a symbol of Hiraizumi’s town development. It is said that there was. These have also been registered as World Heritage Sites.

• Location: Hiraizumi Hanatachi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Inquiries: 0191-46-4012 (Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center)

[7 minutes by car]

Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

We introduce Hiraizumi World Heritage Sites and cultural heritage sites in an easy-to-understand manner using topographical models and videos. You can freely view the history and excavated materials related to Hiraizumi. It is sure to be helpful both after visiting the famous places and before visiting them.

• Address: 44 Hanatate, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Phone: 0191-46-4012
• Operating hours: 9:00-17:00 (Enter by 16:30)
• Regular holidays/year-end and New Year holidays, exhibition change period (irregular)
• Admission fee/free
• View homepage

[5 minutes by car]

Mochi cuisine/restaurant “Gen”

When you come to Hiraizumi, you have to enjoy the famous mochi cuisine! So, we decided to have lunch at the restaurant “GEN” on the second floor of Hiraizumi Rest House. This restaurant has large windows and a great view. Hiraizumi and Ichinoseki are towns with a “mochi culture” where people have been serving mochi since ancient times. It is surprising that there are over 300 ways to eat mochi. Omochi, which is in charge of the southern part of the prefecture, was also named after this mochi culture village.

[2 minutes on foot]

Chusonji Temple

After enjoying Hiraizumi’s gourmet food, head to Chusonji Temple, which is full of attractions. Chusonji is the head temple of the Tendai sect in Tohoku, and its mountain name is “Sekizan.” It was founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi and constructed by Kiyohira, the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. There are over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties, including the Golden Hall, making it a treasure trove of Heian art. Tsukimizaka, the approach to the shrine, is right next to National Route 4, but just a short climb and you’re in another world full of atmosphere. Walk along the quiet road surrounded by old cedar trees with Omocchi , remembering the glory of those days.

• Address: 202 Kinoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
• Inquiries: 0191-46-2211 (Chusonji Office)
• Visiting hours: 8:30-17:00 (November 4th to the end of February 8:30-16:30)
• Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school students, 300 yen for junior high school students, 200 yen for elementary school students
• View homepage

*Does not include the time required to visit each location.

*The content posted is as of June 2, 2011. (revised April 28, 2016)

 

Take a step back

(Ichinoseki) Genbikei

Genbikei is an ancient scenic spot where the Iwai River, which flows from Mt. Kurikoma, erodes the huge rocks, creating a beautiful valley spanning approximately 2km. You can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in autumn, and winter scenery that looks like an ink painting. There is a promenade, and you can take a walk while observing the dynamic roaring and spraying flow and the contrasting slow flow.

●Location: Takikamichi, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki City
●Telephone: 0191-21-8413 (Ichinoseki City Hall Commercial Tourism Division)
●Access: 10 minutes by car from Ichinoseki IC

Guo Gong Dango “Guo Gongya” (Kakko Dango Kakkoya)

Guo Gongya’s Guo Gongya is famous for its flying dumplings, a specialty of Genmickei. If you put the order quantity and the price in the basket and hit the wood block, the basket will go to the shop on the other side, and eventually the basket full of dango will come back along the rail. Experience flying dango with [Omocchi]!

●Location: 211 Takinoue, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki City
●Business hours: 9:00-16:00 (until sold out) / Open from March to November *Open every day during the business period
●Telephone: 0191-29-2031
●Access: 10 minutes by car from Ichinoseki IC

(Ichinoseki) Geibikei

Ichinoseki City’s Geibi Gorge, which was the first place in Iwate Prefecture to be designated as a national scenic spot and is counted as one of Japan’s top 100 scenic spots, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010. This is a gorge created by the erosion of limestone by the Satetsu River, and you can enjoy a 2km boat ride while being guided by a humorous boatman and listening to live songs by Geibi Oiwake. Once you leave the pier, you will find yourself in a world that resembles a fantastic ink painting. The clear river water is so close that you can touch the water’s surface if you reach out from the boat, and you can see schools of fish there, as well as water birds such as herons on the riverbank. The one-and-a-half hour round trip boat trip through the majestic beauty of nature will make you forget your daily routine for a while. [Omocchi] also enjoyed going down the boat.

●Location: 467 Nagasaka Aza-cho, Higashiyama-cho, Ichinoseki City
●Boateing regular service: Click here for timetables
Time required: 90 minutes round trip
●Open all year round
●Telephone: 0191-47-2341 (Geibi Tourism Center)
●Boat boating fee: 1,600 yen for adults, 860 yen for elementary school students, 200 yen for infants (over 3 years old), 200 yen for pets (puppies, cats, etc.) (Cannot board the boat while the houseboat is in operation)
● View the homepage

The boatman this time is Miyuki Chiba, the first female boatman in Geibikei. We learned about the names given to the rocks based on their shape and appearance, as well as the highlights. The appeal of the Geibikei boat ride is not only the boat itself, but also the fun stories the boatman has to offer. Omocchi waves to everyone on the boat heading back home.

The boat arrived at the pier, the turning point. We will extend our steps to Daigeibigan, the rock located at the far end of the boat ride.

Buy 5 “Undama” for 100 yen and try your hand at throwing Undama! It is said that if you can throw a luck ball into the rock hole on the opposite shore, your wish will come true. With the support of [Omocchi], I threw it as hard as I could, but unfortunately, I couldn’t reach it.

After completing the walk, the boat turns around on the opposite side of the outbound route. Relax and relax in the valley where the boatman’s “Geibi Oiwake” echoes. When I sprinkled the fish food I bought before boarding around the boat, a school of carp quickly gathered. He will follow you on the boat. The boat arrived at the boat dock. The Omochis enjoyed the boat trip and were very satisfied.
*Fish food can be purchased at the shop at the boat pier.

(Hiraizumi) Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Temple

Saikoji is one of the temples that existed before Fujiwara Kiyohira settled in Hiraizumi. It is said that when Sakanoue Tamuramaro subdued Ezo, he built Bishamon-do in the model of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto in gratitude for the blessings of Bishamonten. The Magaibutsu Buddha on the western cliff is called Ganmen Daibutsu, and was built by Minamoto no Yoshiie to commemorate his dead in battle during the wars of 1990 and 3000. It is said that it was carved using Yuzu.

●Location: 16 Kitazawa, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
●Usage hours: April 1st to November 23rd 8:00 to 17:00
November 24th – March 31st 8:00 – 16:30
●Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 100 yen for high school and junior high school students, free for elementary school students
●Telephone: 0191-46-4931 (Betto Tatsuya Saikoji Temple)
●Access: 10 minutes by car from Ichinoseki IC
●View the homepage

(Senshu) Esashi Fujiwara no Sato (Esashi Fujiwara no Sato)

A vast historical theme park where you can experience the history and culture of Michinoku. We have recreated the Toyota-kan, the residence of Kiyohira, the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, the government office, the Kara Imperial Palace, the residence of Hidehira, and the Golden Hall, the symbol of golden culture. It is sure to be a useful reference for visiting Hiraizumi World Heritage Sites. It is also known as a filming location for numerous TV programs and movies, including the NHK Taiga drama.

●Location: 86-1 Konomaru, Iwayado, Esashi-ku, Oshu City
●Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed at 16:00 from November 1st to the end of February) Open all year round
●Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school students, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
●Telephone: 0197-35-7791
●Access: 15 minutes by car from Mizusawa IC
●View the homepage

Interview cooperation: Genbi Gorge, Guo Gongya, Geibikei Gorge, Dalgoku Caves Bishamondo

*The content posted is as of June 2, 2011. (revised April 28, 2016)

Gourmet/Souvenirs

Travel information

Hiraizumi Town Tourist Information Center (Hiraizumi Tourism Association)

A Japanese-style building located in front of JR Hiraizumi Station. We provide information and information about sightseeing in Hiraizumi. Click here for advice on traveling to Hiraizumi, such as where to stay and what to see.
[Location] 61-7 Izumiya, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
[Contact information] 0191-46-2110
[Business hours] 8:30-17:00
[Holiday] No holidays
View homepage

Tourist guide/Koto Hiraizumi Guide Association Secretariat

A guide who knows everything about Hiraizumi and its history will accompany you while providing easy-to-understand explanations. We also have model courses and can accommodate any requests you may have. It’s OK for just 1 person, so why not feel free to use it?
[Location] 208 Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
[Contact information] 0191-46-5710
[Reception] 9:00-16:00 Closed during year-end and New Year holidays and 5/3
[Fee] 3,500 yen for up to 2 hours
View homepage

Tourist Guide/Hiraizumi Tourist Guide (Chusonji Temple Guide)

A guide will accompany you through the grounds of Chusonji Temple, which is full of attractions. You can feel safe even in the large temple grounds if you have a guide with you.
[Location] Hiraizumi Tourist Guide Office, 9 Hiraizumi Sakashita, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
[Contact information] 0191-46-4203
[Reception] 9:00-17:00
[Holiday] No holidays
[Price] 1 to 10 people: 3,240 yen ~
See details on the volunteer tourism guide page

Iwate Hiraizumi Interpreter and Guide Association

Qualified guide interpreters and regional guide interpreters will guide you through your trip in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition to model courses, we also respond to customer requests, so please feel free to contact us.
[Location] 208 Hanadate, Hiraizumi-cho
[Contact information] 0191-48-3762
[Reception] 9:00-18:00 Closed on Mondays
[Fee] 10,000 yen up to 2 hours, 5,000 yen added for each hour beyond 2 hours.
View homepage

storyteller taxi

A driver who has passed the Hiraizumi Tourism Association’s certification exam will tour the famous spots while providing sightseeing information. There may be recommended spots and new discoveries that only a taxi driver who knows the local area can make. We can also advise you on the route.
[Location] Hiraizumi town
[Contact] Ichinoseki Hiraizumi Taxi 0191-23-5630
Kennan Taxi 0191-26-5360
Nanoha sightseeing taxi 0191-23-1111
Eye Taxi 0191-25-6666
Ichinoseki Chuo Transportation 0191-31-3333

Bicycle rental “Swallow Tour”

If you would like to use a bicycle, the rental bicycle “Swallow Tour” located inside JR Hiraizumi Station is convenient.
[Location] Inside Hiraizumi Station, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun
[Contact information] 0191-46-5086
[Reception] May-October 9:00-17:00 *Other times 9:00-16:00
[Holiday] Rainy weather/winter
[Fee] General: 500 yen for 3 hours (200 yen for each additional hour), 1,000 yen per day / 100 vehicles Electric: 600 yen for 3 hours, 1,300 yen per day

Bicycle rental “Gold Renta Hiraizumi”

[Location] Hiraizumi Town
[Contact information] 0191-46-4031
[Reception] 9:00-17:00 (reservation required)
[Holiday] Rainy weather/winter
[Fee] General: 500 yen for 3 hours, 1,000 yen per day Electric: 600 yen for 2 hours, 1,300 yen per day

Hiraizumi town tour bus “Runrun”

“Runrun” is a convenient and economical Hiraizumi town tour bus that travels around Hiraizumi town. No matter where you get on or where you get off, you can use it for just 150 yen per ride. There is also a “1-day free ticket” that costs 400 yen no matter how many times you ride in a day.
[Homepage] Iwate Prefectural Transportation/Hiraizumi Town Loop Bus “Runrun”
[Contact information] 0191-23-4250 (Iwate Prefectural Transportation Ichinoseki Office)
[Fare] Single ride: Adult: 150 yen, Child: 80 yen, One-day free ticket: 400 yen
[Holidays] Year-end and New Year holidays, May 3rd (due to the eastbound Fujiwara Festival in spring)

*The content posted is as of June 2, 2011. (revised April 28, 2016)