This year marks 10 years since Hiraizumi was registered as Tohoku's first World Cultural Heritage Site. Expectations are high as various commemorative events are planned from April. (Please see the Iwate Prefecture official website for commemorative projects for the 2021 10th anniversary of Hiraizumi World Heritage registration.)
Hiraizumi is packed with cultural heritage sites and is perfect for short trips. I enjoyed this early spring day with my dog and siblings, Sobacchi! (*Interview date: February 19, 2021)
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JR Hiraizumi Station
The gateway to Hiraizumi tourism, selected as one of the top 100 stations in Tohoku. The old station name sign “Hiraizumi Ei” was written by Mr. Kon Toko, a Tendai sect monk who worked hard to rebuild Chusonji Konjiki-do in his later years.
①I found a wrapping post. The “World Heritage Hiraizumi Post”, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the registration as a World Cultural Heritage Site, will be installed at seven locations in Hiraizumi Town. You might want to send out postcards from your travels.
② Leave in good spirits with Sobachi!
JR Hiraizumi Station
[Location] 76 Izumiya, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun , Iwate View on Google Map
Hiraizumi Tourist Information Center
It’s adjacent to JR Hiraizumi Station, so it’s convenient to gather information here first. We can provide you with everything from basic sightseeing information about Hiraizumi to restaurant and accommodation information.
All the staff have bright smiles even when they are wearing masks.
“We have many events planned for our 10th anniversary in Hiraizumi this year, and we look forward to seeing you,” said Executive Director Koji Yamahira (top left in the photo).
Hiraizumi Tourist Information Center
[Location] 61-7 Hiraizumi Izumiya, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun , Iwate View on Google Map
[Telephone] 0191-46-2110
[Business hours] 8:30-17:00
[Regular holiday] Open every day
https://hiraizumi.or.jp/
Motsuji Temple
Motsuji Temple is the special head temple of the Tendai sect. It was opened in 850 by Jikaku Daishi, and was built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan’s second generation, Motohira, and third generation, Hidehira, in the late Heian period, and was hailed as a unique sacred place in Japan. Although the Garan was destroyed by fire due to repeated disasters, today the “Jodo Garden” centered around Oizumigaike Pond and the remains of the Garan have been preserved in almost perfect condition, and have been designated by the country as a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. I am receiving
On this day, we were welcomed by Horei Minamido, Deputy Director of the General Affairs Department.
① A large incense burner that makes Sobacchi look small. Cleanse yourself by taking a smoke.
②The principal image of Motsuji Temple is Yakushi Nyorai, who heals illnesses and protects the health of body and mind. Sobacchi also joined hands to pray for the spread of the coronavirus to subside around the world.
*Interview date: February 19, 2021
③Oizumigaike where there is still snow. You will soon see a beautiful view of the garden.
Mr. Nando talked about his memories since Hiraizumi was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
④ “The Motsuji Treasure Museum will be holding a panel exhibition of the Ennen Mai and 20th Night Festival, which are important intangible folk cultural properties, from April 17th. We would like you to experience the traditional culture handed down in Hiraizumi. ” says Mr. Nando.
⑤You can purchase cute amulets at the sales office inside the shrine grounds.
Kanjizaioin ruins
The ruins of a temple 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 designated as a national scenic spot as the “Kyukanjizaioin Garden.”
*The photo is from the cherry blossom season.
Muryokoin ruins
This is the ruins of a temple said to have been built by Hidehira, the third generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, modeled on the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Uji. After the fall of the Fujiwara clan, the pond disappeared and fell into disrepair, and the pond became a paddy field, but the ruins are in good condition and have been designated as a special historic site by the country.
*The photo is from the cherry blossom season.
Kinkeishan
It is considered to be a mountain of faith that became the standard for the spatial design of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. It has been designated as a national scenic spot, and there is a legend that a pair of golden chickens, male and female, were buried here.
*Photos are from summer.
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
A guidance facility that provides an easy-to-understand introduction to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage, including properties registered as World Heritage Sites, through panels and videos. You can gain a deeper understanding of Hiraizumi’s history by visiting the historical sites before visiting them.
① Be enchanted by the beauty of the Chusonji lotus, which has bloomed for 800 years. There’s even a lotus on Sobacchi’s face!
②Mr. Nobutane Chiba, a consultant who explained the panel exhibition, said, “The Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center is located right between Chusonji and Motsuji.If you stop by, you will get to know more about the wonders of Hiraizumi.” So everyone please come along.”
③10th anniversary pose with all the staff!
With Sobacchi! Continued to Hiraizumi trip, part 2
*The content posted is as of February 19, 2021.
Chusonji Temple Photo: Permit No. 15091
