Hiraizumi is located at 39 degrees north latitude, right in the center of Michinoku.
Hiraizumi is said to be the place associated with the Oshu Fujiwara clan and still retains its golden culture. This is a place where you can feel the history of what must have been a glorious and happy time.
Due to the Landscape Ordinance, the buildings are unified in a way that does not spoil the historic landscape, and although it is not flashy, it has a significant townscape. Each and every one of the townspeople will simply and kindly act as your guide on your journey. (There are information desks at various locations.)
Speaking of Hiraizumi, you can’t help but mention Chusonji and Motsuji.
Chuson-ji Temple was called the mountain name “Sekizan”, and Kinugawa Seki was located there. The founder, Kiyohira, invited a large number of monks, Buddhist sculptors, and craftsmen from the capital, and introduced the culture of the capital. There are 17 temples in Ilsan, including the main hall, but the main attraction is Golden Hall, the Cathedral of Light that made Marco Polo call it the Land of Gold. Chusonji Temple is home to more than 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties.
Motsuji Temple was started by the second generation, Motohira, and completed by the third generation, Hidehira. In contrast to Chusonji Temple on the top of the mountain, this is a large temple built on a flat ground in the pond style. Although the building was destroyed in a fire during the Kamakura period, the beautiful garden has been designated as a “Special Historic Site” and “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” by the country because it tells the story of the glorious days of those days.
Both places were built to pray for lasting peace in Michinoku, and it is amazing that something that connects to the current spirit of UNESCO was thought of back then.
There are many valuable events that are still passed down to this day, such as the Ennen dance, Takigi Noh, and the Kyokusui Banquet.
Musashibo is located in the center of Hiraizumi tourism, making it an ideal location for sightseeing at Chusonji and Motsuji temples.
It is the only original hot spring in Hiraizumi, with hot springs gushing out constantly, and is known for its high-quality skin-beautifying and beneficial properties, which attract repeat visitors not only from the local area but also from neighboring prefectures.
In addition, the dishes prepared by the head chef, who has received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award and Iwate’s outstanding skill “Master Craftsman”, are boldly and delicately prepared using local ingredients. “I’ve walked many places, but this place was the most delicious,” he said.
All of our staff members add a sense of gratitude and hospitality to our hot springs and food.
I am deeply grateful to have been able to attend the Golden Cup at Chusonji Temple for two years in a row, last year and this year, and it has been an honorable start to the year. Last year was a heartbreaking year due to earthquake damage, but this year, Hiraizumi is making a fresh start with the aim of being registered as a World Heritage Site. This is also a year for me to return to my roots as a master and make a fresh start.
I apologize for being so naive, but I will do my best to provide you with warm hospitality and warm hospitality.
We look forward to your visit.