Motsuji Temple [World Heritage Site]

Hiraizumi Town

Southern Iwate

History / Culture Shrines / Temples

#Hagi #autumn leaves

Motsuji Temple, the special head temple of the Tendai sect, is called Iozan and was opened in 850 by Jikaku Daishi.
In the late Heian period, the Oshu Fujiwara clan's second and third generation, Motohira and Hidehira, built magnificent temples such as Kondo Enryuji and Kashoji, which numbered 40 halls and pagodas and 500 monks' quarters, making them the largest temple in Japan. It was called the second sacred place.
Unfortunately, the temple at that time was burnt down due to repeated disasters, but today the " Jodo Garden " centered around Oizumigaike Pond and the remains of the temple from the Heian period have been preserved in almost perfect condition, and the country has designated it as a special historic site. It has been designated as a scenic spot.

Location: 58 Osawa, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, 029-4102
Business Hours: 3/5~11/4 8:30~17:00
11/5~4/4 8:30~16:30
Closed: No holidays
Price: Adults 700 yen, high school students 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
Inquiries: Motsuji Temple Office
Phone number 0191-46-2331
FAX number 0191-46-4184
Website: http://www.motsuji.or.jp/
Other: Hiraizumi town circulation bus “Runrun” bus time

Highlights
[Autumn] Hagi Mid-September to late September

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Chusonji Temple [World Heritage Site]

Tendai sect, Tohoku Daihonzan. The name of the mountain is Kanzan, and Jikaku Daishi is the founder of the mountain. At the beginning of the 12th century, the first Lord Kiyohira of the Oshu Fujiwara clan built many temples and pagodas, including the Tahoto and Nikai Daido. Its purpose was to comfort the spirits of those who died in the long wars of the First Nine Years War and the Second Third Year War, and to build a Buddhist nation. Unfortunately, the hall and pagoda were destroyed by fire in the 14th century, but it is still a treasure trove of Heian art, containing over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties, including the Kaneiroki Hall.

Hiraizumi Town

Southern Iwate

History / Culture Nature / Scenery Shrines / Temples

Kanjizaio-in Temple Ruins [World Heritage Site]

It is said that the Kanjizaioin Temple ruins adjacent to the east of Motsuji Temple were run by the second wife of Motohira. The temple area is 120m from east to west and 240m from north to south. The square garden pond (Maizuru-ga-ike) with rounded corners is dotted with rock formations made of piled up megaliths similar to rough seashores, a small Suhama beach, and a long central island running east to west. On the north bank is a plaza, towards which are the remains of the Great Amida-do Hall to the west and the remains of the Small Amida-do Hall to the east. On the east bank, there are also the ruins of the bell tower and the ruins said to be Fugendo.

Hiraizumi Town

Southern Iwate

History / Culture Shrines / Temples

Motsuji Iris Garden

It all began in 1952 when 100 irises were purchased from Horikiri Iris Garden, a famous garden in Tokyo. Since then, plants have been received from Meiji Shrine and other enthusiasts from all over the country, and now it has become a famous flower spot where 30,000 irises of about 300 species bloom. The main event is the Iris Festival, which begins in time with the blooming. Many events are held to convey Japan's rich traditions, such as Ennen dance performances, koto and shakuhachi concerts, and tea ceremonies. [Blooming period] Late June to early July [Iris Festival] Every year from 6/20 to 7/10

Hiraizumi Town

Southern Iwate

Sightseeing Spots Zoos and Botanical Gardens / Aquariums