2025 Hiraizumi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Today, we are visiting Mōtsū-ji Temple and Chūson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi. Early in the morning, we headed to Sendai Station. Initially, we planned to have breakfast at Date Cafe O'rder and buy some rice balls. However, since it was my first time in Sendai, I didn’t know that the cafe was located on the second floor of Sendai Station, which is the JR local train level, while the JR Shinkansen platform is on the third floor. As a result, we couldn’t find the cafe. Later, as the departure time approached, we had no choice but to enter the platform and bought sandwiches and a yakisoba bento at the station to prepare for our Shinkansen ride. Since we had pre-purchased tickets online and linked them to our Suica card, there was no need to use cash or queue up to buy tickets on-site, making the process relatively convenient. Additionally, we could pre-select our seats to ensure we had a place to sit. On April 28, the start of Golden Week, we were worried about the crowds, so we booked tickets in advance. While there were still plenty of reserved seats available, the unreserved seats were already full, and some Japanese passengers were even standing in the aisles of the reserved carriages. After arriving at Ichinoseki Station, some people chose to exit the station and take a shuttle bus directly to Chūson-ji Temple. We opted to take the JR Tōhoku Main Line to Hiraizumi Station to first visit Mōtsū-ji Temple and the Kanjizaiō-in ruins. Mōtsū-ji Temple (もうつうじ) is an important Buddhist temple from Japan’s Heian period and belongs to the Tendai sect. It was founded in 850 AD by Ennin, a prominent Buddhist monk, and later rebuilt by Fujiwara no Kiyohira. During the Heian period, Hiraizumi was the political center of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, and Mōtsū-ji Temple was one of the key representations of Buddhist culture at the time. Its garden design is considered to embody Pure Land Buddhist thought and has been designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan. As you stroll through the gardens of Mōtsū-ji Temple, you’ll encounter various ruins. All the wooden structures have been destroyed, leaving only the foundations and remnants. Although I don’t know much about feng shui, I could sense that the temple’s feng shui is excellent, with an atmosphere that brings a sense of peace. The Kanjizaiō-in ruins now consist of just a site with remnants, as all the buildings were lost in a devastating fire.

#2024TravelReview When the red leaves are in full bloom, #Chusonji is really beautiful! In Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan, there is a world-famous cultural heritage #Chuson-ji, an ancient temple with a history of thousands of years. It is a treasure house of Buddhist art from the Heian period. The #Golden Hall, which symbolizes the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and the #Zankōzo, which contains 3,000 cultural properties, are both highlights worth seeing. However, the most dazzling and charming thing is the red leaves all over the mountain of Chuson-ji Temple. When we visited, the red and yellow leaves were in full bloom. There was a short worship trail with maple leaves exploding on both sides. The red, orange, yellow and green colors were so intoxicating. It was the highlight of the maple leaf viewing trip in the Northeast. At night, the red leaves were lit up by the Milky Way. Chuson-ji Temple is located on a mountain. It has a high terrain and a wide view. You can overlook the entire Hiraizumi. Railway trains shuttle through it, which makes it super fun to take pictures! The approach to the mountain is lined with towering cedar trees, creating a very spiritual and energetic place. #JapanTohokuFreeTravel #TohokuMapleViewing #Chusonji Temple #RedLeavesGalacticArea #2004TravelReview #Hiraizumi #Ichizeki #Iwate

Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. It is a World Heritage site that Iwate Prefecture is proud of. After the subjugation of the Emishi, it was the base of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, which was established between the Emishi and the Shirakawa Barrier in Fukushima. The Golden Hall was a magnificent sight, but I was also impressed by the solemn atmosphere of Tsukimizaka and the various temples along the way. There were many foreign tourists as well. Chusonji Temple is a great place to enjoy Japanese culture. #Domestic travel

[Access] About 20 minutes by taxi from Ichinoseki Station [Points] ~Enjoy the World Heritage Site at your leisure~ Motsu-ji Temple is said to have been founded in 850. Although much of it has been burned down, the Pure Land Garden and the remains of the temple buildings from the Heian period have been preserved almost in their original state. Please visit Motsu-ji Temple, which has been designated by the government as both a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. *Information current as of May 2023. #Tourist Spot

[Access] 202 Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture [Points] ~Enjoy the World Heritage Site at your leisure~ It is said that Chusonji Temple was founded in 850 by Ennin, a high priest of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. Chusonji Temple is said to be a treasure trove of Heian art and a national treasure and important cultural property, and once you step inside, you will feel a sense of calm. This is a spot you cannot miss when sightseeing in Iwate. *Information as of May 2023. #Tourism

Name: Konjikido Covering Hall Location: 202 Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Visited: 22.11.08 This is the old hall that is said to have been built by the Kamakura Shogunate to protect the Konjikido from rain, wind, and snow. The current new covering hall was built in the Showa era. I think it shows how important the Konjikido is as a building that needs to be protected. Looking at the autumn leaves, I wonder if there were four seasons hundreds of years ago and great men of the past also looked at the autumn leaves😊 #Autumn leaves #Autumn leaf viewing #Chusonji Temple #Hiraizumi #Historical site #Trip to experience historical culture

It is one of the largest gardens in the world heritage. When you enter, you can get a limited edition goshuin stamp. The air is different and the wind blowing there is different. A power spot

I went to Iwate Prefecture! It was a place I wasn't familiar with, but when I went there, I found a lot of wonderful spots♡ First, I went to Genbikei. The blue water surface was so beautiful...! Then, I went to Chusonji Temple, a World Heritage Site. A historic place I've always wanted to go to. #photogenicspot #worldheritage

The admission fee to enter the Golden Hall is 800 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school students, 300 yen for junior high school students, and 200 yen for elementary school students, but it doesn't cost anything to view it from the outside, as in this photo 💰😄 The first photo in particular is a famous angle that is often seen ♪ The Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple is a Buddhist temple built in the late Heian period, and along with the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, it is a representative example of Pure Land Buddhism architecture from the Heian period...! 　 The inside of the Golden Hall is simply gold and contains the mummified bodies of Fujiwara Kiyohira, Motohira, and Hidehira. Visiting: November 4th to February 28th 8:30 to 16:30 Access: 25 minutes on foot from JR Hiraizumi Station (5 minutes by car), 15 minutes on foot from the entrance to the approach to the Golden Hall #Free spot #Mountain climbing #Breathtaking view

#Chusonji #Hiraizumi Chusonji Golden Hall. The main hall of this temple, known as a World Heritage Site, is very impressive. In fact, you can visit the main hall for free. There is a fee to enter the Golden Hall, and photography is prohibited, but I was overwhelmed by the sight I had never seen before. It is said that Matsuo Basho also visited this place and composed his haiku. Benkei's grave is also near Chusonji. The land of Chusonji is very vast, and there is a small shrine inside the temple, so it is well worth seeing! Also, since it was a weekday, there were few tourists and it was easy to see. #Historic site with a sense of history

#Hiraizumi #Motsuji Motsuji Temple is located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture. It is a temple characterized by its magnificent main hall and magnificent garden. Actually, there used to be other temples and buildings in the garden area, but they burned down and no longer exist. Famous temples in Hiraizumi are quite far apart from each other, so it is possible to walk between them, but there is a bicycle rental shop in front of Hiraizumi Station, so I recommend renting one. By the way, I think you can get to Motsuji Temple from the station in about 15 minutes by bicycle. #SummerShortTrip#AmazingView

#EnjoyJapan Chusonji is a temple located in Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, and is the head temple of the northeastern Tendai sect. It is an extra temple of the Thirty-Three Kannon Temples of Oshu. Its mountain name is Sekizan, and its principal image is Shaka Nyorai. The Golden Hall, which still retains the original appearance of Chusonji, was built in 1124. The Amida Hall is "all gold" with gold leaf applied inside and out. The first thing that catches your eye is the decoration inside the hall. From the four scroll pillars and the altar (Buddhist altar) to the nageshi (railings), the building is decorated with shining white luminous shell work (raden), openwork metal fittings, and lacquer lacquer, bringing together the craft techniques of the late Heian period, and the entire hall feels like a single work of art. #TempleVisit

Chūson-ji Temple, established in 850 AD, is a Tendai sect temple founded by Master Jikaku. It was later extensively renovated and developed by the Ōshū Fujiwara clan. Fujiwara no Kiyohira built Chūson-ji to pray for peace and to console the souls of those lost in wars, culminating in the construction of the Konjikidō (Golden Hall). Together with Mōtsū-ji Temple, Chūson-ji in Hiraizumi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing the pinnacle of Japanese Buddhist and aristocratic culture. Reaching the starting point of Chūson-ji's approach is no small feat, and it marks the beginning of a challenging uphill journey. The path from the foot of the mountain to the main hall is about one kilometer long, entirely on a slope without any stairs. Lined with ancient trees, the path is pleasantly cool, but the steep incline can still be quite strenuous. The entire Chūson-ji complex consists of numerous smaller temple buildings, including the Dainichidō, Kannon-dō, and Fudō-dō. We made our way through the complex, stopping to pray at each site, and eventually arrived at the Sankōzō Museum to purchase tickets before heading to the Konjikidō. The Konjikidō is Chūson-ji's most famous structure. Built in 1124 by Fujiwara no Kiyohira, it is a Buddhist hall enshrining Amida Buddha and housing the remains of three generations of the Fujiwara clan. Except for the roof tiles, the entire structure is covered in gold leaf, making it one of Japan's oldest surviving gilded Buddhist halls. Inside, it preserves exquisite Heian-period artworks and symbols of Buddhist faith. To protect the Konjikidō, a modern building now encloses the entire structure. Photography is prohibited, and visitors can only view it in person. Unfortunately, some individuals still break the rules and upload videos to YouTube. The embedded footage below is likely from media granted special permission for filming. Diagonally opposite the Konjikidō is the Hakusan Shrine, which is affiliated with Chūson-ji. Next to the shrine is a small café offering light refreshments. From here, visitors can enjoy views of distant snow-capped mountains and cherry blossoms, making it an ideal resting spot for those who have spent the afternoon exploring. It’s worth noting that transportation in the Hiraizumi area is quite inconvenient. Trains on the JR Tōhoku Main Line from Hiraizumi Station to Ichinoseki Station run only about once an hour. Similarly, the Shinkansen from Ichinoseki to Sendai also operates at roughly one-hour intervals. Missing a train could mean a long wait at the station, which lacks shops or vending machines for food. Even the bicycle rental shop outside the station closes early, likely catering mostly to day-trip tour groups. In hindsight, it might have been better to follow the example of a Canadian couple we met at Hiraizumi Station and stay overnight in Hiraizumi or Ichinoseki. This would allow for a more flexible schedule, avoiding the rush to visit all three major sites in one day and preserving the leisurely elegance of travel. Accommodation is also quite affordable, with a double room costing around 2,000 TWD per night.

After leaving Geibikei Gorge Take the train to the famous spring I am so glad that the weather is good today. You can imagine how comfortable it will be to walk on the forest trails. Chuson-ji Temple-World Cultural Heritage, located in the small town of Hiraizumi People who come here to worship usually also visit Motsuji Temple But since we left Sendai in the morning, we first went to Geibi Gorge to take a boat ride. It was already afternoon when we arrived in Sendai I had to give up Motsuji Temple and head straight to Chusonji Temple On the way to Golden Hall Along the way, you will pass by Hachimando, Benkeido, Yakushido, Main Hall, Mine Yakushido, etc. Those who want to protect their eyes must buy special amulets for eye health at Mine Yakushido! Finally, we arrived at the Golden Hall and entered after purchasing the ticket (photos are not allowed inside) After the worship, it was already getting dark. I slowly headed towards Hiraizumi Station and prepared to return to Ichinoseki to take the bus back to Sendai! End of a day trip full of cultural and natural beauty☺️ #Chusonji Temple #Hiraizumi 💞Recommendation reason: The hinterland is vast and the scenery is beautiful. If you collect red seals, remember to bring a notebook!

#aprilblooms It is a temple that was opened in the 3rd year of Kasho (850 A.D.) and has more than 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site. It contains a strong desire to comfort the souls of those who died in the war that once followed in the Tohoku region without enemies or allies, and to create a peaceful society. There are several buildings on the premises, but among them, "Konjikido" is popular for its beauty like a single art craft, where the buildings and Buddha statues shine in golden colour. In addition, the Buddha who corrects people's mistakes is enshrined in "Fudo-do", and the Buddha statue has a slightly stern face, but it is said that it is beneficial to pray for the safety of the wife, the healing of the disease, passing the exam, and traffic safety.

2025.03.29 I borrowed an electric bicycle in Iwate Hiraizumi. We visited Motsuji Temple and Chusonji Temple respectively. Independent from the world, In cultural heritage, Gained a spiritual feast. Visiting a shrine, The woods surround the pond. How to obtain the Goshuin and the Amulet? Let this trip, Full of energy, I like visiting shrines. Most of the reasons, That's it.

The maple leaves here are also beautiful, and Hiraizumi is a World Cultural Heritage Site There are many world cultural heritage sites in Tohoku, Japan, such as Motsuji Temple, Konjiki-do Temple, and Chusonji Temple. If you come to Tohoku, you can take a walk and visit the world cultural heritage sites. There are also many attractions around that can be visited as a day trip, such as Takuya Cave Bishamon Hall, Kuogong Flying Dango, and Genbikei, which are all picturesque places. Chusonji Temple 〒029-4102 202 Hiraizumi Ekan, Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture Nishi-Iwai-gun #Chusonji Temple #Dagu Cave Bishamon Hall #Guogong Flying Dumpling #Yan Meixi #MarchGoodPlaces2025

Chuson-ji Temple/Japanese cultural asset, there is a limited evening lighting of red leaves during the red leaves period. You can choose the time. If you happen to be in the surrounding area, you can participate and pay a visit. It is very convenient to drive there. You can go directly to the top parking lot, Sakanoue Parking Lot (paid). It doesn't take long to climb the stairs here to reach the destination. (Saves a short section of uphill road), highly recommended++. You can then visit the Golden Hall of Chuson-ji Temple at your own expense. It is a very historical visit, and then wait for the limited-time lighting at night, which is really worth it. Chusonji Temple 〒029-4102 2023 Hiraizumi Iguan, Hiraizumi Town, Hiraizumi Town, Nishi Iwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture #Chusonji Temple #坂の上parking lot (with information) #MarchGoodPlaces2025

#Spring0yentrip Hiraizumi was a place where deep history and prayers live in silence. First, we visited Chusonji Temple, where we were overwhelmed by the brilliance of the Golden Hall (photography is prohibited, so there are no photos). The moment we stepped inside the building, the air felt tense and we naturally straightened our backs. As we walked along the approach surrounded by greenery, we had a strange feeling as if time was slowly rewinding. Next, we visited Motsuji Temple, where the spacious garden was impressive and time passed quietly and peacefully. In particular, as we walked around Oizumigaike Pond, the sky and trees reflected on the water's surface were beautiful, and just looking at them made us feel relaxed. Traces of the Pure Land gardens of the Heian period still remain, and we felt like we were able to touch a little bit of the "ideal world" that people at that time felt. The whole town was somewhat solemn, and rather than just sightseeing, the words "journey to clear your mind" fit better. It wasn't flashy, but every step had weight. It was a place where you could feel the old beauty of Japan.

Northeastern cuisine*Must-eat*Iwate Maezawa beef* Izumikyo-an has a branch in the northeast, a very Japanese-style wooden house with free parking/very comfortable environment/Japanese tatami/credit cards accepted/very convenient dining environment. If you pass by, you can definitely stop by and have a meal. The meals are delicious/local delicacies, Maezawa beef is a must-order, delicious. Must-try: Sanriku seafood kamameshi (order), delicious and not too fussy. Maezawa beef set meal (order) Maezawa beef from Iwate Prefecture is a must-try. Wanko soba noodles, a local specialty Wanko soba noodles (must eat if you see it) Izumikaoan Branch 34-2 Eigaseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Hiraizumi-machi, Nishi-Iwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture #Quanqiaoan #MarchGoodPlaces2025

Japan's World Cultural Heritage**Motsuji Temple Because it is a world cultural heritage, you must visit Motsuji Temple. Visit: Tickets Parking lot: Yes (charged) Motsuji Temple 58, Hiraizumi, Osawa, Hiraizumi-machi, Nishi Iwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture (Map Code: 142 253 099*03) The worship and tour took about an hour. The garden was well visited. It was beautiful, peaceful, and great for taking photos. It was beautiful no matter how you took the photos. The whole garden is like a painting. Take a slow walk around, the whole atmosphere is wonderful. When it comes to flower season, it is still as beautiful as a painting. #Motsuji Temple #JapanWorldCulturalHeritage #Tiantai Sect Special Mountain #MarchGoodPlaces2025

Chusonji Golden Hall in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, is a symbol of the World Heritage Site "Cultural Heritage of Hiraizumi". Inside, everything from the ceiling to the walls and pillars is covered in gold leaf, creating a gorgeous space that truly allows you to experience a "golden world". 🌸 Points of interest 🌸 🔹 Beautiful Buddhist architecture from the Heian period, built by Fujiwara no Kiyohira with prayers for peace 🔹 The golden interior of the hall represents the world of paradise 🔹 A fantastical appearance that harmonizes with the scenery of the four seasons Spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snowscapes - you can enjoy different beauty no matter what season you visit. ⛩️ Recommended not only for history lovers, but also as a photogenic spot! ✨ If you're traveling to Tohoku, be sure to stop by! #0 yen trip February 2025

#0yentravelFebruary2025 [Chusonji Temple] 🕰️Business hours: 0830-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 202 Hiraizumi Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture 029-4195 💰Price per person: 1000~ 💞Reason for recommendation: Chusonji Temple and Konjikido are in different places‼︎ You can get a goshuin stamp in three places🤍 The long uphill climb was very tough, but the real thing was much more amazing than it looked in photos😭❤️ Admission is 1000 yen🤍 As it is a World Heritage Site, it was very dignified🫣 It's the best!

Motsuji Temple is a temple characterized by its beautiful gardens that spread out in silence. The pond garden in particular is spectacular, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and autumn leaves reflect in the pond in autumn, and it is attractive that it shows a different face with each season. A large pond spreads in the center of the garden, and you can enjoy the beauty of nature while walking around it. It is a perfect spot when you want to calm your mind.🌸🍂 🕰️Business hours: 8:00-17:00 📍Location: 38 Motsuji, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture #0 yen trip February 2025

During the autumn foliage season, Chusonji Temple attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery. In particular, the Golden Hall in the temple grounds is magnificent with its gorgeous decorations and gold leaf-covered Buddha statues, making you feel as if you have wandered into another world. The contrast between the autumn leaves and the Golden Hall is stunning, and you can feel the arrival of autumn while being enveloped in a historical atmosphere. It is a place where you can regain peace of mind while being healed by the beautiful scenery and tranquility☺️ 🕰️Business hours: 8:00-17:00 📍Location: 202 Hiraizumi Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture #0 yen trip February 2025

This time, we will introduce the world heritage site "Chusonji Golden Hall" located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture! ✨🏯 The golden interior of the hall is truly stunning! Please visit as you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons😊 ——————— ◾︎World Heritage Site in Iwate Prefecture: Chusonji Golden Hall The Golden Hall, the symbol of Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a national treasure that brings together the craft techniques of the Heian period! The pillars and walls inside the hall are covered with gold leaf and are gorgeously decorated✨ 🌟 Highlights ✅ Golden Hall The interior is completely wrapped in gold leaf, truly a "golden world." It is the only Buddhist hall in Japan that retains its original appearance from the time of its founding, built by Fujiwara Kiyohira in hopes of paradise✨ ✅ Tsukimizaka The approach to Chusonji Temple. You can enjoy the beauty of each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, green maples in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter 🍁❄️ ✅ Sankozo A treasure museum next to the Golden Hall. It displays precious items such as Buddhist statues and scriptures that are national treasures and important cultural properties 📜 🚶 Access: About 25 minutes walk from Hiraizumi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line / Get off at Chusonji by bus The Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple has continued to shine for over a thousand years. If you visit Iwate, be sure to visit it ✨ ——————— We will continue to introduce wonderful spots ☺️ #IwateTrip #WorldHeritage #Chusonji #DomesticTrip #Tourism #Trip #TravelLover #DomesticSeasonalPlaces

📍Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture [Morioka ranked 2nd in the 52 places to visit in 2023] I went on a 3-day, 2-night trip to Morioka and Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture. I will introduce the quiet streets of Tohoku and the historical spots where Kenji Miyazawa spent his time. ① Bank of Iwate ② Kaiun Bridge ③ Tea and Iron Bottle Engawa (closed August 2024) ④ Takuboku Kenji Youth Museum ⑤ Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum ⑥ Yamanekoken ⑦ Takamatsuan ⚫︎Notes ※I went in March, but there was still snow left. Please be careful about what you wear! _ _ _ _ _ Please use this as a reference for your next trip🔖 #Iwate Prefecture #Iwate Tourism #Morioka Tourism #Kenji Miyazawa #Domestic Travel #0 Yen Travel February 2025

Chuson-ji Temple is located in Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region. Founded in 850, it is dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha and is one of the 33 Kannon temples in Oshu. Chuson-ji Temple has many national treasures and cultural heritage sites, and is known as the most important treasure house of Heian Buddhist art in eastern Japan. In 2011, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land."