Chūson-ji

Heian Art Treasury Over 3000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

Chūson-ji Temple was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), a high-ranking priest of Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple. At the beginning of the 12th century, large-scale temple construction was carried out by Kiyohira, the founder of the Ōshu Fujiwara clan.

Mōtsū-ji

Special Historical Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty The garden represents the Pure Land Buddhist world and beauty of Japan.

Mōtsū-ji Temple was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), but most of the halls were built in the 12th century, during the period from Motohira, the second generation Fujiwara lord, to Hidehira, the third generation lord. With 40 temple buildings and 500 priests’ quarters, its size and splendor rivaled that of Chūson- ji Temple.

Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondō Hall

1200 years of history

The Buddhist deity Bishamonten is enshrined in this hall inside a cave, in memory of the 9th century military victory of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.

Takadachi

The Place Where Japanese Historical Hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune Died.

Takadachi, also called Hangandate, is a hill to the east of Chūson-ji Temple. Gikeidō Hall stands on Takadachi, which is said to be the place of Minamoto no Yoshitsune's death.

Mt. Kinkeisan

The symbolic mountain that became the foundation for creating the town

This conical mountain is located about midway between Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji temples. There is a sutra burial mound on the top of the mountain.

Kanjizaiō-in Ato

Pure Land wind blowing across the Amida temple

This is the site of a temple said to have been built by the wife of Motohira, the second Fujiwara lord.

Yanagi no Gosho Site

The base of the Ōshu Fujiwara clan

The entire area of the terraced land from the foot of Takadachi along the Kitakami River is said to have been the site of the residence of Kiyohira and Motohira Fujiwara in the 12th century.

Muryōkō-in Ato

The grand temple imitating the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in Temple

This is the site of the temple the third Fujiwara lord Hidehira built to imitate the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in Temple in Uji.

Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

Providing an easy-to-understand overview of Hiraizumi's Cultural Heritage, which has been registered as a World Heritage site, and functioning as a tourist visitor center, it provides an extensive introduction to the history and culture of Hiraizumi.

Yanagi no Gosho Museum

The Yanagi no Gosho site is presumed to be the site of Hiraizumi Mansion, the base of government for the Ōshu Fujiwara.