Visiting Iwate Prefecture’s World Heritage Site, “Hiraizumi”

Chuson-ji Temple is in possession of over 3000 national treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The national treasure “Konjiki-do,” which is decorated with gold leaf, is particularly famous among them. The temple has been designated as a National Special Historic Site.

Motsu-ji Temple is a National Special Historic Site that has also been designated as a special scenic spot. The highlight of the temple is the Pure Land Garden, which was built around a large pond on the temple’s grounds. The expansive and stunning garden is said to represent the Ultimate Bliss of Pure Land.

Kanjizaioin Ato is the ruins of a temple said to have been commissioned by the wife of Fujiwara no Motohira. The Pure Land Garden is centered around Maizurugaike Pond, with Kinkeizan behind it. Kanjizaioin Ato has been designated as a National Special Historic Site.

Muryokoin Ato is the ruins of a temple built by Hidehira Fujiwara. The temple’s Amida-do is said to have been built in the image of the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Kyoto. The Pure Land Garden’s garden pond has been restored as the remaining area of the temple.

Mt. Kinkeisan is a conical mountain that is the symbol of Hiraizumi, with the Pure Land Gardens of Motsu-ji Temple, Kanjizaioin Ato, and Muryokoin Ato all centered around their views of the mountain. There are many folktales about the mountain, including that mountain was raised in one night by Hidehira Fujiwara and that a golden statue of a cockerel is buried on the mountain.