Hiraizumi-world heritage sites

Golden City built by the Fujiwara family 11-12thCentury

Hiraizumi-world heritage sites

Chusonji 中尊寺

World Heritage Site.  Built by Lord Fujiwara (11-12th century), the whole complex has been burned down several times over, but this golden pavillion is the original one.  In the golden pavillion, that is protected within this building (no pictures inside), there are four Fujiwara tombs inside.  Aside from the gold used (as this area was famous for the gold mines back then), lots of precious metals and rocks are used as well.  It is very impressive and overwhelming.  You can really feel the golden era of the Fujiwara family who reigned for nearly 100 years in 11-12th Century.

Here is the official site in English.  http://www.chusonji.or.jp/en/

Motsuji temple 毛越寺

World heritage site.  Former temple sites and now a huge garden with a beautiful lake in the middle.  Enjoy the beautiful and seasonal flowers and vegetation, as you walk around the lake.  Although most of the temples were burned down, several remain.

Official site in English.  http://www.motsuji.or.jp/en/

Takkokunoiwaya 達谷窟

Built in 1200, this is the oldest temple and a famous power spot in the Tohoku region.  The building is sandwiched between the huge rocks and it is built in the cave.  There is also a face of the Buddha engraved nearby, which is said to be made by the arrows of Minamoto no Yoritomo.  Very interesting story!

Official site here, but only in Japanese.  http://www.iwayabetto.com/mysite1/bisyamondou.html

SHIZUKATEI  しずか亭

Growing their own local vegetables and soba, this place is also blessed with hot springs.  The rooms are adequate and clean, with a nice view of the farms nearby.  The food served is very healthy, especially the organic vegetables and hand made soba.  You can also order a special plate of Maezawa steak, which really melt in your mouth!  Enjoy!

The location is also very convenient, close to all the world heritage grounds.  It would be convenient to rent a car, but you can also ask for a pick up from the hotel.

Breakfast

 

http://www.shizukatei.com/

ENJOY!  Any questions or comments?  Check the hiddenjapanguide.com for Sendai and Matsushima, two places you should visit together with Hiraizumi!


Read More Articles: Column

3 Less Crowded Places in Kyoto

1 Avoid the crowd in Kyoto 2 TOJI-hidden away but you will be overwhelmed! 3 CHISAKUIN- beautiful, […]


Ochanomizu, Tokyo`s Quartier Latin

Visit Tokyo`s `Quartier Latin`, with a lot of universities, unique music and instrument stores. Very few tourists […]


Sunamachi Shopping Street

Come and enjoy the freshly made Japanese street food!  Feel the traditional nostalgia of old Tokyo.  This […]


The shrinking population of Japan

You may have wondered why there are so many senior citizens in Japan.  Why is Japan`s population […]


High Tech Toilets

Have you ever wondered why the toilets in Japan are so different to those that you use […]


Convenience Stores (konbini, コンビニ)

Visit the one closest to your place and if possible, choose 7-11.  Enjoy checking out their products, […]


ADVENTURE WORLD in SHIRAHAMA

1 Adventure World in Shirahama- great for family and kids. 2 Basic information on Adventure World in […]


Crafts Made in Japan by Japanese artists

Sure, there are tons of places to shop. But, if you are looking for one-and-only, hand made […]


Best Revolving Sushi Restaurant for FAMILY and KIDS: KURA

  There are lots of Sushi restaurant in Japan and you are spoilt for choice. But for […]


JAPANESE ANIMATION- “Your Name” and Ghibli Museum

1 Japanese animation 1.1 “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai 1.2 Site visits for “Your Name” 2 Ghibli […]