Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land in Japan

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Cultural Heritage Online (Japanese Only)
Iwate Prefecture website (English and Japanese)
Iwate Prefecture website (English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean)
Town of Hiraizumi website (English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2011
Size of heritage: 176 ha
- Buffer zone: 6,008 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 141,108°
Latitude: 39,001°

Summary

Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land comprises five sites, including the sacred Mount Kinkeisan. It features vestiges of government offices dating from the 11th and 12th centuries when Hiraizumi was the administrative centre of the northern realm of Japan and rivalled Kyoto. The realm was based on the cosmology of Pure Land Buddhism, which spread to Japan in the 8th century. It represented the pure land of Buddha that people aspire to after death, as well as peace of mind in this life. In combination with indigenous Japanese nature worship and Shintoism, Pure Land Buddhism developed a concept of planning and garden design that was unique to Japan.

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Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

Hiraizumi, located in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents the Buddhist Pure Land. This cultural landscape is home to several temples, gardens, and archaeological sites that hold great historical and religious significance. The site is situated at coordinates N39 0 4 E141 6 28.

History

Hiraizumi flourished during the 11th and 12th centuries as the political and cultural center of the Tohoku region. It was founded by the powerful Fujiwara clan, who sought to create a utopian Buddhist society. The area became a hub of religious and artistic activities, attracting scholars, monks, and artists from all over Japan.

The most influential figure in Hiraizumi's history was Fujiwara no Kiyohira, the first ruler of the Northern Fujiwara clan. Under his patronage, the Chuson-ji Temple was constructed, which became the spiritual center of the region. The temple complex includes the Konjiki-do, a golden hall adorned with gold leaf, and the Kyozo, a repository of Buddhist scriptures.

Another significant temple in Hiraizumi is the Motsu-ji Temple, known for its beautiful Pure Land garden. This garden, called Jodo-teien, was designed to represent the Buddhist Pure Land, a paradise-like realm. It features a large pond, islands, and meticulously arranged rocks and plants, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Hiraizumi's prosperity was short-lived. In the late 12th century, the region was engulfed in political turmoil, leading to the downfall of the Fujiwara clan. The once-thriving city was abandoned and fell into obscurity for centuries.

Current State

Today, Hiraizumi stands as a testament to its glorious past. The UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses several temples, gardens, and archaeological sites that have been meticulously preserved and restored.

Chuson-ji Temple remains the spiritual heart of Hiraizumi and attracts countless visitors each year. The Konjiki-do, with its golden exterior, is a marvel of Buddhist art and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the temple complex, admire the ancient Buddhist statues, and experience the tranquility of the surrounding forest.

Motsu-ji Temple, with its stunning Pure Land garden, is another highlight of the site. The garden's design and meticulous maintenance transport visitors to a realm of peace and serenity. The temple also houses the ruins of the former Pure Land Paradise Hall, which was once one of the largest wooden structures in Japan.

Address
Distance: 1,2 mi
60 2, KOROMOGAWAKU HINATA, OSHU SHI, IWATE, 029 4421, JAPAN.
294421 Oshu Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:30
Reception
Weekday: 10:00 - 22:00
Weekend: closed

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(RYOKAN) Handaya Ryokan

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
33 4, MAESAWAKU MIKKAMACHI, OSHU SHI, IWATE, 029 4207, JAPAN.
294207 Oshu Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

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Hotel Route Inn Ichinoseki Inter

Address
Distance: 4,3 mi
33 1, AKOGI TSURUMAKI, ICHINOSEKI SHI, IWATE, 021 0041, JAPAN.
210041 Oshu
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

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Hotel Sunroute Ichinoseki

Address
Distance: 5,1 mi
2 37, KAMIOTSUKIKOJI, ICHINOSEKI SHI, IWATE, 021 0882, JAPAN.
210882 Oshu
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

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Kura Hotel Ichinoseki

Address
Distance: 5,3 mi
2 1, OTEMACHI, ICHINOSEKI SHI, IWATE, 021 0884, JAPAN.
210884 Oshu
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

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Business Hotel Ichinoseki

Address
Distance: 5,4 mi
73 1, SANNOSEKI SAKURAMACHI, ICHINOSEKI SHI, IWATE, 021 0821, JAPAN.
210821 Ichinoseki Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

UNESCO World Heritage Site:Hiraizumi Chuson-ji 世界遺産平泉中尊寺

Published: October 24, 2013
Length: 21:45 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: mimi33333333

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Chūson-ji World Heritage Temple Complex, Japan

Published: March 05, 2013
Length: 59:41 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: とうほく復興カレンダー

"Even the all-eroding monsoons seem to restrain themselves from the nobility of the shining hall" Though the translation may not do them justice, these words were written by haiku master Bashō...