📕 Goshuin from visitors
Chuson-ji Main Hall
日本、〒029-4195 岩手県西磐井郡平泉町平泉衣関２０２
A Tendai sect temple serving as the head temple for the Tohoku region, located in Heijō Town, Nishi-Iwai District, Iwate Prefecture. The principal image is Shaka Nyorai (the Buddha Shakyamuni). According to temple tradition, it was founded in 850 CE (Kajo 3) by the Great Master Jikaku Daishi Ennin. However, the substantive founding is considered to be in the early 12th century, when Fujiwara Kiyohara, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, established the 'Taho-ji' and organized a full-scale temple complex. Kiyohara built this grand complex to mourn the spirits of both enemies and allies who died in the Jien and Go-San'no-en campaigns, aiming to manifest the Buddha-land (Pure Land) on earth. Among these structures, the Konjiki-do (Golden Hall), built in 1124 CE (Tenji 1), is an Amida hall covered entirely in gold leaf on both the interior and exterior. Designated as the first National Treasure architectural structure, it conveys the splendid court culture of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, spanning four generations (Kiyohara, Mochihara, Hidehara, and Yasuhara) over approximately 100 years. In 2011, 'Heijō' was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
History
A World Heritage site and the head temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region, associated with the Oshu Fujiwara clan, famous for its National Treasure 'Konjiki-do' (Golden Hall) covered in gold leaf.
Blessings
Worshipped for the benefit of fulfilling wishes.
What visitors say
A serene atmosphere flows through the path leading to the temple grounds, passing through the cedar-lined Tsukimi-zaka (Moon Viewing Slope) and climbing stone steps. The National Treasure Konjiki-do (Golden Hall) presents a magnificent presence, showcasing luxurious decorations using gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlay alongside a profound sense of historical weight. The beauty of nature in the four seasons, particularly the autumn foliage, is also a charm, allowing visitors to engage with history and culture in a quiet environment.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Thursday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Friday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Saturday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Sunday: 8:30 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First shrine visit of the year)
Welcoming the new year at an ancient temple famous for the Konjiki-do, a World Heritage site.
A World Heritage site associated with the Fujiwara clan of Oshu. New Year prayers are performed at this ancient temple in Hiraizumi, known for the National Treasure Konjiki-do (Golden Hall).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・National Treasure Konjiki-do (Golden Hall)
- ・World Heritage Hiraizumi
- ・New Year prayers
- May 1-5Haru no Fujiwara Matsuri (Spring Fujiwara Festival)
A spring festival commemorating the Fujiwara clan of Oshu. Features a splendid procession.
From May 1 to 5, a festival commemorating the splendor of the Fujiwara clan of Oshu. It is enlivened by the 'Minamoto no Yoshitsune Eastward Procession,' which reenacts the entry of Lord Yoshitsune into Hiraizumi, a procession of young boys, and dedicatory offerings of Noh and Kyogen theater.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Yoshitsune Eastward Procession
- ・Procession of young boys
- ・Dedicatory Noh and Kyogen performances
- August 14Kakinoh (Fire Noh)
A summer event where Noh theater is performed as a dedicatory offering under bonfires.
See details on the official site › - August 16Omoji Sounbi (Giant Character Fire Rite)
On the night of the final day of Obon, the character 'dai' (large) is lit in the correct stroke order along the ridge of Mount Tsubaki to send off the spirits of ancestors.
See details on the official site › - November 1-3Aki no Fujiwara Matsuri (Autumn Fujiwara Festival)
An autumn festival that adorns the autumnal scenery of Hiraizumi.
Held from November 1 to 3 in Hiraizumi, where the leaves turn red. Noh theater and local folk arts are performed as dedicatory offerings.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Autumnal scenery of Hiraizumi
- ・Dedicatory performances of local folk arts
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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