Hiraizumi - Iwate, Japan
After visiting the beautiful Geibikei Gorge, I took the train from Geibikei Station toward Hiraizumi Station. The ride was slow due to infrequent trains, but the scenery along the way made the wait worthwhile. Once I arrived in Hiraizumi, I considered taking a bus to Chūsonji Temple, but the timing didn’t align, so I decided to walk instead. The stroll from Hiraizumi Station to Chūsonji Temple was pleasant and allowed me to enjoy the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Chusonji Temple was to see its famous golden temple. From the entrance, a gentle uphill path leads to the temple complex, passing smaller shrines, ancient cedar trees, and an observatory along the way. Chusonji Temple was founded in 850 as a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Its highlight, the Konjikidō Hall, dates back to 1124 and is entirely covered in gold—similar to Kyoto’s Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).
Photos are not allowed inside Konjikidō Hall, but standing before its glittering interior was breathtaking—a true “wow” moment. After exploring the main hall, I wandered through the temple grounds, visiting other smaller temples and buildings scattered across the area, taking plenty of photos before continuing my walk toward Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondō.
Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondō is about 7 kilometres from Chūsonji Temple. With no bus options and not wanting to take a taxi, I walked. The route was mostly flat and scenic, with stretches of countryside offering a peaceful backdrop.
This temple is built partially into a cliffside and dedicated to Bishamonten, the god of warriors. The site dates back to the 9th century and includes a small garden with a pond, offering tranquil views from the temple. A short five-minute walk away, there’s another small temple worth visiting. After exploring the grounds, I began making my way back toward town.
Before returning to the train station, I stopped at Motsuji Temple. Today, Mōtsuji is best known for its beautiful garden—one of the few remaining Pure Land gardens in Japan. This garden style, popular during the Heian Period, was designed to represent the Buddhist concept of the Pure Land, or paradise. The garden is centred around a large pond, surrounded by temple buildings and scenic pathways.
I took a leisurely stroll around the pond, admiring the structures and serene atmosphere. Nearby, the treasure hall displays Mōtsuji’s historical and cultural artifacts, which I explored before heading back toward the station.
Although Hiraizumi is a small town, it is rich in history and home to several significant cultural sites. Walking through its temples and gardens felt like stepping back in time, making it a truly memorable visit.
History & Background
This section of Hiraizumi’s cultural landscape highlights some of the most important temples and gardens from Japan’s Heian and early Kamakura periods, reflecting the town’s historical significance as a political and religious centre of the Northern Fujiwara clan.
Chusonji Temple 中尊寺 – Founded in 850 as a Tendai Buddhist temple, Chūsonji became a spiritual centre under the Northern Fujiwara clan. Its highlight, the Konjikido Hall (1124), is entirely covered in gold leaf and houses hundreds of Buddhist statues and relics.
Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondo たっこくのいわや毘沙門堂 – Built in the 9th century, this temple is partially carved into a cliff and dedicated to Bishamonten, the god of warriors. Its cliffside location and small garden make it a unique blend of architecture and natural beauty.
Motsuji Temple 毛越寺 – Originally founded in the Heian Period, Mōtsuji is famous for its Pure Land garden, designed to represent paradise according to Buddhist beliefs. The large central pond and surrounding pathways exemplify classical Japanese garden design and reflect the Northern Fujiwara clan’s cultural sophistication.
Getting There
To get to Hiraizumi Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen from a major city like Tokyo to Ichinoseki Station, then transfer to the local JR Tohoku Line bound for Morioka and exit at Hiraizumi Station.
Route Overview
Itinerary: Hirazumi Station 平泉駅 → Chusonji Temple 中尊寺 本堂 → Takkoku-no-iwaya bishamondou 達谷窟毘沙門堂 → Motsuji Temple 毛越寺 → Hirazumi Station
Distance: 18.9 km out & back (Hiraizumi Station)
Total elevation gain: 83 m
Duration: 3 hr 56 min (with breaks 4 hr 28 min)
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost Breakdown
Train: Geibikei Station → Hiraizumi Station — ¥590
Café: ¥700
