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Chuson-ji Temple: A Glimpse into Japan's Golden Past

Discover a serene UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hiraizumi, featuring the dazzling Konjikido Golden Hall and exquisite Buddhist art.

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Chuson-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, offers a serene escape into Japanese history and Buddhist art. Founded in 850, it rose to prominence in the 12th century under the Northern Fujiwara clan. The highlight is the Konjikido (Golden Hall), a dazzling structure covered in gold leaf.

A brief summary to Chuson-ji

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Chuson-ji involves walking along paths through the forest.
  • Photography is not allowed inside Konjikido, so be sure to take in the beauty with your eyes.
  • Visit in the fall for stunning autumn foliage or in early May for the Fujiwara Festival.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the temple complex and its various halls and museums.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Hiraizumi Station, Chuson-ji Temple can be reached in a 20-30 minute walk. Follow the signs from the station. The path leads through the town and then gradually uphill to the temple entrance. Note that the final approach involves climbing the Tsukimi-zaka (moon-viewing hill), a sloping path lined with trees.

  • Public Transport

    From JR Hiraizumi Station, take the Hiraizumi Loop Bus 'Run Run' or a regular bus to Chuson-ji. The bus ride takes about 5-10 minutes. A single ride on the Loop Bus costs ¥150, or a day pass is available for ¥400. The bus stops near the Chuson-ji Tsukimizaka entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from JR Hiraizumi Station. The taxi ride to Chuson-ji Temple takes about 5 minutes. The estimated cost is ¥700-¥1000. Ask the driver to take you to the main entrance (Tsukimizaka).

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Discover more about Chuson-ji

Nestled atop Mount Kanzan in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Chuson-ji Temple is a testament to the region's rich history and the splendor of Heian period Buddhist art. Founded in 850 by the monk Ennin, the temple gained prominence in the 12th century under the patronage of the Northern Fujiwara clan. Kiyohira, the first lord of the Northern Fujiwara clan, initiated a large-scale construction project, envisioning a peaceful realm based on Buddhist principles and to placate the spirits of those lost in war. At its zenith, Chuson-ji boasted over 40 halls and pagodas, along with 300 monks' residences. Although a fire in 1337 destroyed many structures, over 3,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties survived. The most iconic of these is the Konjikido (Golden Hall), completed in 1124. This hall, dedicated to Amida Nyorai (the Buddha of Infinite Light), is covered in gold leaf, both inside and out, and features intricate decorations using mother-of-pearl inlays, woodwork, metalwork, and lacquerwork. The Konjikido also served as a mausoleum, housing the mummified remains of the Northern Fujiwara lords. Photography is prohibited inside the Konjikido. Visitors can explore a network of paths extending about one kilometer through the forest, leading to various attractions. These include the Hondo (Main Hall), rebuilt in 1909, where Buddhist rituals are performed. The Kyozo Hall, a repository for sutras (Buddhist scriptures), predates the Konjikido. The Sankozo Museum preserves and displays many of Chuson-ji's treasures and cultural assets, including Buddhist statues, sutras, and burial artifacts of the Fujiwara lords. A Noh theater stage also stands on the grounds. Chuson-ji offers seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. The Fujiwara Festival in early May features processions and ceremonies. In August, the Chuson-ji lotus flowers bloom.

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