Best Attractions and Places to See in Hiraizumi cho, Japan
Hiraizumi-cho Travel Guide. MUST WATCH. Top things you have to do in Hiraizumi-cho. We have sorted Tourist Attractions in Hiraizumi-cho for You. Discover Hiraizumi-cho as per the Traveler Resources given by our Travel Specialists. You will not miss any fun thing to do in Hiraizumi-cho.
This Video has covered Best Attractions and Things to do in Hiraizumi-cho.
Don't forget to Subscribe our channel to view more travel videos. Click on Bell ICON to get the notification of updates Immediately.
List of Best Things to do in Hiraizumi-cho
Konjiki-do
Chuson-ji Temple
Takkoku no Iwaya
Motsuji Temple
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
Hiraizumicho Cyclic Bus Runrun
Hakusan Shrine
Takadachi Gikeido
Kyu Oi-do
Michi-no-Eki Hiraizumi
Kahoku, Sea of Japan
2009/10/10
【English】All about Hiraizumi #36 Hiraizumi witnessed by Sugae Masumi
Sugae Masumi, a travelogue writer of the late Edo period, recorded his experiences and local folklore in his diaries. He wrote about Hiraizumi in three of his travelogues; 'Kasumu Komagata', 'Hashiwa no Wakaba' and 'Yuki no Isawabe'. He first visited Hiraizumi in 1786 to watch the Hatsukayasai Festival at Motsu-ji and later he described it in 'Kasumu Komagata':
In the Jogyozanmai-ku service, the priests stood up and walked around the central altar while reciting sutras, creating a majestic sound. The dancers of the Dengaku-mai (an ancient rustic, rice-planting dance) wore large hats made of walnut bark, golden-yellow kimono with wide sleeves, and carried narrow drums that looked like the lids of pails.
He also describes other performances in detail making his books an invaluable source for understanding that time.
A few days after watching Hatsukayasai he visited Takkoku no Iwaya and wrote in 'Kasumu Komagata':
The hall, on high staging, was commissioned by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and enshrines 108 images of Bishamonten. On the cliff beside the hall, there is a large image of Buddha, said to have been carved by Minamoto no Yoshiie.
Takkoku no Iwaya is mentioned again in the travelogue 'Hashiwa no Wakaba' which also contains a description of the Hatsu-uma no Matsuri (festival celebrating the first day of the horse in February) that Masumi saw at Hakusan Shrine in Chuson-ji:
On the Hakusan Shrine stage people wearing costumes were dancing Kojitsushiki-sanba. Then the priests gathered and the sarugaku dance began.
This Hatsu-uma no Matsuri is the origin of the Spring Fujiwara Festival that is held today. Many of the scenes that Masumi recorded can still be seen today.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Best Attractions and Places to See in Ichinoseki, Japan
Ichinoseki Travel Guide. MUST WATCH. Top things you have to do in Ichinoseki. We have sorted Tourist Attractions in Ichinoseki for You. Discover Ichinoseki as per the Traveler Resources given by our Travel Specialists. You will not miss any fun thing to do in Ichinoseki.
This Video has covered Best Attractions and Things to do in Ichinoseki.
Don't forget to Subscribe our channel to view more travel videos. Click on Bell ICON to get the notification of updates Immediately.
List of Best Things to do in Ichinoseki, Japan
Konjiki-do
Chuson-ji Temple
Takkoku no Iwaya
Motsuji Temple
Gembi Valley
Geibikei
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
Hiraizumicho Cyclic Bus Runrun
Hakusan Shrine
Takadachi Gikeido
【English】All About Hiraizumi#19 Shrines in Hiraizumi
Broadcasted on August 13rd, 2014
Kumano Sansha which has been protecting Hiraizumi from the olden days is one of the shrines the first Oshu Fujiwara lord Kiyohira built to protect Hiraizumi when he moved there.
Since the building of the shrine became too old, it was rebuilt with the cooperation of local people.
The shrine is rich with history although its building is new.
Hiraizumi Gionchinza, Yasaka Shrine
Located in southern Hiraizumi, it has been worshiped since the olden days as the god who drives plague off.
It was designated as a national special historic site in 1952.
Chuson-ji’s tutelary Hakusan Shrine.
It is said that in 850, Jikaku-Daishi Ennin carved an eleven-faced kannon and enshrined it to protect Chuson-ji.
The Noh stage which stands with strong presence was rebuilt in 1853 and has retained its structure since then for 160 years.
It was designated as a national important cultural asset in 2003 for its value in the history of performing arts.
Tomorrow on the 14th, Hiraizumi’s summer tradition ‘Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh’ will be held at the Noh stage.
Please enjoy the traditional performing arts shown under the bonfire right in front of you
On the 16th, Daimonji ceremonial bonfire, Hotoe (sacred lanterns), and Pure Land lantern festival will be held.
Hiraizumi will be filled with bonfires of prayers.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】May 1st Fujiwara Festival Chuson-ji
In Chuson-ji the Fujiwara Festival opened with the Memorial Service for the four generations of the Oshu Fujiwara. On the first day the colourfully costumed children's parade is also held. The Spring Fujiwara Festival is held until the 5th of May and during this period, the Minamoto no Yoshitsune Eastern Flight Procession takes place and ceremonial Noh is performed at Hakusan Shrine.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】Spring Fujiwara Festival Chuson-ji Noh
On the fourth and fifth day of the Spring Fujiwara Festival, there was a presentation of Noh at Hakusan shrine's outdoor Noh theatre, in Chuson-ji.
'Kojitsushiki-Sanba', with the same roots same as the famous longevity dance in Motsu-ji, 'Hidehira' a popular Noh based in Hiraizumi, and other Noh were performed.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi＃20 Autumn Fujiwara Festival
The Autumn Fujiwara Festival always opens with the memorial service for four generations of the Fujiwara lords. The Fujiwara Festival is also held in the spring. The festivals are organised by Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji Temples but involve the whole town. The Spring Festival is always held from May 1st ~ 5th and the Autumn Festival from November 1st ~ 3rd.
After the memorial service, children aged from 3 to 6 years old and dressed in special kimono walked in a parade from Chuson-ji's Main Hall to Konjikido. Throughout the 3 days, traditional performing arts from Hiraizumi and its surrounding area were performed in Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji and in front of Hiraizumi Station. On the last day, Ennen no Mai (Longevity dances) an Intangible Cultural Property, were performed at Motsu-ji while Shimai (part of a Noh play without instruments) and Noh were performed at Chuson-ji.
The ceremonial Noh performed at Hakusan Shrine has a very long tradition and together with other ceremonies and activities, eventually developed into the Spring Fujiwara Festival. The Autumn Fujiwara Festival was started by the town to complement the Spring Fujiwara Festival.
Today, both Spring and Autumn Fujiwara Festivals have become the main events of Hiraizumi.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#6 Spring Fujiwara Festival Part 2
Broadcasted on May 20th, 2015
Chuson-ji Hakusan Shrine Noh stage
On the fourth and the fifth days of the Spring Fujiwara Festival, ‘Ceremonial Noh’ was performed on this stage.Noh and Kyogen (farce played between Noh plays) of Chuson-ji, continuing since the Edo era, have been performed by the monks for generations. Chuson-ji Noh is passing the ancient times to the present.
Kanjizaio-in Ato, adjacent to Motsu-ji, is the remains of a temple which is said to have been built by the wife of second lord Motohira.‘Weeping Festival’ was held by the monks of Motsu-ji on May 4th, her death anniversary.The monks walk around the hall, carrying the portable shrine which symbolizes a coffin, and chanting sutra. The ceremony is very rare even at the nationwide level. It is named ‘Weeping Festival’ as the chanting of the monks sounds sad as if they are weeping. The ceremony reflects the emotion of Motohira grieving over his wife’s death.
Named after Musashibo Benkei who was famed to have superhuman strength, Benkei Strong Man Contest is held every year on May 5th. This year marked the 90th time the event was held. In ‘Parade of Food Offering to the Gods by the Conservation Council of Benkei Strong Man Contest’ held every ten years, they walked from Hiraizumi Station to Benkeido Hall in Chuson-ji.
Mr. Tsutomu Suzuki
Chairman of the Conservation Council of Benkei Strong Man Contest
This time we made the offering to inform the Gods of the 90th anniversary of the contest and to pray for the safety of the event.
On the final day of the festival, entrants compete to be the strangest in ‘Benkei Strong Man Contest’. Heated competition was unfolded which was suitable for the 90th anniversary of the event.
Many tourists came to see the Spring Fujiwara Festival from all over the country. The festival came to an end with many cheers and applause.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【平泉FAN-TV】平泉のススメ #6 〜受け継がれる伝統〜
中尊寺の北側にある白山神社。ここには僧侶達によって連綿と受け継がれて来た御神事能を演じる舞台があります。今回は中尊寺鎮守白山神社と能舞台、そして中尊寺能について紹介します。
平泉町観光商工課
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
平泉観光協会 Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #53 Hiraizumi's annual Summer events
Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh is an annual event held every August 14th at Chuson-ji tutelary Hakusan Shrine. Noh by the Kita School and Kyogen by the Izumi School were performed on the outdoor Noh Stage which is designated an Important Cultural Property. An audience of approximately 800 people enjoyed a summer evening of traditional Japanese entertainment in a profound atmosphere created by bonfires elevated on tripods, set around the stage for illumination.
August 16th
Hotoe is a festival when sacred lanterns inscribed with wishes and prayers float on the surface of Oizumigaike Pond in Motsu-ji. Lanterns representing people's wishes were set on small boats and floated on Oizumigaike Pond while sutras for world peace were chanted.
Along Chuson-ji dori and at Kanjizaio-in Ato, approximately 300 handmade lanterns called 'Yume-akari' were arranged on the ground. After the sun had set, the glowing lanterns showed up even more brightly.
Near the summit of Mt. Tabashine the Chinese character for 'great' was formed with bonfires. With this, the whole of Hiraizumi was filled with okuribi, the fires that send back the spirits after O-Bon.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi #5 Traditions passed down
A towering red torii gate stands at the northeastern corner of Chuson-ji's precinct, marking the entrance to Hakusan Shrine, the tutelary shrine of Chuson-ji. It is said that Jikaku Daishi Ennin enshrined the Hakusan deity here in 850. The Noh stage was rebuilt in 1853, commissioned by Date Yoshikuni, lord of the Sendai clan, after it was destroyed by fire in 1849. The outdoor stage, highly regarded in modern times, was designated as an Important Cultural Asset in 2003. Ceremonial Noh is performed here at the Spring and Autumn Fujiwara Festivals and many people come to watch.
The Noh that can be seen today has been performed since 1591, when Toyotomi Hidetsugu and Date Masamune visited Hiraizumi. Chuson-ji priests, who perform the Noh, have passed down this tradition for generations of their families, preserving this ancient performing art.
Twelve small shrines stand beyond the Noh stage, each enshrining an animal of the Chinese zodiac. The pictures of the animals and tiny red roofs look charming.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#20 Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh
Broadcasted on August 20th, 2014
On August 14th, Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh was held at Hakusan shrine’s outdoor Noh theatre, designated an Important Cultural Property. An audience of approximately 800 people gazed at the performances such as Kita School Noh, Izumi School Kyogen, and Shimai.
In the first program ’Kagetsu’, the main character ‘Kagetsu’ was performed by Tamon Sasaki who is deeply connected with Chuson-ji. The audience was fascinated by the spectacular dances such as ‘Kakko no Mai’, a dance with beating the drum, and ‘Jisyu no Kusemai’, a dance to glorify Kannon Bosatsu.
‘Mizukumi’ performed by Nomura Mansaku and Nomura Mansai.
Love ballads in turns between a young girl and an apprentice monk aroused a big wave of laughter from the people in the venue.
In Shimai, ‘Sanemori’ and ‘Matsukaze’, an old warrior’s readiness to die and a maiden’s pure feeling caught the audience’s hearts.
The story of ‘Ukai’(Cormorant fisherman) depicts the monk exorcised the ghost of ‘Ukai’ in the middle of his trip.
While wearing the mask which is an heirloom of Chuson-ji, Enmadaiou(the king of hell) who teaches the preciousness of Hokekyo(the Lotus Sutra) performed subtle and profound dances.
This year marked the 37th anniversary of Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh. The audience forgot the time and was charmed with the fantastic atmosphere created by bonfires elevated on tripods.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #64 Autumn colours of Hiraizumi
This was filmed in early November.
Hiraizumi has some of the best places to view autumn leaves in Iwate. Each site is different from the others.
At Chuson-ji, Autumn colours overhang the main approach. The maple leaves glow as if translucent when lit by sunlight. In particular, the approach from the Main Hall to Konjikido is breathtakingly beautiful and many visitors pause to admire the leaves.
Motsu-ji is called 'the temple of flowers' and the Autumn leaves that colour the Pure Land Garden look like flowers. The Oizumigaike Pond reflects the bright leaves and creates a fantastic atmosphere. The vermilion maples beside the Yarimizu (Feeder Stream) remind you of the red umbrellas of the Gokusui no En.
The Autumn colours at Takkoku no Iwaya present a different scene with the trees standing close beside the sheer cliff. Golden-leaved gingko grows by the Ganmen Daibutsu (Rock-carved Buddha) and red maple by the Bishamon Hall. A special scene of history and nature is created, only seen in this season. In the Hakusan-ike Pond a carp looked as though it were swimming among the Autumn leaves.
Being able to enjoy different scenes in different seasons is one of the joys of Hiraizumi.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh
On Aug.14th, 'Kita School 38th Chuson-ji Fire-lit Noh' was held at the Outdoor Noh Stage in Chuson-ji tutelary Hakusan Shrine. Shimai, Kyogen and Noh were performed in the fantastic atmosphere with bonfire illumination.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #63 Autumn Fujiwara Festival
The Autumn Fujiwara Festival was held from November 1st to the 3rd.
After the 'Memorial service of gratitude to Fujiwara four generations' was held at Motsu-ji and the 'Memorial service for the Fujiwara four generations' at Chuson-ji, the festival started.
At Chuson-ji, after the service, the children's procession enhanced the festival with bright colours.
During the period of the festival, seven groups of traditional local performing arts from around Hiraizumi showed shishi-odori, Kagura and other dances at various locations.
Each venue had a different atmosphere which delighted the people watching.
For the first time, utai (Noh singing) by local children was performed as part of the Autumn Fujiwara Festival at Chuson-ji Tutelary Hakusan Shrine.
Then, 'Su-utai' (a Noh with no back singers or dance) and various 'Shimai' (dances in which special masks and Noh costumes are not worn) were performed by the Kioukai followed by the Noh 'Shojo' by Chuson-ji priests and the venue was filled with a profound atmosphere.
At Motsu-ji, Ennen no Mai (Longevity Dances) designated an Important Intangible Cultural Asset were performed and the audience was drawn into the slow flow of time.
The 'Autumn Fujiwara Festival', held among the changing colours of the Autumn leaves, was an event that showcased Japanese traditions and the essence of the season.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Ennen in Obasama Festival
The first Sunday of April
At Hakusan Shrine, Aza-Obasama, Tsukumo, Kannari kurihara-city.
The festival of Hakusan Shrine's merciful goddess hall, which is believed to have been built by Sakanoue Tamuramaro. The festival began when Minamoto Yoritomo returned after conquering Hiraizumi. The Obasamano Ennen dance (a significant national intangible folk cultural asset) that is believed to combine the archery of Nasuno Yoichi and the Ennenn dance of Hiraizumi were performed to celebrate the victory. The dance is performed at the festival in the open theater in front of the shrine in a traditional way, in the following order: Kenzen, lion dance, Gohoraku, Irifurimai, Hisamai, Dengakumai, and Bajowatashi (yabusame).
【English】All About Hiraizumi#9 The Rice-Art design of this year is ･･･
Broadcasted on June 10th, 2015
Have you ever stepped into a rice paddy?
Rice planting experience of ‘Rice-Art in Hiraizumi’, which has become an annual event in Hiraizumi, was held on May 30th.
This year marks the seventh occasion ‘Rice-art of Hiraizumi’ is held. One of its features is that ‘historical figures associated with Hiraizumi’ are drawn instead of popular modern characters. This year’s design is Shizuka Gozen (a mistress of Yoshitsune) and Yoshitsune!! It is the first time that a female figure is drawn.
Four kinds of rice plant are usually used to draw the image. This year, they have increased to five kinds!! With the additional kind of rice plant, planting became difficult to express the intricate parts. The participants were carefully planting the rice one by one so that different kinds would not be mixed.
After the planting was completed, Torimai by Ichinono Kagura was performed, praying for bumper harvest. We are looking forward to seeing how the design will turn up. Thank you for your hard work, all.
To reach to the Rice-Art, turn Yanagi no Gosho crossing toward Higashiyama on National Route 4, and cross Takadachibashi Bridge over Kitakami River. You can see it on the left.
Rice-art in Hiraizumi is designed so that it is most beautiful when it’s seen from Takadachibashi Bridge.
The image will come into sight in late June, and the best time to see it is in mid-July.
Chuson-ji Bonfire Noh is held at Chuson-ji’s northern tutelary Hakusan Shrine Outdoor Noh Stage every year on August 14th. Tickets were started to be sold on June 1st. Izumi school Kyogen ‘Akutaro’ and Noh ‘Izutsu’ will be performed. Please come and enjoy Chuson-ji Bonfire Noh, a summer feature of Hiraizumi.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook