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.
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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
Chūson ji Temple, Hiraizumi, Japan
Chuson-ji TempleChuson-ji was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), a monk associated with the great monastery.
Golden Hall is an incredible place to reflect on history and pure land of the Buddhist Hiraizumi
Chuson-ji ( Hiraizumi Town )
Chuson-ji was built as the foundation of a peaceful Buddhism-based realm. After decades of warfare ravaged Tohoku ( northern Honshu ) in the late eleventh century, the only major power left standing was Fujiwara no Kiyohira, founder of the Oshu Fujiwara line and Hiraizumi. War-weary Kiyohira began his temple on this site in the early twelfth century, building a complex of halls and pagodas to pacify and memorialize all those who had died in battle, friend and foe alike. In 1124, he dedicated the Konjikido, the golden hall that is Chuson-ji's crown jewel and a Japanese National Treasure. The Konjikido represents the pinnacle of Heian ( 794-1192 ) artistic achievement, and one of more than 3000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties housed here. Many of these are on display in Chuson-ji's museum, the Sankozo, located next to the Konjikido.
This region was a major gold producer, as attested by the Konjikido. In fact, the radiant sparkle of the golden hall in the days before it was covered by a protective outer building ( Sheath Hall ) may have inspired Marco Polo to write of islands of gold and silver in his Travels.
Numerous Buddhas guard the hall's daises, in which lie the remains of the four generations of the Oshu Fujiwara. The bodies of Kiyohira, Motohira, and Hidehira, and the head of Yasuhira remain here in peace, mirroring in death the peace they sought and largely attained in life until Minamoto no Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, sent armies against Hiraizumi in the late 1180s. The conflict arose when Hiraizumi harbored Yoritomo's brother, Yoshitsune, whom Yoritomo hunted as a traitor. Yoshitsune's legendary military prowess and tragic life have made him Japan's most enduring folk hero. It was with the rise and fall of Hiraizumi and Yoshitsune in mind that haiku master Matsuo Basho wrote the following on a stopover here in 1689:
The summer grass / 'Tis all that's left / Of ancient warrior's dreams
( translated by Nitobe Inazo )
Written exactly 500 years from Yoritomo's defeat of Hiraizumi, this poem is a tribute to the power of Hiraizumi's memory. Perhaps even more impressive is the Chuson-ji Lotus that now blooms on the temple grounds. This unique variety was resurrected from a lotus seed found in the head casket of Yasuhira, returning to life after a slumber of eight centuries.
Chuson-ji is the Tohoku seat of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism, and in its main hall ( a 1909 reconstruction ) burns an eternal flame shared from that which has burned for 1200 years at Tendai's chief temple, Enryakuji ( outside Kyoto ) .
【English】All About Hiraizumi#14 Blossoms After 800 Years Have Passed
Broadcasted on July 15th, 2015
Chuson-ji Lotuses are blossoming in the lotus pond beside Sakanoue car park of Chuson-ji. The elegant flowers can be seen from early July to early August.
Chuson-ji Mr. Godai Sasaki
The lotus referred to as Chuson-ji Lotus bloomed from about a hundred lotus seeds discovered in a box containing the head of the fourth lord Yasuhira when an academic research was conducted on the remains of the four lords resting in Chuson-ji Konjiki-do (Golden Hall) in 1950. After consigned to a research institution, the researchers succeeded in the germination of the seeds in 1994 and successfully had them bloom in 1998. The roots were divided and grown in number. They were named Chuson-ji Lotus and are now planted in the lotus pond.
Why were the lotus seeds placed in the box containing Lord Yasuhira’s head?
There is no document or record describing the reason, but since lotus is considered sacred in Buddhism, the seeds were placed in the box as a part of burial accessories or offerings.
Lotus is like a symbol of Buddha. Lotus germinates in muddy water, grows straight and long and blooms a pure and elegant flower. Lotus Sutra we monks chant is also called ‘Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma’. As its name suggests, ‘Lotus’ is a beautiful flower of pureness and innocence and has become a symbol of Buddha.
Chuson-ji Lotuses blossomed after about 800 years have passed. Hopes and dreams of the people of Heian period may be instilled in them.
Why not feel the passage of time and the history by looking at Chuson-ji Lotus?
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi #1 －The Birth of Hiraizumi－
The first of the Fujiwara lords, Kiyohira, established the prosperity of the Fujiwara family.
Kiyohira was born in 1056. He lost his father in the Former Nine Years' War then in the Latter Three Years' War, when he fought against his half-brother, he lost his wife and children.
Having survived the vortex of war, Kiyohira finally become the ruler of Oshu, northeastern Japan. He developed the city of Hiraizumi, which was designed to be the capital of a truly peaceful country.
There are thought to be several reasons why Kiyohira chose Hiraizumi as the capital. Firstly, Hiraizumi was geographically very similar to Kyoto. Secondly it was a strategic point of water and land transport. Thirdly, the land on the eastern side of the Kitakami River, opposite Hiraizumi, was a highly productive area.
Kiyohira's territory extended from the Shirakawa Barrier in the South to Sotogahama in the north. Hiraizumi was right in the center.
To create a peaceful country, Kiyohira first restored the highway running south to north, and then built a pagoda in Hiraizumi.
This was the beginning of Kanzan Chuson-ji.
Chuson-ji is said to have been founded by Jikaku-daishi in 850. Under Kiyohira the temple expanded as he developed Hiraizumi as the capital of Oshu in the late 11th century.
In its heyday there were 40 temple buildings and 300 priests' temple quarters.
Most of the temple buildings were destroyed by fires in medieval times. Konjikido is the only building to survive intact as evidence of how Hiraizumi looked in the past.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
What Should I Do? - Chusonji Temple
Chusonji Temple was designated as World Heritage in the year 2011. Before you visit here, check out this story.
【English】All About Hiraizumi ＃6 Halls and Buildings of Chuson-ji Temple
Kanzan Chuson-ji, is the head temple of the Tohoku area, of the Tendai sect.
Chuson-ji is not the name of one temple hall, but includes the whole mountain surrounding the main area, with 17 branch halls such as Daichojuin, Ganjojuin, etc.
Each hall differs from the others and there is a variety of principle deities.
The Main Hall of Chuson-ji represents the whole mountain. The hall was rebuilt in 1909 and since then, many traditional religious services have been held there.
The front gate of the Main Hall is of a type called Yakuimon.
Originally it stood as the gate of the residence of Date Munekatsu (later lord of Ichinoseki), but was transferred to Chuson-ji in 1959.
Sutras were kept in the Sutra Repository, thought to have been originally a two storeyed building. It was destroyed in a fire and then rebuilt in its present form, using original surviving timber.
The Former Konjikido Shelter Hall is thought to have been designed in the Muromachi era and covered the Golden Hall, protecting it until 1963.
After standing dutifully for several hundred years, now the Former Konjikido Shelter Hall itself has become a valuable building.
The Ganjojuin Pagoda, standing by the Mineyakushi Hall is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures ins Chuson-ji. The lower part is in the style of single pagoda but the upper part is that of a five-tiered stone pagoda. This style is only seen in Chuson-ji and thus is called a 'Hiraizumi Pagoda'.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #34 Deciphering the Fujiwara era
The Azuma Kagami (the official record of the Kamakura shogunate) is a historical document written in the 12th century, which includes detailed records of Hiraizumi at the time of the Oshu Fujiwara. The original has been lost but the contents are known from copies and research.
Written chronologically, it records a period of 87 years including the Genpei gassen (war between Taira and Minamoto clans) and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. It also includes many descriptions of Hiraizumi. One of the most noteworthy is an entry from the 17th September 1189 which describes the 'Jitoikachumon', a report about Hiraizumi after the fall of the Fujiwara family, which was compiled by the Chuson-ji monks on the orders of Minamoto no Yoritomo.
For example:
'About Kanzan Chuson-ji -- when first Fujiwara lord Kiyohira became the ruler of the Back Six Districts of Oshu, his first action was to commission this temple complex.' It also describes the 15m high Nikaidaido and the Konjikido.
'About Motsu-ji -- there were more than 40 halls and pagodas and over 500 priests' residences.' Kondo Enryu-ji is described as being lavishly decorated with gold, silver and precious stones while the inner walls of Kanjizaio-in's large Amida Hall were painted with famous scenes from around Kyoto.
Furthermore, it reports that Muryoko-in was modeled on Uji's Byodo-in, Yanaginogosho was situated to the north of Muryoko-in and that in front of Kanjizaio-in there were many treasure warehouses.
There are almost no written records or traces of buildings in Hiraizumi as a result of fires and warfare, therefore the Azuma Kagami is an invaluable resource that helps us to decipher Hiraizumi's history.
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】All About Hiraizumi ＃16 -- Even more about Chuson-ji
A large pine tree stands beside Route 4, near to Chuson-ji's entrance, Tsukimizaka. The tree is called 'Benkei's Shirushi Pine'. At the base of the tree there is a small gorinto (five-tiered stone pagoda) and a stone monument engraved with a haiku by Socho. The pine is said to mark Musashibo Benkei's grave. There is also a large stone monument.
Opposite the Eastern Lookout, along Tsukimizaka, there is a hall called the Benkeido. In the hall there is a large carved wooden statue of Benkei and a smaller one of Yoshitsune. The statue of Benkei, showing Benkei standing at his death, is 186cms tall and supposed to be life-sized.
Walking past the Main Hall you'll notice many large eyes painted on a banner beside Mineyakushi Hall. An image of Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of healing) that protects eyes is enshrined here. The wooden votive tablets have many wishes concerned with eye health written on them.
The Benzaiten Hall stands on an island in a pond in front of Konjikido (Golden Hall). It is built on raised pillars to protect it from the damp.
Please come and see the many attractions of Chuson-ji.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi #30 Service to Dedicate Ten Items to the Buddha
Broadcasted on November 25th, 2015
On November 10th, a ceremony to offer ten items and copied sutra was held in Chuson-ji. 59 people from in and out of Iwate Prefecture participated to offer the sutra they copied.
The ceremony to offer ten items is a special form of Buddhist service described in Myohorenge-kyo sutra. In the ceremony, ten items used when worshipping the Buddha such as flower, incense and hanging ornament are dedicated the same way as we offer flower or incense to the family Buddhist altar.
In Chuson-ji, it is practiced in front of the principal image of the main hall Shaka Nyorai twice a year, in spring and fall.
Led by Head Priest Yamada, monks of the temple read sutra.
Contrary to the service normally held in Chuson-ji, not only the monks but also participants offering the sutra chant sutra on which the meaning of ten items is written. The monks hand the ten items to them and each offers a prayer.
In the ceremony to offer ten items and copied sutra, people who dedicate their copied sutra to Chuson-ji participated.
In Chuson-ji, Myohorenge-kyo One-day Sutra Transcription is held on the second Sunday of June. In addition to the participants of the event, those who copied sutra at home can bring them to offer to the temple.
Sutra transcription is done as a part of Buddhist training. It’s not limited to monks who can engage in the training. Anyone having a mind to respect the Buddha can participate. Please try taking time to write sutra with a peaceful mind.
In the ceremony to offer ten items and copied sutra, 1051 volumes of transcribed sutra from all over the country were offered to Konjiki-do (Golden Hall) where Oshu Fujiwara lords rest.
Hiraizumi Fan
HiraizumiFan Facebook
Chūson-ji World Heritage Temple Complex, Japan
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 upon his visit to Konjiki-dō, the Golden Hall, at Chūson-ji (temple) in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture in 1690.
Chūson-ji was named Tōhoku's first World Heritage site by UNESCO in June 2011.
Tōhoku Revival Calendar article:
Chuson-ji [ One day trip to Hiraizumi and Geibikei ]
Then we headed for Chūson-ji, which was a mere 5 minute drive from Mōtsū-ji. The two seemed very fascinated with everything about Chūson-ji, taking pictures everywhere. We listened to the audio guide at Konjikido (Golden Hall), and they were very impressed saying It was really something that everything was shining gold and It is incredible that they made this in the 12th century and it has survived until now.
We took a walk on Tsukimizaka Slope (Main Approach) and the whole time, they were smiling saying It is such a beautiful day and it feels so good to walk.
For lunch, we enjoyed the Mochi Dishes (cooked sticky rice) at Nokachaya located in front of Chūson-ji's main gate. The lunch set included Mochi, Hittsumi (vegetable soup with hand-cut noodles, chicken, carrots, burdock, shiitake mushrooms and leeks) and tempura. The Hiraizumi/Ichinoseki areas have a long history of Mochi Cuisine. Their Mochi Cuisine, which allows you to enjoy various flavors of Mochi with different condiments such as Zunda (paste made out of soybeans), Anko (bean paste) and Natto (fermented soybeans), is also very popular.
We recommend that you take the eco-friendly rental bikes or a Velotaxi. You can rent bikes in front of Hiraizumi Station.
【English】All about Hiraizumi #62 Chuson-ji Chrysanthemum Festival
On October 20th, the 27th Chuson-ji Chrysanthemum Festival started with an opening service at the Main Hall. More than 500 pots of chrysanthemums were displayed in front of the Main Hall, along the Main Approach and at the open space in front of Konjikido.
The chrysanthemums on display were all lovingly grown by enthusiasts. There are many different types of chrysanthemums, such as 'Atsumono' with layers of incurved petals like scales and 'Kudamono' which has tubular petals. There's also a way to grow them called Kengai, in which the stalks are trained to grow lower than their roots forming a cascade of blooms and Senrin in which the flowers are trained to form a dome. Chrysanthemums can also be enjoyed as models or as bonsai.
Chuson-ji Chrysanthemum Festival was started as part of the memorial service for the 800th anniversary of the death of third Fujiwara lord Hidehira, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Musashibo Benkei. To start with, only chrysanthemum lovers from around Hiraizumi took part, but recently enthusiasts from as far away as Morioka City and Miyagi Prefecture have also taken part and now it is one of the significant chrysanthemum festivals of Iwate. The Chrysanthemum Festival lasts until November 15th.
The chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan and has always been much loved. How would you like to look at them together with the changing Autumn colours?
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
รางวัลชีวิต กับ วัดชูซอนจิ ญี่ปุ่น Rewarded with Chusonji Temple Japan World Heritage.
รางวัลชีวิต กับ วัดชูซอนจิ ญี่ปุ่น Rewarded with Chusonji Temple Hiraizumi Japan World Heritage.
เช้าวันพฤหัสที่ 30 ตุลาคม 2557 สู่เมืองฮิราอิซูมิ-Hiraizumi ชมวัดชูซอนจิ วัดพุทธในนิกายเทนไดสร้างเมื่อปี 850
..มีสถาปัตยกรรมอันงดงามให้ได้ชมกันนั่นคือ “คนจิกิโดะ” (Konjikido) หรือ “พลับพลาทอง” (Golden Pavilion) ที่มีความงดงามไม่แพ้พลับพลาทองวัดคินคาคุจิในเกียวโตเลย
พลับพลาทองของวัดชูซอนจิไม่ได้ตั้งอยู่กลางแจ้งแต่จะอยู่ในห้องโถงที่มีหลังคาคลุมเอาไว้ชั้นหนึ่งโดยทางวัดไม่อนุญาตให้นักท่องเที่ยวทั่วไปถ่ายภาพด้านใน ปัจจุบันวัดชูซอนจิได้รับการขึ้นทะเบียนในฐานะส่วนหนึ่งของมรดกโลกแห่งฮิราอิซูมิในปี 2011 จากองค์การยูเนสโก
มยุรี วรรณไกรโรจน์
นักวิชาการสาธารณสุขเชี่ยวชาญ ข้าราชการบำนาญ
8 พฤศจิกายน 2557
..ขอ อนุโมทนาบุญแด่ ท่านประพันธ์คำร้อง-ทำนองเพลงรางวัลชีวิต - ท่านครูพรพิรุณ
..ขออนุโมทนาบุญ แด่ท่านที่ให้ทำนองเพลงหิมพานต์-ท่าน เอื้อ สุนทรสนาน
..ขออนุโมทนาบุญ เจ้าของค่ายเพลง และท่านที่ร้องเพลงธรรมะสอนใจ เพลงรางวัลชีวิต
{ การให้ทาน เพลงรางวัลชีวิต เป็นบุญหู บุญตา แก่มวลชน เพื่อเป็นดนตรีบำบัด ให้มวลชนสบายตา สบายใจ ได้บุญกุศลยิ่ง สาธุ..}
【English】All About Hiraizumi #34 Preparation for New Year in Takkoku no Iwaya
Broadcasted on December 16th, 2015
Only a few days remain in this year. We will introduce the year-end rites of Takkoku no Iwaya, which is said to be Japan’s earliest New Year ceremony.
In Takkoku no Iwaya, four Buddhas, such as Vaisravana, Kannon (Bodhisattva), Benzaiten and Acala are enshrined. Each deity has their own individual New Year’s Eve, so that they celebrate New Year earlier than we do. This tradition has been passed down even now as the old year-end rites.
In the middle of November when the autumn leaves were still colorful, the preparation for New Year has started in Gokusho, Takkoku no Iwaya. People in the town gathered, and twisted ropes skillfully. The technique has been handed down from generation to generation by townsfolk. Shimenawa ropes were completed with their prayer for a good year.
At the end of November, dusting was conducted with their gratitude to Buddhas for the year. Not only Buddhist instruments, but also all the places in the precinct were cleaned precisely. Cleaning the entire precinct all day long, the preparation for deities to greet New Year were carried out.
December 2nd is New Year’s Eve for Vaisravana, and on that day, shimenawa ropes were decorated on the top of torii gates on the approach to Bishamondo Hall. Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall has the history of 1,200 years since its foundation. The history may be the evidence that it has been worshiped and protected by the people in the region.
The information for the first temple visit in 2016
You can pay a visit to Konjikido Hall (Golden Hall) in Chuson-ji free of charge from 0:00 am to 6:00 am on January 1st. Please come to Hiraizumi for your first temple visit of the year.
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 #50 Hiraizumi Mizukake Mikoshi
On July 14th the Hiraizumi Mizukake Mikoshi was held and the sound of drums and shouts by the carriers reverberated throughout the town.
This festival originally started in 1995 when the Mizukake Mikoshi of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Tokyo was invited to Hiraizumi. The town folk enjoyed it so much that they started the same festival the following year. Hiraizumi is a historical town with many festivals but in fact this is the only one in which the town folk and audience can take part which is why it is so popular.
The mikoshi procession starts at Kanjizaio-in Ato, goes to Motsu-ji then continues to Hiraizumi Station. Water called 'kiyome mizu (purifying water)' is splashed on the mikoshi to cleanse it and its carriers. After Hiraizumi station, the mikoshi heads to Chuson-ji. Tsukimizaka (Moon Viewing Slope) that leads up to the Main Hall is the hardest point of the procession. The carriers become tense and climb carefully. The action of heaving the mikoshi right up in the air is called 'sashi' (derived from the Japanese 'to hold up' or 'present'). The 'sashi' of the mikoshi is a greeting to the gods. The mikoshi is carried back to Kanjizaio-in Ato, along the road that passes the Cultural Heritage Centre. Finally, 5 hours after setting out, the Mizukake Mikoshi Festival finishes.
This year, for the first time the mikoshi was accompanied by the Sanno Daiko, a group of drummers based in Hiraizumi, making the whole atmosphere of the procession quite different from previous years. Approximately 300 people attended as carriers. It was a festival where everyone who took part; people splashing water, people who were splashed with water, and people watching it all, was smiling broadly and having a lot of fun.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】Lecture, 'The lavish decoration of the altar of Chuson-ji Konjikido'
Among Chuson-ji's halls established right at the beginning, nothing is left apart from the Konjikido (Golden Hall). This hall was built with the most sophisticated construction techniques of the day and is said to be the model of the 'Golden Jipangu' described in the book 'The Travels of Marco Polo'. The entire hall is covered with gold leaf and still shines from within and out after many centuries. On this occasion a lecture was held about the inner sanctum of Konjikido, the altars and their lavish decoration.
Konjikido has been repaired many times since it was completed in 1124.
1. In 1288 2. In 1384 3. In 1624 4. In 1643 5. In 1699 6. In 1770 7. From 1897~8 8. From 1930~1 9. From 1962~3
Out of these, the restoration that was conducted from 1962 was on a major scale.
Seeing the photographs of a previous restoration, researchers found out that Konjikido originally had only a central altar and the north-west and south-west altars were added later.
When research was carried out on the lavish decoration of the altars, drawings of them made at the time of the Meiji era repairs proved to be very valuable. If the present-day appearance of the decoration is compared with the drawings, it can be seen which original 12th century parts had survived. In one of the drawings, most of the peacock's tail is missing and this been subsequently restored. In addition it is clear that originally the peacock was not set in an oval cartouche. However, the tail and the cartouche were restored to the shape known today in the major repair work which started in 1962.
Small differences can also be seen between the styles depending on the date of the manufacture of the previous repairs. To take the example of the peacock tails, the feathers of that on the middle altar radiate like a fan but those on right hand side of the north-west altar are more undulating. The south-west altar includes both the middle altar type and north-west altar type.
As for the raden decoration, it is obvious from the difference in colour of the shell inlays, which parts were added in the large-scale restoration from 1962~3. In particular, many white shell inlays can be seen on the north-west altar whereas the older inlaid shell decoration has become amber-coloured. The craftsmanship of the raden decoration is very fine but after the LED lighting system of Konjikido was installed the difference between the old and new inlays can be identified more easily.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】Mizukake Mikoshi - the challenge of filming in extreme conditions
The Mizukake Mikoshi was held from July 13th to 14th.
We hope this movie will help the participants to remember the festival.
Please enjoy the dynamic footage close up to the water-splashed portable shrines.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook