Motsuji Temple, Hiraizumi City, Tohoku Region, Japan
Motsuji Temple is located in Hiraizumi city in Tohoku Region. Hirizumi city is near the big cities like Sendai and Fukushima (North of Sendai City). The historic sites at Hiraizumi city have been recently been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This temple was originally built during Heian era in the late ninth century but was rebuilt again in the late 1200s. This was the main temple for one of the ruling Fujiwara families. Once a very large temple, now most of the old buildings have been burned down to the ground but you can see the locations of the most of these buildings around the main temple.
The highlight of this temple is the large garden and pond that is next to the main worship hall.
Enjoy!!!
Motsu-ji Temple, Iwate | One Minute Japan Travel Guide
For more information, access, and reviews about Motsu-ji Temple:
The garden culture of the powerful Northern Fujiwara clan that has been retained all these centuries. Walk in the Pure Land that merges nature and the world of Buddhism, and reminisce over the lifestyle of the elegant Heian nobility.
------------------------------
What is Planetyze?
------------------------------
We are a free online guidebook that features high quality content, great videos featuring sights from all over Japan, and new information updated daily.
Join today and ask questions about your trip on our free message board, or write your own reviews to help other travellers to plan their perfect trip to Japan. All the information you need and more is available at
Follow us on:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Pinterest:
Motsu-ji ( Hiraizumi Town )
( Special historic site; special place of scenic beauty )
Originally established in 850, Motsu-ji flourished during the peaceful Golden Culture which lasted for about a century under Motohira and Hidehira, the second and third lords of the Fujiwara clan. Motsu-ji was one of the most renowned spiritual places in Japan, with over 40 temple buildings, 500 monk residences, and the grand Kondo Enryuji Temple. Regrettably, none of the original structures remain today due to repeated fires; what remain today are sites of foundations, cornerstones, mounds, corridors, gates, and halls, as well as the site of Kondo Enryuji Temple. The Jokodo Hall we see today was rebuilt in 1732. There is a treasure museum with various displays such as Buddhist images, writings, craftwork, equipment used in the Ennen no Mai dance, and excavation data.
The beautiful Heian-style garden is designated as a special place of scenic beauty. In the center of the garden is Oizumi ga Ike Pond, about 10,000 m² in size. This is the only Heian-period structural site in Japan with a remaining yarimizu aqueduct.
Mötsü ji Temple Garden Hiraizumi
Hiraizumi's Motsuji Temple, ... Motsuji's garden is centered around a large pond.
Motsu-ji Temple prayer services, are peaceful and tranquil.
The temple has achieved dual designation as aSpecial Historic Site and a Special Place
[DOTJPN 2015] The Stone 015 - Around Hiraizumi 1 , Chusonji
The town where Hiraizumi is in Iwate-ken in Tohoku-district. I went to from Tokyo to the place left big this time. It's shared with twice and it's introduced.
I went in the second half March, it was snowing, and it was a little very cold. But the true form of the Japanese area might be seen.
To do the world's cultural and natural heritage registration of Hiraizumi with what was a person really little?
Fortunately, very quiet and ancient Japan could be felt deeply, and it was best! When I was walking the approach to Shrine circled by Sugi's high trees so that it wasn't believed, it was time-travelled feeling.
The grandmother in the middle of farming, Don't catch the cold which would be cold., I was very happy to have spoken.
-LonelyPlanet, Japan(13th edition), NORTHERN HONSHU(TOHOKU) p494
.........
[ Video and editing / iphone6 :D ]
Motsuji - Hiraizumi, Iwate, Tohoku, Japan
- Created at TripWow by TravelPod Attractions (a TripAdvisor™ company)
Motsuji Hiraizumi
Read more at:
Photos from:
- Hiraizumi, Iwate, Tohoku, Japan
Photos in this video:
- Motsuji by Trainsnotplanes from a blog titled Motsuji
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
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
Chuson-ji Temple Hiraizumi Iwate Tohoku Honshu Japan
Chuson-ji Temple (中尊寺) in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Tohoku, Honshu, Japan.
#Hiraizumi
#Iwate
#Tohoku
#Honshu
#Japan
#japan_kevinsyoza
【English】All about Hiraizumi #39 Motsu-ji and its Pure Land Garden
Motsu-ji was commissioned by the Oshu Fujiwara second lord Motohira who spared no expense. This splendid temple was the southern gateway to Hiraizumi for visitors from Kyoto and it is said that the complex was greater in size than Chuson-ji. The original buildings were all destroyed by several fires but their foundations remain and are a precious cultural heritage of Hiraizumi. What would Motsu-ji have looked like then?
Beyond the imposing Nandaimon (Great South Gate) stood the Main Hall called Kondo Enryu-ji. In the precinct there were more than 40 halls and pagodas as well as the Oizumigaike Pond (Great Spring Pond) where the ryutogekishu boats (with prows of the head of a dragon and a mythical bird) floated. The magnificent appearance of Motsu-ji was the symbol of the great city that had flowered in Michinoku (northeastern Japan).
Among Motsu-ji's assets, one of the most important is the Pure Land garden. It is the only and most perfectly preserved Pure Land garden in Japan that shows the late Heian style. The garden incorporates aspects of a mandala (a meditative image) of the gokuraku jodo (Pure Land Paradise) and was designed to represent the Pure Land of the afterlife in the present world. Natural landscape elements such as a sea, mountains and rivers appear in this 'Pure Land in this world'. The central island and the gently curved shore represent an elegant coastline with particular features such as a rocky peninsula, a standing stone on a small island and a cove beach.
Looking over Oizumigaike Pond from the Great South Gate, the gentle wooded slopes of Pagoda Mountain are in the background. Motohira managed to create a perfect 'Pure Land in this world' in harmony with the beauty of nature and wished that true peace and calm would continue in the living world.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#15 Hiraizumi Basho Festival National Haiku Contest
Broadcasted on Juy 16th, 2014
One of the most famous haiku poets, Matsuo Basho visited Hiraizumi during his journey through northern Japan, so-called 'Oku no Hosomichi' (the Narrow Road to the Deep North), it was on July 29th in 1689, 500 years after the fall of Oshu Fujiwara Family.
Basho composed the haike poem at Takadachi where Minamoto no Yoshitsune had died.
'Summer grass 'tis all that's left of ancient warriors' dreams'
It is said that Basho deeply moved and shed tears for the people who lost their lives due to the wars, as the scenery from there didn't show any remains of prosperity Fujiwara Family gained.
Hiraizumi Basho Festival National Haiku Contest was held on June 29th, the day of Basho visiting Hiraizumi.
This year marks the 53rd of this contest and 110 people were attended for the event despite the rain.
In Chuson-ji, where the contest was held, the memorial service for Basho was carried out by the priests of the temples.
Basho Festival Haiku National Contest consists of 2 sections, in the first, attendees submit their haiku in advance from all over Japan, and in the latter section, attendees will submit their haiku on that day.
A few hours before the submission deadline, participants composed haiku by considering Hiraizumi as if they were Basho himself. Since 'Hiraizumi no Hi' (Hiraizumi World Heritage Day) was established this year, it seems that many haiku poems among them submitted on that day were composed by choosing 'Hiraizumi no Hi' as the theme.
And from this year, a lot of pupils from the primary and junior high schools in Iwate prefecture participated in this contest in order to deepening their interest in haiku and Hiraizumi as traditional cultures.
The time for Mizukake Mikoshi, 'Water-splashing Potable Shrine' is coming this year again!!
Mikoshi and its bearers who will parade through Motsu-ji, Chuson-ji and the town must become soaking wet!
Keep splashing the purifying water to the mikoshi! Anyone can use the water in the bucket set along the street.
Please visit Hiraizumi Fan website for the details.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Hiraizumi Temple Japan
Hiraizumi is a land has historical significant to the people of Japan and also mainly for the buddhist followers .
This land is dedicated as Pure buddhist land.
Motsu-ji japanese garden .www.tvnet.jp, 毛越寺庭園,テレビネット高画質
毛越寺庭園の中心は、四季の美しさを映す大泉が池です。池は東西約180メートル、南北約90メートルあり、池のほぼ中央部に東西約70メートル、南北約30メートル、勾玉状の中島があります。池の周辺や中島にはすべて玉石が敷き詰められています。平安時代の姿をほぼ完全な状態で見ることができます。
池の北側にある遣水は、平安時代の遺構としては、日本唯一最大のものとされています。池に水を引くためと曲水（ごくすい）の宴を開くために造られたものでありますが、「作庭記」に記述されている四神相応・吉相の順流が遣水の現場所であり、曲がりくねる水路の流れに、水切り、水越し、水分けなどの石組がなされ、四季折々の景色とあいまって、すばらしい景観をつくっています。
池の東南隅に築山と対照的に造られた洲浜は、砂洲と入江が柔らかい曲線を描き、美しい海岸線を表しています。他に比べて池底を特に浅くし、広々と玉石を敷き詰めているので、水位の昇降に応じて現れるゆったりした姿を眺めることができます。毛越寺大泉が池のなかでも東南岸にある荒磯（ありそ）風の出島は、庭園中最も美しい景観の一つです。池辺から水中へと玉石を敷き詰め、石組が突き出し、水中には岸から約11メートルの飛び島に高さ約２メートルの立石がそそり立っています。池全体の調和をひきしめて、見る者の心をとらえて離しません。
Masterpiece Retaining 800-year-old Aesthetics
The ruins of Motsuji Temple in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, are, like Chusonji Temple, a reminder of the prosperity of the three generations of the Fujiwara family in the 12th century under whose reign there flourished a magnificent aristocratic culture. While the Golden Hall built in the 12th century still remains at Chusonji Temple which was the family temple of the three generations of the Fujiwara family, all the buildings of Motsuji Temple were destroyed by repeated fires in later years. But, according to some historians, Motsuji Temple was even more prosperous than Chusonji Temple and had 40 temples and shrines and 500 priest's cells in its precincts. Today only the foundations and base structure of some of those buildings remain alongside of the main hall and other structures reconstructed recently. However, the garden, with its pond and laid-out rocks, preserves its original design.
Created in the middle of the 12th century, the garden is said to be the only remaining example of a Jodo Garden (a garden designed based on a diagram of mandala which depicts the pure land where Buddha and bodhisattva live), a typical design of garden in the Heian Period (798-1192). Oizumi Pond in the center of the garden is almost intact as it was 800 years ago. The teardrop-shaped isle in the middle of the pond and the skillfully distributed rocks are in an exquisite balance, and the crystal surface of the pond reflects the surrounding trees. The tranquil sight gives visitors peace of mind.
Motsuji Temple is also known as the temple of flowers. In the precincts, a variety of flowers and trees bloom throughout the year; ume (Japanese apricot) blossom in early spring, cherry blossom in spring, azaleas, irises, Chinese bellflowers, and lotus in summer, subtle hagi (Japanese bush clover) and maple trees changing color in autumn. Among them, the irises are particularly famous: 30,000 irises of 300 species can be seen in full bloom at the end of June and the beginning of July, when the annual Iris Festival attracts many visitors.
Photo: Jodo Garden of Motsuji Temple (Iwate Prefecture).
Location: Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Pref.
Founded: by Priest En'nin in 850; rebuilt by Motohira Fujiwara in 12C.
?影相片流出 日本庭院
杰作保留800 年的美学毛越寺 寺??墟在平泉 ?, Iwate ?区, 是, 象Chusonji 寺?, Fujiwara 家庭的三个世代的繁?的提示在王朝之下那里茂盛壮?的?族文化的第12 个世?在。当金黄霍?修造在第12 个世?仍然保留于是Fujiwara 家庭的三个世代家庭寺?的Chusonji 寺?, Motsuji 寺?所有大厦被重覆的火在比?最新的?月?坏了。但, 根据有些史学家, Motsuji 寺?比 Chusonji 寺?是更加?旺和有40 寺?和shrines 和500 个教士的?胞在它的界域。今天唯一一些的基?和基本??那些大厦依然是在旁?主要大?和其它??最近重建。然而, 庭院, 与它的池塘和被?砌的岩石, 保存它的原始??。?造在第12 个世?中?, ?个庭院被??是Jodo 庭院(庭院的唯一的剩余例子??根据描述??土地菩?和bodhisattva 活) mandala 的?, 庭院一个典型的??在Heian 期?(798-1192) 。Oizumi 池塘在?个庭院的中心是几乎原封照原?800 年前。Teardrop 被塑造的小?在?个池塘中?和熟?地分布的岩石是在精妙平衡, 并且?个池塘的水晶表面反射周?的?。平静的?域??客??和平。Motsuji 寺?作? 花寺?并且被知道。 在界域, 花品?和??花在年?程中; ume (日本杏子 ) ?花在早期春天, ?桃?花在春天, 杜娟花, 虹膜, 中国 bellflowers, 和?花在夏天, 微妙hagi (日本灌木三叶草) 并且槭??改??色在秋天。在他?之中, 虹膜是特?着名: 300 个??30,000 虹膜能被看?在盛?里于底6月和7月初期, 什??候?年虹膜?日吸引?多?客。相片: Motsuji 寺?(Iwate ?区) Jodo 庭院。地点: Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai ?, Iwate Pref 。建立 : 由Priest En'nin 所着在850; 由Motohira Fujiwara 所着重建在 12C 。
Chusonji Temple （中尊寺）, Hiraizumi City, Japan
Chusonji Temple （中尊寺） is located in the Hiraizumi (平泉) City in the Tohoku Region of northeastern Japan. Hiraizumi city is located north of Sendai and Fukushima cities. Hiraizumi city's historic sites are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This temple was originally built in the ninth century and was a main temple for Fujiwara clan. The surroundings valleys and the scenery is extremely beautiful. This temple is widely visited by the people of the Tohoku region and the surrounding areas.
Enjoy!!!
平泉町 毛越寺 Motsuji Temple in Hiraizumi
2017年6月10日に平泉町の毛越寺を訪問しました。
Motsuji Temple in Hiraizumi
World Heritage Hiraizumi - Spiritual Paradise in Iwate - Go!Go!Tohoku!! Japan Travel
World Heritage Site Hiraizumi is home to some of Japan's most beautiful temples and gardens, designed to recreate the Buddhist Pure Land on earth. Be stunned by its natural beauty at any time of the year!
⬇️See below for your chance to visit! ⬇️
-------------------------------------------
HIRAIZUMI CHUSONJI TEMPLE & IZUNUMA LOTUS FESTIVAL: DAY TRIP TOUR
????When: Sunday, August 27, 2017 (12pm ~ 6pm)
⛩What: World Heritage Site Chusonji Temple AND boat cruise around stunning lotus flowers ( No hassle with bags or transport: tour around in a private taxi (English guide included) and be dropped off directly to Sendai station or Sendai airport after the tour ????????????????
????How much? 9800 yen per person (including all transport and entrance fees!)
????SIGN-UP:
For details see the event page: bit.ly/2vryEdc
SIGN-UP NOW (ONLINE) bit.ly/2hWftn7
【English】All about Hiraizumi #58 Motsu-ji Hagi Festival
The Hagi (Bush clover) Festival is held from September 15th to 30th every year at Motsu-ji.
The period overlaps with the autumn touring season and attracts many visitors.
Unfortunately it rained on the opening day September 15th but the 'flower memorial service' was held as planned.
This service is held to offer thanks for the beauty of seasonal flowers.
September 20th is the day for the Jogyodo (Circumambulation Hall) Autumn Festival.
A service is held on the 20th of every month but the one in September specially held as the Autumn Festival in which there are prayers for the safety of the visitors and a bountiful harvest.
On September 22nd, three dances of Ennen no Mai (Longevity dances) which are designated an Intangible Cultural Property were performed. Among them, 'Todomedori' is only performed on this day each year.
There are three varieties of bush clover: Miyagino hagi, Shiro-bana hagi (White flower bush clover), and Yama hagi (Mountain bush clover), and a total of 500 bushes in the precinct.
We asked Mr. Shirayama, one of the Motsu-ji priests, why the bush clovers were planted and he replied, It's because they are considered suitable for the Pure Land Garden, like the irises and cherry trees. Motsu-ji is called the 'Temple of Flowers' because seasonal flowers can be seen here throughout the year.
From now on the colours of the autumn leaves will change to let us know that the seasons are turning.
From October 1st there is the autumn special worship in Motsu-ji Main Hall.
Why don't you enjoy the rare view of the coloured leaves from inside the Main Hall which is usually closed to visitors?
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Muryōkō in Ato Hiraizumi
Muryoko, one of the twelve lights of Amida Buddha, represents wisdom. Muryoko-in was built by Fujiwara no Hidehira.
Muryōkō-in Ato. The grand temple imitating the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in Temple.
This is the site of the temple the third Fujiwara lord Hidehira built.
【English】All about Hiraizumi #23 Traces in Koromokawa
Koromo River, in Koromokawa, Oshu City, flows just north of Hiraizumi. Along this river was the administrative base of the Abe clan that thrived before the time of the Fujiwara lords.
A large rock, also known as the Otoko-ishi (Male Rock) Daimyojin, is enshrined in Iwa Shrine. This rock is believed to contain the spirit of a deity and worshipped. It was said to be the guardian god of the Abe clan.
Onna-ishi Shrine, which also has a natural rock as its deity, is in the precinct of Shozan-ji Temple. The shrine is paired in a ying/yang (male/female) relationship with the Iwa Shrine.
Many traces of mounds and moats, as well as many kawarake (earthenware dishes) were found at the Settaidate Remains, in fact as many as at Yanaginogosho Remains in Hiraizumi. From this evidence, Settaidate is thought to be the remains of a guest-house from the Fujiwara era.
Kawanishi Dainembutsu Kenbai, a traditional performing art in the Kawanishi District of Koromokawa, was created by Sano no Yazaemon, upon the orders of his lord, Fujiwara no Kiyohira. It is danced for the souls of the many soldiers and ordinary people who died during the Former Nine Years' War and the Latter Five Years' War in the 10th century.
It was said that Kiyohira prayed to stop the restless ghosts that appeared every night to his people.
In the dance, a sacred monkey, a messenger of Buddha, approaches the ghosts and while dancing amusingly, guides the spirits to the Pure Land.
Kawanishi Dainembutsu Kenbai was nationally designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1993 and is performed at the Dai Segaki-e (rites of feeding hungry ghosts) in Chuson-ji.
Kiyohira's wishes became a dance that has been passed down for generations in this area.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #48 Former Kanjizaio-in Temple Garden
The Former Kanjizaio-in Temple Garden is known today as Kanjizaio-in Ato and is a local park for the residents of Hiraizumi. This site, a temple commissioned by the wife of second Fujiwara lord Motohira, was originally their place of residence. The original buildings were destroyed by fire but the remaining foundations have been designated a Special Historical Site.
Stepping into the precinct through the remains of the South Gate, the temple garden spreads out with the Maizurugaike (Dancing Crane Pond) in the centre. The garden was designed according to the precepts of Sakuteiki, the oldest Japanese treatise on gardening written in the 11th century, and has survived in almost its original form.
There are two halls on the far side of the Maizurugaike Pond. Here, on May 4th every year, a ceremony called the 'Nakimatsuri' (Weeping Festival) is held as a memorial service for Motohira's wife. A priest chants sutras while pretending to weep, which is why the festival bears this name.
The place where the present buildings (constructed in the Edo era) stand, was the site of a large Amida Hall in the Heian era. In this former hall there were many paintings of the sights of Kyoto and because of these, it is said to have been visited by many people.
The Former Kanjizaio-in Temple Garden was designated one of the assets of the World Heritage of Hiraizumi in 2011. Today, Kanjizaio-in Ato is a historical park that preserves a Heian era appearance while also serving as a venue for many public events and is a place for townsfolk and visitors alike to relax.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook