Yanagi no Gosho Site Hiraizumi
The Yanagi no Gosho site is presumed to be the site of Hiraizumi Mansion, the base of government for the Ōshu Fujiwara.
The base of the Ōshu Fujiwara clan. The entire area of the terraced land from the foot of Takadachi along the Kitakami River.
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
Town of Hiraizumi Iwate
The district has a rich and amazing history, it is also called the pure land Buddhisam
Hiraizumi (Hiraizumi-chō ?) is a town located in Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
Hiraizumi is the smallest municipality in Iwate Prefecture in terms of area. located in a basin in south-central Iwate Prefecture, surrounded by the Kitakami Mountains.
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.
Hiraizumi
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Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondô Hiraizumi Japan
Takkoku no Iwaya stands about six kilometers outside of central Hiraizumi.
Close to farm land and tranquil setting.
here is a bus that connects Hiraizumi Station with the temple, could also rent cycles and walk if you wish to in the local village road.
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon Hall was established in 801 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.
He built the hall to thank the god of war, Bishamon, after defeating his enemy Akuro Takamaro.
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
【English】All About Hiraizumi #12 Sites aiming for World Heritage registration. Part I
World Heritage Hiraizumi is aiming to have five additional sites registered. This time and next week we will show the five sites. There is a massive cliff on the way from Motsu-ji to Genbi Gorge. Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo is built as if covering a cave within this cliff. The Bishamondo was commissioned by 'Barbarian-quelling Generalissimo' Sakanoue no Tamuramaro to celebrate his victory over the Emishi in 801. It has been destroyed by fire several times (the current hall, built in 1961, is the fifth reconstruction) but the tradition of the hall has been passed down for more than a thousand years to the present day. The cliff face to the west of the hall has a large carving of a seated Buddha. There is a legend that it was created by Minamoto no Yoshiie to mourn the dead from wars. This is the northernmost rock-carved Buddha in Japan.
The site of Yanagi no gosho covers the enormous area of 110,000 sq.m., which is about two and a half times the size of Tokyo Dome. Many artifacts and foundations have been excavated from this site. From the quality and quantity of these items, the site is thought to have been the administrative headquarters of the Fujiwara clan. There is a wide variety of artifacts ranging from those for daily use to ceremonial. One is a bronze seal engraved with the village name Iwasakimura, the first seal ever found representing a village in Japan and very important material for research into local government in the late Heian era. Kawarake, disposable earthenware saké dishes used for celebrations, are the most commonly excavated artifacts at the site. More than ten tons have been found which shows how prosperous Hiraizumi was in those days.
Takkoku no Iwaya and Yanagi no gosho are very important sites for the study of Hiraizumi's history.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#35 Wakamizu-okuri
Broadcasted on January14th, 2015
2015 New Year’s Day
Here is a procession of people, walking from Higashiyama-cho Ichinoseki City to Hiraizumi.
This event called 'Iwai Shimizu Wakamizu-okuri' reproduces an old tradition that the freshest water of the year collected from Iwai Spring in Matsukawa Higashiyama-cho was delivered to Hiraizumi by the order of Fujiwara no Hidehira.
It was started from 1993, this year marks the 23rd for the New Year's event to be held.
'A rite of collecting Wakamizu' at 1:00 a.m. when the new year just began.
Wakamizu is the freshest water collected for the first time on New Year's Day, which is believed to drive away evil spirits for the year.
A wooden pail of Wakamizu will be delivered on foot for 20 kilometers long to Chuson-ji where Fujiwara lords rest, without being put down on the ground.
In the harsh cold weather, 180 people from all over Japan lined up as if protecting those dressed in white and crossed the silent mountain pass.
The local residents provide heart-warming refreshments to people in the procession walking over night.
They warm their chilled bodies with hot Amazake and Oden.
When the east sky changes color by the morning glow, mr. Aoki, Hiraizumi Town Mayor welcomed the procession at Yanagi no Gosho and they headed for Chuson-ji together.
After six hours walk, a pail of Wakamizu was finally delivered to Chuson-ji without any trouble, and was offered to Konjikido (golden hall) by the monk.
We wish this year will be a good year.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #40 Muryoko-in Ato and Yanaginogosho Iseki
In Hiraizumi, the Oshu Fujiwara clan managed to create a peaceful society based on Buddhist philosophy. Hiraizumi was at its heyday at the time of the third Fujiwara lord Hidehira. The first Fujiwara lord Kiyohira commissioned Chuson-ji and the second lord Motohira commissioned Motsu-ji. The temple commissioned by the third lord Hidehira was Muryoko-in.
Many foundation stones and the remains of a pond reveal the historical appearance of Muryoko-in Ato, which has been preserved with care as one of Hiraizumi's cultural assets. It was designed to resemble the Byodo-in Ho-o-do (Phoenix Hall) of Uji near Kyoto although it is believed to have been larger. Muryoko-in was also specially positioned in consideration of the surrounding natural landscape so that twice a year the sun would set behind Mt. Kinkeisan and also be aligned with the Main Hall. This temple was the ultimate creation of Hidehira, based on the Buddhist philosophy of peace inherited from his father and grandfather.
Hidehira also maintained an Administrative Headquarters by which the Michinoku region (northeastern Japan) was governed. The Headquarters, called Hiraizumi no Tachi, were situated in the Yanaginogosho area which was also where Kiyohira and Hidehira's mansion stood. When the massive flood control project of constructing the Ichinoseki Retarding Basin started in 1988, an emergency archeological excavation was planned and carried out. During this excavation, an outstanding quantity and quality of historical artifacts and ruins were found. As they were particularly concentrated at this place among the many 12th century remains in Hiraizumi, it was strongly recommended that this must have been Hidehira's Administrative Headquarters, the Hiraizumi no Tachi. The most commonly found artifacts are the kawarake, earthenware saké cups.
These were used on celebratory or political occasions and were designed to be disposable. An astonishing amount of more than 10 tons was excavated in this area. This evidence also suggests that the Yanaginogosho area was the political centre of Michinoku.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#01 Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center run by Hiraizumi town.
What kind of facility is it?
Mr. Takanori Sato, Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
We introduce the charm of cultural assets of Hiraizumi including the ones registered as World Heritage by showing easy-to-understand panels and videos. By visiting the center prior to traveling to historic sites, tourists can have better understanding of cultural assets and history of Hiraizumi
At the entrance hall, a mini feature exhibition concerning Hiraizumi and a sample of Chuson-ji Lotus which blossomed after being dormant for 800 years are displayed so that the image of Hiraizumi is projected.
In the exhibition room, history related to Hiraizumi from the era of Abe clan to the modern times are displayed lucidly.
Artifacts excavated in the town are exhibited as well which can be viewed as proof of the history.
There are also exhibitions related to historic sites which are aimed to be additionally registered as World Heritage.
Mr. Takanori Sato:
There are five sites aimed to be additionally registered as World Heritage: Takkoku no Iwaya and Yanagi no Gosho Site in Hiraizumi, Honedera Village Manor Site in Ichinoseki city, and Shirotoritate Mansion Remains and Chojagahara defunct temple site in Oshu city.
At Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center, visitors can observe the history of Hiraizumi freely, including the history of the assets registered as World Heritage and the sites aimed to be the additional registration.
It is recommended to visit there at the beginning of your sight-seeing tour in Hiraizumi.
Sight-seeing tour in Hiraizumi will become even more enjoyable by learning its history there beforehand.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Esashi Fujiwara no Sato ( Fujiwara Heritage Park ) ( Oshu City )
Esashi Fujiwara no Sato ( Fujiwara Heritage Park ) is a theme park built as a Heian period city; it is located in Oshu City, which is the birthplace of Kiyohira, the first lord of the Oshu-Fujiwara clan. The 20-hectare park has many reconstructed buildings of the period, a replica of the Konjikido Hall of Chusonji Temple, reconstructions of Muryokoin Temple, Yanagi no Gosho, etc. Various flowers such as cherries, azaleas, water lilies, hydrangeas, and bush clovers add color to the park. The park has been used as a shooting location for many movies, TV dramas, and commercials. A thorough walk around the park takes about 2 hours. There is a restaurant where you can enjoy Iwate's specialties; groups of 5 or more with a reservation can also enjoy a special Heian-style menu.
【English】All About Hiraizumi #24 Back to the Era of Oshu Fujiwara Clan
Broadcasted on September 30th, 2015
The Special Exhibition of the 4th Anniversary of World Heritage Site Registration ‘Colors of Four Seasons’, held till November 23rd at Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center, will bring you back to the era of Oshu Fujiwara clan when Hiraizumi prospered.
The special exhibition displays gorgeous colors and people’s lives during one hundred-year history of Oshu Fujiwara clan, by focusing on various seasonal events held back then.
We interviewed Ms. Ochi of Izutsu Inc. which planned and supported the special exhibition.
Some displays were reproduced based on parts of articles excavated in Hiraizumi. We sampled items difficult to be imagined what it actually was and recreated them by putting in our imagination how the daily lives in those days were. In this way, we prepared for the exhibition so that the visitors feel familiar with the lives during the era.
Dishes for nobles’ feasts in the Heian Era. Traditional 12-layered kimono for women in court which is also worn in Motsu-ji Gokusui no En. There are not only the displays which visitors see but also exhibits to experience items such as aroma, old pastimes and trying on the costume of the Heian Era.
Message to the visitors
Visitors will be able to enjoy seeing very elegant culture of Fujiwara clan. We hope that visitors will understand how annual events and daily lives were in Hiraizumi. I wish it would be an opportunity for them to want to learn more about the lives in Hiraizumi during that period.
Hiraizumi culture about eight hundred years ago is recreated in the exhibition.
It will be held till November 23rd, 2015. Admission is free. Please come and visit by all means.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All about Hiraizumi #56 Muryoko-in and Yanaginogosho
It was during the time of the third Fujiwara lord Hidehira that Hiraizumi flourished the most. Chuson-ji was commissioned by the first Fujiwara lord Kiyohira, Motsu-ji by the second lord Motohira and Muryoko-in by the third lord Hidehira. Presently, traces of a pond and foundation stones can be seen in this precious cultural property making it possible to imagine how it looked in former times. The Main Hall was built in imitation of the Byodo-in of Uji and not only was it larger than its model but it was also specially constructed in a line with Mt. Kinkeisan so that the sun set directly behind the summit twice a year in Spring and Autumn.
Yanaginogosho Iseki is thought to be the site of Hiraizumi no Tachi, the administrative
headquarters of Hidehira. The pond has been restored and today the site is open to the public as a historic park. In the Yanaginogosho Museum there are many artifacts excavated from the site that show us aspects of 12th century Hiraizumi culture. One of these is a seal carved with the characters 'Iwasaki village seal' which was the first village seal ever discovered in Japan and evidence that Yanaginogosho was a political centre. Also, enormous quantities of disposable earthenware cups called kawarake that were used at banquets or political ceremonies, were found in a wide area surrounding Yanaginogosho Iseki.
Excavation and research is still being carried out in the town of Hiraizumi and there is a high possibility that new artifacts will be discovered at any time.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi #35 Scenery only seen in winter
Broadcasted on January 20th, 2016
Hiraizumi is the place to enjoy various landscapes through seasons.
You could see the impressively beautiful snow scene only at this time of year. We asked Ms. Onodera of Hiraizumi Tourism Association about the best snowscape viewing spots in Hiraizumi.
Speaking of Hiraizumi snowscape, Motsu-ji garden is recommended.
The garden designed according to the precepts of ‘Sakuteiki’, the oldest Japanese treatise on gardening in 11th century, depicts Buddha’s world in this secular world and has survived in almost its original form.
The garden in Motsu-ji is very beautiful at the time of fresh green and autumn leaves, and when snow covers the land, the scenery with the contrast of black and white becomes like an ink wash painting. And when it’s fine, the fantastic wide view with shinning snow can be seen.
How about the weather at Hiraizumi in winter?
We have less snow than usual, but sometimes it is bitterly cold. Please wear warm clothes when visiting here. Although we have mild weather this year, it is very changeable in winter. Please prepare for the bad weather, too.
Not only in the garden at Motsu-ji, but also in Tsukimizaka and the New Konjikido Shelter Hall at Chuson-ji, and Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo, you can see the spectacular scenery. Why don’t you come and see these views all together?
Hiraizumi Tourism Association right by Hiraizumi Station provides various kinds of information about Hiraizumi, such as the best sight-seeing route, restaurants and accommodations.
Please feel free to ask the staff their recommended places to make your trip in Hiraizumi more enjoyable.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#13 Sightseeing by Bicycle in Hiraizumi, World Heritage Site
Broadcasted on July 8th, 2015
Sightseeing by bicycle in Hiraizumi, World Heritage site!
Hiraizumi is the smallest town in Iwate Prefecture in size.
Since the attractive tourist spots are concentrated in the small town, Hiraizumi is a perfect place for sightseeing by bicycle!
In this program, we will guide you along a nice cycling route.
First off, let’s rent a bicycle at a rental cycle shop ‘Gold-Rent Hiraizumi’ or ‘Swallow Tour’, both located near Hiraizumi Station. Along with regular bicycles, electric assist bicycles are available.
First place to visit is Yanagi no Gosho Site. It has a historic park of remains and a museum where many archeological objects unearthed there are on display.
Muryoko-in Ato and Takadachi Gikeido Hall are located along the route from Yanagi no Gosho to Chuson-ji.
Gikeido Hall is said to be the place where Minamoto no Yoshitsune died.
Crossing a railroad and a national road, we reached Chuson-ji. Please park your bicycle at a designated area.
There are many restaurants and souvenir shops. It is a good place to have a lunch break!
At Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center, easy-to-understand overview of Hiraizumi’s history is displayed.
With deeper understanding of Hiraizumi’s history, let’s head for Kanjizaio-in Ato and Motsu-ji.
It takes about three hours to tour along this route from the train station.
Please enjoy the sightseeing of Hiraizumi, feeling the breeze of Pure Land.
A pamphlet is indispensable for sightseeing.
A message from Ms. Yuka Sato, a promotional girl of Bijotabi Iwate.
We created wonderful new pamphlets. We hope that many people read them to know more about Hiraizumi, World Heritage site. Please come and go sightseeing here.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi#29 Nationwide Local Mochi (rice-cake) Summit in Ichinoseki City
Broadcasted on October 29th, 2014
Mochi!! (rice cake)
For 2 days of October 18th and 19th, the 3rd Nationwide Local Mochi Summit was held and a large number of people gathered from in and out of Iwate prefecture to the special site in Ichinoseki City General Gymnasium.
Tsukemonodokoro 'Kirari' offered 'Chojyu-inari' which is the light taste soup with mochi and chopped pickles covered with the deep-fried bean curd.
'Kiniropanya (Golden Bakery)'offered 'Mochi Dacquoise' which is the baked confectionery, putting zunda (boiled and mashed green soybeans) cream and kinako (soybean flour) mochi between slices of bread.
Crunchy 'Golden Boo Bar', a deep-fried skewered frankfurter coiled by mochi was served by 'Hiraizumi Nokachaya'. These 3 shops from Hiraizumi Town opened their stalls at the event.
Mochi Summit is the contest to choose mochi dish grand prize winner joined this event all over Japan.Mochi Summit is the contest to choose the most popular mochi dish entered this event from all over Japan as a grand prize winner. Unfortunately, the 3 shops from Hiraizumi Town were not able to win it, but it seemed that many visitors enjoyed Hiraizumi's local mochi dishes.
We introduce these 3 shops usually run in Hiraizumi Town.
Tukemonodokoro 'Kirari' and 'Kiniropanya (Golden Bakery)' is in 'Local Products Shop Ayame' in Motsu-ji carpark. They are selling particular pickles and bread which are made of local products produced for local consumption. 'Nokachaya' is in Chuson-ji 1st parking lot. Please stop by when you visit Hiraizumi for sightseeing as its lunchtime menu has a variety of dishes.
Hiraizumi Sangyo Festival will be held on November 2nd 2014! At the same time, Commerce and Industry Festival and JA Iwate Hiraizumi Festival will be held!! The venue is in Yanagi no Gosho parking lot. Selling agricultural products and broiled seafood, and various performances on the stage are scheduled. Please come and enjoy Hiraizumi in autumn with your family.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【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