Chūson-ji Temple, Hiraizumi

Background

Chūson-ji stands in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, and is the head temple of the Tendai school in Tōhoku. Temple tradition says it was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), while some scholars hold that it was in fact founded by Fujiwara no Kiyohira. In the early 12th century, Kiyohira, first lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara, carried out large-scale construction here. The Konjikidō (Golden Hall) was completed in 1124. About 5.5 metres on each side and about 8 metres tall, it is covered almost entirely in gold leaf inside and out, decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay, engraved metalwork and maki-e lacquer, and enshrines Amida Nyorai; the remains of three generations of the Ōshū Fujiwara lie beneath its altar. A later fire (generally dated to the 14th century) destroyed most of the halls, and the Konjikidō is the only 12th-century building to survive in its original form. Today it stands inside a protective hall, behind glass. The Sankōzō holds more than 3,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. In 2011 Chūson-ji was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the five components of "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land".

Local customs

• Walk up the cedar-lined Tsukimizaka approach
• view the Konjikidō through its glass
• see Buddhist statues and sutras in the Sankōzō
• and pay your respects at the main hall.

Travel tips

• Tsukimizaka is an uphill walk, so wear comfortable shoes. The Konjikidō is viewed through glass, so refer to the temple's explanations and catalogues for details. Hiraizumi's historic sites are spread out, so allow time for walking and transfers
• opening hours differ between summer and winter, so check the official site.
• Take the train from the Ichinoseki direction to Hiraizumi Station, then walk or take a bus
• check official and station notices for specific services. The temple grounds are explored on foot. Every season works, and the approach is especially beautiful with spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.