[Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture] A journey to experience the Pure Land culture left behind by the Oshu Fujiwara clan! Enjoy the food culture at "Yume no Kaze"

The Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple has long been famous as a cultural asset in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. However, in recent years, the Motsuji Garden has been registered as a World Heritage Site, and more and more people are now including Motsuji Temple in addition to Chusonji Temple as part of their tour of Hiraizumi's ancient temples

Motsuji Temple Garden was built during the Heian period. It is said to have been created with the image of the Pure Land in mind. One spot you cannot miss at Chusonji Temple is the Golden Hall, which is open to the public. The golden Amida Hall symbolizes the prosperity of Hiraizumi at the time

This time, we will introduce Motsuji Temple Garden and Chusonji Temple Golden Hall as spots where you can experience Hiraizumi's Pure Land culture. We will also introduce some must-visit gourmet spots along the route that takes you around these two places

Motsuji Temple Garden: A representation of the Pure Land

The cultural assets of Hiraizumi were created by the Oshu Fujiwara clan. After the wars, they built Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple to save the souls of those who lost their lives. Motsuji Temple was built by the second head of the clan, Fujiwara no Motohira

All that remains now is the garden, which even those without any knowledge of the area can somehow evoke the feeling of paradise

Most of the garden is taken up by Oizumigaike Pond. This huge pond represents the vast ocean. It is designed to look like rocky shores and a beach. The rough shoreline is represented by rock formations, and the white sand is represented by the paving of boulders

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Chusonji Golden Hall: A testament to Hiraizumi's prosperity

Chusonji Temple's Golden Hall was built by Fujiwara Kiyohira, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. The Golden Hall is inlaid with gold leaf both inside and out. Hiraizumi was famous as a gold producing area during the Heian period. Its majestic appearance, symbolizing the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, is well worth a visit

A large-scale renovation took place over a period of seven years, starting in 1962. An incredible 30,000 sheets of gold leaf were used during the renovation. The Amida Hall, shining gold from the pillars to the ceiling, is truly breathtakingly beautiful

The Golden Hall is located inside the Shinfukudo Hall. Generally, photography is prohibited inside

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Yumenokaze: Carrying on the food culture of Hiraizumi

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When it comes to Hiraizumi's specialty food, it's mochi (rice cakes). Mochi has long been eaten in Hiraizumi on various occasions, including celebrations. If you want to try some mochi, we recommend Yumenokaze, located halfway between Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple

This long-established shop has been serving mochi for 45 years, open every day. One of their most popular dishes is the "Fujiwara Sandai Mochizen (1,000 yen)." This menu includes six types of mochi: red bean paste, zunda, ginger, zoni, walnut, and sesame

The rice cakes are pounded every morning, so they taste incredibly fresh. The bean paste is also homemade and goes perfectly with Hiraizumi's Koganemochi rice. If you're on a journey of Pure Land culture visiting Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple, this is a renowned shop where you can experience Hiraizumi's food culture and is a must-visit

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The Oshu Fujiwara clan survived war-torn times and amassed great wealth. The Motsu-ji and Chuson-ji temples introduced here preserve the glory of Hiraizumi to the present day. It is deeply moving to experience the culture of Hiraizumi by visiting the gardens and Golden Hall that evoke the Pure Land

While touring the Pure Land culture, be sure to also try some mochi, a part of Hiraizumi's food culture. It's sure to be a wonderful trip

sugar

A web writer who loves sightseeing. He is dedicated to exploring local gourmet food. Recently, I've been researching famous Japanese sweets shops such as manju and dango. Going around the basements of department stores is my daily routine.