[Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture] A trip to experience the Pure Land culture left behind by the Oshu Fujiwara clan! Enjoy food culture at Yumenokaze

The Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple has long been famous as a cultural property in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. However, in recent years, Motsuji Garden has been registered as a World Heritage Site, and an increasing number of people are including Motsuji Temple in addition to Chusonji Temple as part of their itinerary to visit Hiraizumi's ancient temples.

Motsuji Garden was built during the Heian period. It is said that it was created with the image of the Pure Land in mind. Chusonji Temple is a must-see spot for its Golden Hall, which you can visit. The all-gold Amida-do hall symbolizes the prosperity of Hiraizumi at the time.

This time, we will be explaining Motsuji Garden and Chusonji Konjikido as spots where you can experience Hiraizumi's Pure Land culture. We'll also introduce gourmet spots you'll want to visit as part of your itinerary.

Motsuji Garden, a representation of the Pure Land

Hiraizumi's cultural properties were built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan. After the war, Chusonji and Motsuji were built to save the souls of those who lost their lives. Motsuji Temple was built by the second generation Fujiwara Motohira.

Now only the garden remains. Even if you are not particularly knowledgeable about it, the scenery gives you a sense of the Pure Land.

Most of the garden is occupied by Oizumi Pond. This huge pond is a representation of the ocean. That's why it is built to look like a rocky shore or beach. The rough rocky shore is designed with rock formations, and the white beach is designed with cobblestones.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayaka (@32libro)

INFORMATION

“Chusonji Golden Hall” proves the prosperity of Hiraizumi

Chusonji Konjikido was built by Fujiwara Kiyohira, the first generation of Oshu Fujiwara. Konjikido has gold leaf applied inside and outside. During the Heian period, Hiraizumi was famous for its gold production. Its majestic appearance, symbolizing the prosperity of Oshu Fujiwara, is worth a visit.

A large-scale renovation was carried out over a period of seven years starting in 1963. It is said that 30,000 pieces of gold leaf were used at that time. Amida-do Hall, which shines in gold from the pillars to the ceiling, is so beautiful that it will take your breath away.

Konjikido is located inside Shinbokudo. Basically, photography is prohibited inside.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by reiyon (@reirei415)

INFORMATION

``Yumenokaze'' continues to support Hiraizumi's food culture

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ɐıuǝɥdoɹpɐnb (@quadrophenia_66)

Hiraizumi's specialty dish is rice cake. Since ancient times in Hiraizumi, mochi has been eaten on various occasions such as celebrations. If you want to enjoy such mochi, we recommend Yumenokaze, located halfway between Chusonji and Motsuji.

This is a long-established store that has been serving rice cakes for 45 years, open all year round. One of the most popular menu items is the Fujiwara Sandai Mochi Zen (1000 yen). This menu includes six types of mochi: red bean paste, zunda, ginger, zoni, walnut, and sesame.

We add mochi every morning, so it tastes very fresh. The bean paste is also homemade and goes well with the sticky rice "Koganemochi" from Hiraizumi. This is a famous restaurant where you can experience Hiraizumi's food culture and be sure to visit when you go on a journey through the Pure Land culture of Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji.

INFORMATION

The Oshu Fujiwara clan survived a war-torn world and amassed great wealth. Motsu-ji Temple and Chuson-ji Temple, which we introduced this time, are the remains of Hiraizumi's prosperity to the present day. It is very moving to experience the culture of Hiraizumi by visiting the gardens and Konjikido, which give you a feeling of the Pure Land.

Along with your Pure Land culture tour, be sure to try mochi, which is part of Hiraizumi's food culture. It's sure to be a wonderful trip.