Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
平泉 · 히라이즈미정
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:36
Welcome to Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Iwate Prefecture. In the 11th and 12th centuries, this city served as the political and administrative center of the northern realm of Japan, rivaling Kyoto in its…
Listen in the app2Chusonji Temple — The Beacon of Peace1:16
We begin our exploration at Chusonji, the most significant temple of Hiraizumi. Founded in the mid-9th century and greatly expanded by Fujiwara no Kiyohira in the early 12th century, it was designed to be the spiritual anchor of…
Listen in the app3The Konjikido — The Golden Hall of Amida1:12
The crown jewel of Chusonji is the Konjikido, or the Golden Hall. Completed in 1124, it is the only 12th-century structure to survive in its entirety. …
Listen in the app4Motsuji Temple — The Pure Land Garden1:12
We now move to Motsuji, a temple that once rivaled Chusonji in scale but is now most famous for its magnificent 'Jodo-teien' or Pure Land Garden. This garden is centered around a large pond called Oizumi-ga-ike, which was…
Listen in the app5Kanzantei — Dining with a View of the Past1:10
For a moment of respite, we visit Kanzantei, a dining facility located within the Chusonji grounds. The design concept of this space was to create a 'gap' between the ancient temple atmosphere and a modern, stylish dining…
Listen in the app6Mount Kinkazan — The Sacred Mountain1:14
Hiraizumi’s spiritual geography is anchored by Mount Kinkazan, the sacred mountain that stands to the north of the city. While it is a modest peak, its importance lies in its role as a 'Shugendo' (mountain asceticism) site and…
Listen in the app7Minpaku and Rural Life — The Living Heritage1:08
To truly understand Hiraizumi, one must look beyond the temples to the surrounding farmland. The town has been a pioneer in 'Minpaku' or farmhouse stays, allowing visitors to experience rural life and 'Nongenry' (agricultural)…
Listen in the app8Closing1:10
As we conclude our tour of Hiraizumi, reflect on the 'Eternal Peace' that Fujiwara no Kiyohira sought to manifest here. Hiraizumi is more than a world heritage site; it is a 'Philosophical Monument' to the human desire to…
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What is Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land?
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land is a place in 히라이즈미정 with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 히라이즈미정 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 9 min 58 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 38.9886, 141.1103 |
| Last updated |
