Hiraizumi

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Hiraizumi contains five sites of temples, gardens and archaeological features representing the Buddhist Pure Land concept. The area features the vestiges of government offices dating from the 11th and 12th centuries when Hirazumi was the administrative centre of the northern realm of Japan. Much of the area was destroyed in 1189 with its dramatic fall becoming the inspiration of many poets, in particular Matsuo Basho who wrote a famous haiku poem about it in 1689. Hiraizumi is a World Heritage classified site.

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One of the key temples at Hiraizumi is Chūson-ji temple which was founded in 850 by Ennin who was from Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple. The only building left now that conveys an image of the original temple is Konjikidō, completed in 1124. This Amida hall is covered inside and out with gold leaf with decorations of shell inlay, engraved metal fittings and gold flexed lacquer. It is housed in a building to protect it from the elements.

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Another key temple in the complex is Mōtsū-ji which is classified as both a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Building began in the 12th century during the time of Fujiwara Motohira and was completed by his son Hidehira. The main hall is Enryū-ji. The beautiful garden is centred on a pond called Ōizumigaike and is an excellent example of Heian period gardening technique.