Chusonji Temple

Chusonji

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The dazzling Golden Hall is breathtaking! A treasure trove of history and art where you can experience the Buddhist culture of the Heian period and the splendor of the Fujiwara clan.

Historic Sites
National Treasure
World Heritage
Shrines and Temples

Tourist destination images of Chusonji Temple(1)

Tourist destination images of Chusonji Temple(2)

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HighlightsWitness the dazzling Golden Hall!
Experience the Buddhist culture of the Heian period
Discover the legacy of the Fujiwara clan
Marvel at the numerous national treasures and important cultural properties
Explore a World Heritage site – a treasure trove of history and art

Basic Information

Address: Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Iwate

Access: 25-minute walk from Hiraizumi Station on the Tohoku Main Line (JR East Japan). Also accessible by Iwate Kenkotsu Bus from Ichinoseki Station (take the "National Route South Line"), or by the Hiraizumi Town Loop Bus "Run Run" from Hiraizumi Station (get off at the "Chusonji" bus stop). Alternatively, take the Iwate Kitabus from Sendai Airport on the "guided bus tour" and get off at "Hiraizumi Resthouse-mae". Show route

Op.Hours: March 1st - November 3rd: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM November 4th - End of February: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: None

Fee: Admission Fee: ¥1000 (Konjikido & Sankozo)

INFO: Chusonji Temple offers a profound experience of history and culture, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Konjikido (Golden Hall), an Amitabha Buddha Hall built by Fujiwara Kiyohira, was completed in 1124. Its name derives from its stunning interior and exterior, entirely covered in gold leaf. Now housed within a reinforced concrete protective structure, the Konjikido's resplendent glory is truly breathtaking! It's a treasure trove of history and art, offering a glimpse into the Buddhist culture of the Heian period and the flourishing Fujiwara clan.

HP: https://www.chusonji.or.jp/

Overview

Chusonji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture. It flourished as the cultural center of Hiraizumi during the late Heian period, built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, and possesses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, including the iconic Golden Hall. In 2011, it was registered as a World Heritage site as part of "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land." The highlight of Chusonji is undoubtedly the Golden Hall (Konjiki-do). Built as the Amida Hall by Fujiwara Kiyohira, its construction was completed in 1124 (Tenchi-gannen). Its name derives from its interior and exterior being entirely covered in gold leaf. It is currently housed within a reinforced concrete protective structure. The Buddha statues and ornaments housed within are equally magnificent, making the Golden Hall a masterpiece representing the height of Heian-period Buddhist art. Beyond the Golden Hall, the Chusonji temple grounds contain many other historical structures, such as the Sutra Repository, the Hakusan Shrine Noh Stage, and the Sankei-zo storehouse, which bear witness to the prosperity of Hiraizumi in its heyday. Chusonji Temple is a captivating tourist destination offering an immersive experience of history and culture. Be sure to visit and witness the dazzling Golden Hall and the Buddhist culture of the Heian period firsthand.