Mōtsū-ji Temple

Overview

Mōtsū-ji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, built by the Ōshū Fujiwara clan in the late Heian period. It was once said to surpass Chūson-ji Temple in scale, boasting numerous buildings, including a Golden Hall (Kondō), Lecture Hall (Kōdō), Constant Service Hall (Jōgyōdō), two-story main gate (Nikaisōmon), bell tower (Shōrō), and sutra repository (Kyōzō). However, fires and warfare destroyed much of it. Today, the remains of the Golden Hall and the gardens remain. The foundation stones of the Golden Hall, measuring 7 ken (approx. 13 meters) in width and 6 ken (approx. 11 meters) in depth, are remarkably well-preserved, hinting at its former grandeur. Mōtsū-ji's garden is a renowned pond-style strolling garden (chiisen kaiyūshiki teien), evoking the idyllic world of Heian-era aristocrats. With its ponds, bridges, islands, and rocks, the garden harmoniously blends seasonal nature with history, offering a serene escape. Mōtsū-ji Temple is one of the symbolic temples representing Hiraizumi's World Heritage culture, captivating visitors with its history and beauty. Experience the beauty of Heian-era culture and nature firsthand with a visit to Mōtsū-ji.