Mōtsū-ji Temple

Mōtsūji

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Mōtsū-ji Temple, with its magnificent Heian-period structures and stunning pond-style strolling garden, is a quintessential Hiraizumi sightseeing spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historic Sites
World Heritage
Shrines and Temples
Japanese Gardens

HighlightsThe Golden Hall, enshrining a standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) from the late Heian period
The breathtaking beauty of the pond-style strolling garden
Historically significant structures registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The magnificent scale of the temple complex, once said to have surpassed Chūson-ji Temple
A harmonious blend of seasonal nature and history

Basic Information

Address: Mōtsū-ji 1, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-chō, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Iwate

Access: 9-minute walk from Hiraizumi Station on the Tohoku Main Line (JR East). Alternatively, take the Iwate Kenkotsu Hiraizumi Town Loop Bus "RunRun" and get off at the Mōtsū-ji bus stop. Show route

Op.Hours: April 5th - November 4th: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM November 5th - April 4th: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: Open every day

Fee: Admission Fee: ¥700

INFO: Mukoji Temple Municipal Parking Lot (Hiraizumi Town): 350 parking spaces available. Paid parking for general public. Free for people with disabilities. Discount available between this parking lot and the Chusonji Temple Municipal Parking Lot.

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

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.

Mōtsū-ji Temple

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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