Chuson-ji Temple

The "Cultural Heritage of Hiraizumi" was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. Chuson-ji Temple is famous for its gorgeous golden Konjikido (Konjikido), but there is much more to see, including Benkei-do, Yakushido, and the main hall!


Chuson-ji was founded in 850 by the great priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin, and in the early 12th century, Kiyohira, the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, began the construction of a large hall and pagoda. Kiyohira, who had lost his family in the war, is said to have expressed his wish for a peaceful ideal society based on the teachings of Buddha. Hiraizumi prospered as a gold-producing area, and Motohira the second, followed by Hidehira the third, flourished for nearly 100 years until Yasuhira the fourth was destroyed by the Minamoto clan. Konjikido, National Treasure No. 1, is the culmination of the craftsmanship of the time, including mother-of-pearl inlay, openwork carving, and lacquer maki-e. The "Sankozo" houses Buddhist statues and other valuable cultural assets. As a treasure house of Buddhist art representative of eastern Japan, the museum preserves the history and prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan.


The temple is also attractive for its seasonal changes in appearance: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, snow in winter, and the building and its natural surroundings.