Explore Hiraizumi's World Heritage Sites by Bicycle🚲

@Get To Know Japan Together

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Explore Hiraizumi's World Heritage Sites by bicycle, visiting ancient temples like Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji, and the unique Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon Hall.

10 places · 2 experiences

1
Ichinoseki Station
Train station · 一関市
3.8 (634)
Creator's voice
A transfer point if you're coming from Tokyo by Shinkansen, where you'll switch to a local train. The station is notably decorated with Pikachu, as Pokemon trains depart from here.
Ichinoseki Station, 67 Ekimae, 一関市岩手県 021-0867, Japan
2
Hiraizumi Tourist Information Center
Tourist information center · Hiraizumi
4.2 (32)Open · until 5 PM
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Located on the right side of the ticket gate at Hiraizumi Station, this center offers guide leaflets in many different languages. It's a good first stop for information, but make sure to rent your bicycle first!
Hiraizumi Ekimae Tourist Information Centre, Izumiya-61-7 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Rent a bicycle for the day
Grab your bicycle from the rental shop right next to Hiraizumi Station. It costs 1,000 yen for the day and includes baggage storage. Make sure to run to the store when you arrive, or you might end up waiting in a long queue like I did!
3
Hiraizumi Station
Train station · Hiraizumi
4.0 (304)
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This station was renovated to coincide with Hiraizumi's registration as a World Heritage site. It's your gateway to exploring the area.
Hiraizumi Station, Izumiya Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
4
Chuson-ji Temple
Place of worship · Hiraizumi
4.5 (4,417)Closed · opens Wednesday 8:30 AM
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Founded by Ennin in 850, this massive temple complex was expanded in the early 12th century by Fujiwara Kiyohira to comfort war souls and build a peaceful society. It's about a 10-minute bicycle ride from Hiraizumi Station.
Konjikidō of Chusonji Temple, Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
5
Chuson-ji Benkei-do
Buddhist temple · Hiraizumi
4.4 (12,526)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
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The main hall of Chuson-ji. Here you can get a Goshuin, a red ink stamp with calligraphy, for 300 yen. Collecting these unique stamps from different temples is a fun activity in Japan.
Chūsonji Temple (Hondō Main Hall), Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4195, Japan
- Goshuin (red ink stamp) · ¥300 — A unique red ink stamp with calligraphy, available at the reception. It costs 300 yen here, and collecting different designs from various temples is a lot of fun.
6
Chuson-ji Main Hall
Buddhist temple · Hiraizumi
4.4 (12,526)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
The main hall of Chuson-ji. Here you can get a Goshuin, a red ink stamp with calligraphy, for 300 yen. Collecting these unique stamps from different temples is a fun activity in Japan.
Chūsonji Temple (Hondō Main Hall), Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4195, Japan
7
Local Dishes Restaurant
Restaurant · Hiraizumi
4.4 (173)Closed · opens 5:30 PM
Creator's voice
A popular restaurant near Hiraizumi Station that serves local dishes with a focus on local ingredients. I was surprised by how well taro and chocolate tasted together – it was very decadent!
Cafe Sekimiya, Suzusawa-36-1 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
- Taro and chocolate dish — A surprisingly decadent dish combining taro and chocolate. It tasted really good!
8
Motsu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Hiraizumi
4.2 (5,075)Open · until 5 PM
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Founded by Ennin in 850, like Chuson-ji. Much of it was built by Fujiwara Motohira and Hidehira around the 12th century. Admission is 700 yen, and Goshuin is available at the entrance.
Motsuji Temple, Osawa-58 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
- Goshuin (red ink stamp) — A Goshuin is available at the entrance of Motsu-ji Temple. I was embarrassed because I couldn't read it!
- Oizumi ga Ike pond and feeder stream — The Oizumi ga Ike pond and its feeder stream (yarimizu) are incredibly valuable, as the stream is the only one remaining from the Heian era. The beauty of the pond has remained essentially unchanged for eight centuries.
Experience · 1 place
Ring the temple bell at Motsu-ji
You can ring the bell at Motsu-ji for 500 yen. They say it sounds soothing, so give it a try!
9
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon Hall
寺廟 · Hiraizumi
4.3 (2,198)Closed · opens Wednesday 8 AM
Creator's voice
This unique temple is carved into a cliff face and is currently in the process of being registered as a World Heritage Site. Admission is 500 yen, and Goshuin is available at the entrance. Photography is not allowed inside.
Takkoku-no-iwaya bishamondō, Kitazawa-１６ Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
Goshuin (red ink stamp) — A Goshuin is available at the entrance of Takkoku no Iwaya. I also received a lovely bookmark with it.
10
Kanjizaio-in Ato
Historical landmark · Hiraizumi
3.8Closed
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This is the site of a temple said to have been built by the wife of Fujiwara Motohira. It features the 'Dancing Crane Pond,' a beautiful name for a serene spot. Haiku poet Matsuo Basho wrote a famous haiku here in 1689.
Kanjizaiō-in, Shirayama Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan

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