Chūsonji Temple
Chūsonji Temple things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Located in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, it is also part of the World Cultural Heritage "Hiraizumi - Group of Buildings, Gardens and Archaeological Relics Representing the Buddhist Land". Chusonji Temple is famous for its long history and exquisite Buddhist architecture, especially the famous Konjikidō. This Buddhist temple decorated entirely with gold leaf makes people marvel at its craftsmanship and sense of sanctity. After entering Chusonji Temple, you can deeply feel the influence of Japanese Buddhist culture and the Oshu Fujiwara family, making you feel like you have returned to the Heian period. The entire temple area is located on a hillside and is surrounded by dense woods. The atmosphere here is quite peaceful and perfect for walking and meditation. Walking on the path of the temple, you can hear the sound of the wind blowing through the treetops, which makes people unconsciously slow down and enjoy a moment of peace of mind. Chusonji Temple has different scenery throughout the year. Cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter each have their own unique charms. If you can arrange your visit in autumn, the mountains full of red leaves and ancient buildings complement each other beautifully, making it a good time to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty. Visiting Chusonji Temple requires a certain amount of physical strength, because the main road of the temple is built along the hillside, and you have to climb a lot of steps, but the scenery along the way will make people feel it is worth it. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes when visiting and allow enough time to slowly explore every corner of the temple. In addition to the Golden Hall, there are many small Buddhist halls and stone monuments worth visiting.
K enK en
00
金ぴかキラキラでした。撮影禁止のお堂なのでまたこの目で見に行きたいです。 Chusonji Temple, which is located in the Northern part of Japan, is one of the U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritages. You can see the Golden Hall and many kinds of golden Buddha statues at one time. (My photo is from a flier since you cannot take photos in this hall.) Chusonji Temple was constructed in the 12th century, after two wars were fought in Tohoku. The first Fujiwara lord, Kiyohira lost his family in the war. Then, he ordered to build this temple and offered a pledge before Buddha to console the spirits of the dead for not only for his families, but also for all his friends and also foes, humans and even animals. Golden Hall, Konjikido, remains from the Fujiwara-era. The hall was completed in 1124. The image of Buddha, surrounded statues and the magnificent decorations are meant to represent his Pure Land western paradise. The inlay work of iridescent shells, the Southeast Asian rosewood and African ivory show the extensive trade network at that time. The mummified remains of four generations of Fujiwara lords rest in peace under. Inside of this hall is all gold!
KICHIKICHI
00
A delightfully simple but very beautiful place especially as we visited there in winter. The simplicity of the building temple itself is wonderful. I certainly can see why it is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. The temple was founded in 1105 by Fujiwara Kiyohira, the founder of the Northern Fujiwara clan. Chuson-ji was the clan's菩提寺 (bodaiji), or mortuary temple, and was used as the burial place for many of the clan's members. The temple complex includes a number of important buildings, including the Konjikido, which is a National Treasure and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Japanese Buddhist architecture.
Ross DanielsRoss Daniels
00
It is 1000 yen but the area is huge to explore and there is also a museum with precious displays. There is this beautiful noh stage too. It was crowded on sunday but giant trees dwarf everyone. I took the direct bus from Ichinoseki Station to the foot of the temple hill. It costs 390 yen. You can also stop by at the other temple. But the bus timing is irregular and not frequent, you have to check the google maps. IC cards are not accepted. There's no english on board, just follow the elderly groups for the exact stops, they know what to do. Sacred place, lots of local elderly visit. Almost zero foreign visitor.
DuyguDuygu
00
I am glad I visited this majestic place during fall. The buildings seamlessly blend with the surrounding nature. Compared to Yamadera, another well-known temple of Tohoku which was originally constructed by Enin, Chuson-ji spans across a wider area and offers a real glimpse of the past. Unlike other places listed as UNESCO world heritages, this one isn’t “branded” as such through posters and signboards (I personally didn’t see the symbol of UNESCO anywhere) and may be that’s the reason why one can feel the authenticity and simplicity of the place as it had been throughout the years.
Maya KenovaMaya Kenova
10
This is definitely a 5-star spot for seeing fall foliage in Iwate prefecture. Entrance is free of charge except you wish to see the Konjikido. The temple also illuminated the maple leaves in every evening for nearly 2 weeks during the peak of fall foliage. We were so lucky we could be there during the time. Unlike other temples which might charge you an additional fee for entry in the evening, the entry in the evening is free here👍👍👍
Ballchi ChanBallchi Chan
10
Nearby Attractions Of Chūsonji Temple
Konjikido of Chusonji Temple
Hondo of Chusonji Temple
Hakusan Shrine
Tsukimizaka
Kyozo of Chusonji Temple
Daichojuin
Sekiyama Tenmangu Shrine

Konjikido of Chusonji Temple
4.5
(1.7K)Click for details

Hondo of Chusonji Temple
4.4
(126)Click for details

Hakusan Shrine
4.3
(107)Click for details

Tsukimizaka
4.1
(79)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Chūsonji Temple
Kanzantei Restaurant
Isekiya
Senkyoan
Yoshiie
平泉カフェ&ランチ The BREWERS HIRAIZUMI
Tabashine-an
Yamaki Shokudo
レストラン源
Shōeidō Benkeien
おやすみ処 たばしね

Kanzantei Restaurant
4.1
(174)Click for details

Isekiya
3.6
(153)Click for details

Senkyoan
3.5
(151)Click for details

Yoshiie
4.0
(121)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4195, Japan
Map
Phone
+81 191-46-2211
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Website
chusonji.or.jp
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(4.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Chūson-ji is a Buddhist temple in the town of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Tendai sect in Tōhoku region of northern Honshu. The temple claims it was founded in 850 by Ennin, the third chief abbot of the sect.
attractions: Konjikido of Chusonji Temple, Hondo of Chusonji Temple, Hakusan Shrine, Tsukimizaka, Kyozo of Chusonji Temple, Daichojuin, Sekiyama Tenmangu Shrine, restaurants: Kanzantei Restaurant, Isekiya, Senkyoan, Yoshiie, 平泉カフェ&ランチ The BREWERS HIRAIZUMI, Tabashine-an, Yamaki Shokudo, レストラン源, Shōeidō Benkeien, おやすみ処 たばしね

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