Chūson-ji Temple

Overview

Chūson-ji is the head temple of the Tendai sect in the Tōhoku region, located in the town of Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture. Renowned as a temple associated with the Northern Fujiwara clan, it holds many cultural properties, foremost among them the Konjikidō, which gathers the finest arts, crafts and architecture of the Heian period. Its precincts are designated a Special Historic Site of Japan.

Highlights

• ●The Konjikidō, a National Treasure showcasing Heian-period art and craft
• ●Halls within the grounds, including the Hachimandō, Benkeidō, Jizō-dō and Yakushi-dō
• ●The extensive precincts designated a Special Historic Site
• ●Its status as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi

History

According to temple tradition it was founded by the priest Ennin, though its effective founder is held to be Fujiwara no Kiyohira. Construction advanced in 1105, and the temple flourished as the great complex associated with three generations of the Northern Fujiwara clan. The precincts were designated a Special Historic Site in 1979, and in June 2011 the temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi".

Map

39.0014, 141.0997 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Begin at the main hall to sense its history as a Tendai head temple
2. 2View the Heian-period craftsmanship of the National Treasure Konjikidō
3. 3Walk among the halls such as the Hachimandō, Benkeidō, Jizō-dō and Yakushi-dō
4. 4Stroll unhurried through the precincts designated a Special Historic Site

Did you know?

💡 Chūson-ji forms part of the "Shiji Kairō" pilgrimage circuit together with Mōtsū-ji, Zuigan-ji in Matsushima and Risshaku-ji in Yamagata.

Nearby spots