Chusonji Temple
Map
An ancient Tendai temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, registered in 2011 as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land'. The Konjikido, built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, retains almost completely the form it had when it was built, and is a National Treasure building that conveys the Pure Land worldview of the Heian period.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Tendai
- Principal Image
- Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha)
- Founded
- Said to date from Kasho 3 (850); effective founding: Choji 2 (1105)
History & Origins
Tradition says it was founded in 850 (the 3rd year of Kasho) by Jikaku Daishi Ennin. In the early 12th century, Fujiwara no Kiyohira, the first of the Oshu Fujiwara, carried out a large-scale development of the temple complex and built the Konjikido in 1124 (the 1st year of Tenji). Known as the temple that supported the prosperity of four generations of the Fujiwara, it was also described by Matsuo Basho in 'Oku no Hosomichi' (The Narrow Road to the Deep North).
Highlights
The National Treasure Konjikido is an Amida hall covered entirely in gold leaf inside and out, and it houses the mummies of three generations of the Fujiwara. The raised altar with mother-of-pearl inlay and the jeweled pagodas gather the finest of Heian craftsmanship. The Sankozo (treasure hall) holds many cultural properties, including the National Treasure Konshi Kinji Issaikyo, a set of 2,739 sutra scrolls in gold characters on indigo paper.
Visitor Guide
It is about a 20-minute walk, or about 5 minutes by bus, from Hiraizumi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for high school students, 500 yen for junior high school students and 300 yen for elementary school students (including the Konjikido, Sankozo, sutra repository and the old covering hall). Visiting hours are 8:30-17:00 from March to November 3, and 8:30-16:30 from November 4 to the end of February.
Best Season
The Fujiwara Matsuri in spring (late April-May) and the autumn foliage season (November) are especially beautiful, and the maple trees along the approach color the grounds.
Annual Events
- May
Spring Fujiwara Festival (Haru no Fujiwara Matsuri)
A festival recalling the glory of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, in which a procession in Heian-period dress parades through the streets of Hiraizumi.
- November
Autumn Fujiwara Festival (Aki no Fujiwara Matsuri)
An autumn festival centered on memorial services for the Fujiwara clan, performed solemnly in the grounds amid the autumn foliage.
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