Chusonji Temple is a treasure trove of history and beauty that spreads out in Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture.
This temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect in Tohoku, and is known as the Oshu 33 Kannon temple.
In 2011, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as a component of “Hiraizumi – Architecture, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Land of Buddhism”, and its history and beauty have been recognized around the world.
In this article, we will explore Chusonji’s overview, history, culture, and points to consider when visiting.
We will take a closer look at the charm of Chusonji, a famous place that represents Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture.
Overview and characteristics of Chusonji Temple
Chusonji Temple is a Tendai sect temple located in Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, and is the temple of the Oshu Thirty-Three Kannon.
The mountain name of this temple is ”Kanzan”, and the principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha.
Chusonji is said to have been founded by Ennin, but its actual founder was Fujiwara Kiyohira, the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan.
Chuson-ji Temple has flourished for three generations of the Oshu Fujiwara clan and is home to many cultural assets, including the Golden Hall, which is a collection of the finest arts, crafts, and architecture of the Heian period.
The precincts have been designated as a national special historic site as the Chusonji Precincts, and in 2011 it was registered as a World Heritage Site.
In addition, Chusonji, along with Hiraizumi Motsuji, Matsushima Zuiganji, and Yamagata Risshakuji, forms a pilgrimage course called the ”Four Temples Corridor”.
Map of Chusonji Temple
There is a parking lot at the bottom right, and the entrance is just above it.
Chuson-ji Temple is built on a small mountain, and from the entrance you have to climb Tsukimi-zaka.
Beyond that, there is a main hall on the right (near the center of the map), and if you go further from there you will see the famous Golden Hall.
There are many other sights to enjoy as well.
Parking lot and its surroundings
Looking at the surroundings of the parking lot, I visited around 11 o’clock on a holiday and it was fairly full.
There seemed to be other parking lots, so there was no traffic jam waiting to park.
There are souvenir shops near the parking lot where you can enjoy Iwate’s specialty, Wanko Soba.
Looking towards Chusonji Temple from the parking lot.
The right end of the image is the entrance, and you climb the mountain from there.
Entrance of Chusonji Temple
This is the entrance of Chusonji Temple.
From here it’s uphill, continuing to “Tsukimi-zaka” which will be mentioned later.
You can’t see the main hall or any buildings from the entrance.
Tsukimizaka
Tsukimizaka is a road of about 800m from the entrance to the main hall.
On both sides, there are large 300-year-old trees, various temples, and places where you can overlook the city of Oshu and the mountains in the distance.
I feel that my heart is cleansed by the mysterious atmosphere.
It is a sacred slope where monks, no matter how high their rank, are said to have gotten out of their cars and climbed it on foot.
Lined with tall trees, it has a mystical atmosphere.
You can also enjoy autumn leaves in autumn.
Benkeido
Benkeido is a building designated as an important cultural property within the grounds of Chuson-ji Temple.
Benkeido is said to have been built to enshrine Benkei, who was Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s vice general.
Inside, there is a large basin called Chozubachi, which is said to have been used by Benkei, and it is said that Benkei used it to wash his hands.。
Chusonji Main Hall
Honbo front gate, main hall entrance
A large wooden statue of ”Yakushi Nyorai” is enshrined in the main hall, and this Buddha statue is designated as a national treasure.
From Mineyakushido to Konjikido
Heading from the main hall towards the Konjikidō.
Including Mineyakushido and the pond in front, there is a high density of elements that make up a beautiful landscape.
Konjikido
The Konjikido is an Amida-do hall built by Kiyohira Fujiwara.
The Konjikido is designated as a national treasure and is the symbol of Chusonji.
Konjikido has been designated as the first National Treasure Building and is also part of the World Heritage Site.
It is probably very well known as it is included in Japanese textbooks.
The Golden Hall itself is covered with a veil and cannot be seen from the outside.
As you can see in the photo, when you step inside, you will be overwhelmed by the splendid decoration that goes into every detail of the pillars, ceiling, and other parts.
Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the temple, so I don’t have any pictures.
Matsuo Basho and Chusonji
Matsuo Basho began his Oku-no-Hosomichi journey and visited Hiraizumi on May 13th, about 44 days after leaving Edo.
Hiraizumi, where the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan and the tragedy of Minamoto no Yoshitsune intertwined, has continued to fascinate people as a place of beautiful nature and history since 1689, when Basho and Sora visited.
The panoramic view from the Takadate hill is a beautiful scenery where Mt.Takuine, the Kitakami River, and the Kinogawa River are in harmony.
Its former glory has been lost, and its ruins have become fields.
This scenery reminded Basho of Du Fu’s poem, “A country is broken, there are mountains and rivers, castles are spring, and vegetation is deep.” Basho took down his hat for a while at Takadate.
Monument to Matsuo Basho
Monument to Matsuo Basho “Old Pond and the Sound of Water in which a Frog Jumps” (“Oku-no-Hosomichi”)
This haiku is probably the most famous haiku in Japan.
It is said that this haiku was composed when he heard the sound of a frog jumping into an old pond in the grounds of Chuson-ji Temple.
Basic information about “Chusonji”
| Info | Chusonji Temple ■Location 202 Hiraizumi Kinoseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture ■Business hours 8:30～17:00 ■Inquiry Tel:0191-46-2211 ■Website https://www.chusonji.or.jp/ |
| Map |
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