Motsu-ji Temple

Motsu-ji Temple

Moeji Temple is a unique temple that is designated as both a World Heritage Site and as a special historic site and special scenic spot by the Japanese government, alongside Chuson-ji. Founded by the monk Jikaku Daishi Ennin, the temple was built by the second-generation leader Motohira and the third-generation leader Hidehira of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. At its peak, it housed 40 halls and towers and had 500 monks, boasting a grandeur that surpassed Chuson-ji. However, after the fall of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, most of the buildings were lost to disaster. Today, the temple features a Pure Land garden centered around Oizumi, along with the preserved architectural remains from the Heian period. The garden reflects the Pure Land beliefs, symbolizing the Buddhist world, and the techniques of Heian-era gardening are maintained around the pond, Oizumi. Seasonal flowers adorn the temple, with particularly noteworthy events such as the iris festival in early summer and the bush clover festival in early autumn. Zen meditation and sutra copying experiences offered here are a perfect opportunity to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and soothe the mind.

Basic Information

Spot Name
Motsu-ji Temple
Location
〒029-4102 58 Osawa, Hiraizumi, Nishi-Iwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, Japan 
Access
It is a 7-minute walk from JR Tohoku Main Line Hiraizumi Station to Motsuji Temple. It takes about 10 minutes from the Hiraizumi-Mizusawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Parking
330 spaces
Business Hours
Visiting hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
*From November 5 to March 4, the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Regular Holiday
Open all year round.
Fees
Adult: 700 yen
High school students: 400 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
Contact Information
Phone Number:0191-46-2331
Official Website

Map

Motsu-ji Temple Movies

【岩手旅行】秋のドライブひとり旅!平安時代の浄土庭園 世界遺産「別格本山 毛越寺」
【岩手】平泉 毛越寺 2025/01/20
「毛越寺」平泉の世界遺産、松尾芭蕉も訪れた毛越寺 MOTSUJI TEMPLE
【世界遺産】毛越寺 Mōtsūji Temple 唯一無二の浄土庭園
【世界遺産・毛越寺】特別史跡&特別名勝、そこは美しい浄土庭園が広がっていた
【岩手観光】平泉秋の毛越寺
岩手県観光 世界遺産 平泉 毛越寺 Iwate Prefecture Tourism World Heritage Site Hiraizumi Motsuji Temple Japan
東北岩手「世界遺産 毛越寺」雪景色の庭園Tohoku Iwate "World Heritage Motsuji Temple" snowy garden
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