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
