Chuson-ji Temple

Information

Chuson-ji Temple is the head temple of Tendai sect of Buddhism in the Tohoku region. The temple was originally established by the priest Ennin in 850, but it was the first lord of the Fujiwara clan Fujiwara-no-Kiyohira who decided in the early 12th century to expand the site into a complex with more than 40 temples and hundreds of residences for priests. Even though most of the complex were destroyed by a massive fire in 1337, what you can see now is still impressive.
The steep approach to the temple follows a long, tree-lined avenue past the Hondo main hall to an enclosed area with the splendid Konjiki-do (Golden Hall) and several ancillary buildings. The Konjiki-do, built in 1124, is small but packed with gold ornamentation, black lacquer work and inlaid mother of pearl. The centerpiece of the golden hall is a statue of Amida with attendants. Beneath the three side alters are the mummified remains of three generations of the Fujiwara family.
Beside the Konjiki-do, there are Kyozo Sutra Treasury and Sankozo Treasury. Kyozo Sutra Treasury, built in 1108, is the oldest building in the temple complex. The original collection of more than 5,000 sutras was damaged by fire and the remains of the collection have been transferred here. Sankozo Treasury houses 3,000 of temple treasures including swords, scrolls, the coffins and funeral finery of the Fujiwara clan, and images transferred from halls and temples that no longer exist.

Opening Hours

• 8:30 - 17:00 (March - November 3)
• 8:30 - 16:30 (November 4 - February)

Closed

• No closing days

Price / Entrance Fee

• 800 (General, Adult)
• 300 - 500 yen (Student)
• 200 yen (Child)

Access / Public Transport

• 25 minutes walk from JR Hiraizumi Station

Related Links

• Chūson-ji Temple

Address / Location

• 202, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate, 029-4102

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