By train

Hiraizumi is on the JR Tohoku Main Line, connecting to Morioka in the north and Sendai to the south.
The nearest Shinkansen stop, Ichinoseki, is only 10 minutes away (¥170). Trains from Tokyo reach Ichinoseki in about 2 1/2 hours (¥12,470 for the one-way trip to Hiraizumi no charge with the Japan Rail Pass).

Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon-do, Kanjizaio-in Ato, Yanaginogosho Museum,

Chuson-ji Temple

Hiraizumi's largest and most famous temple, renowned particularly for its Golden Hall — which, unlike Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, is housed inside a large glass case. True to the name, the shrine inside is elaborately decorated with golden lacquer and mother-of-pearl, with three Buddha images. ¥800

Motsu-ji Temple

The second of Hiraizumi's two large temples, known for its Heian-era Pure Land Garden dating to 800 AD. The garden seems downright un-Japanese in its liberal use of wide, grassy spaces — but most of the open spaces have scattered rocks and are marked with small posts in the middle, indicating the locations of destroyed temple buildings. ¥500.  

Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon-do

A nice cave temple. It is the 5th incarnation of the temple since it was established in 801. It is dedicated to Bishamon the god of war, but was called Iwaya Bishamondo a place to pray for peace. Also at this site is the Ganmen Daibutsu a giant stone carving of Budda, but only the head remains after an earthquake destroyed the body. The ride to the temple is enjoyable in itself with nice Japanese countryside all the way. Ironically, although it is often considered to be the most interesting site for tourists, it is one of the only local attractions that is not a World Heritage Site. ¥300.

Kanjizaio-in Ato

Built by Fujiwara Motohira's wife, it was originally a large garden. A fire destroyed it in the 16th century but many of the structures were rebuilt. Today, it's more of a park, although there are still some preserved elements that remind you it was once a garden. Free.

Yanaginogosho Museum

Yanaginogosho Iseki is often closed to the public, so the museum provides a way for visitors to learn about Hiraizumi's history and the former palace

Yanaginogosho Iseki

This is the site of the former palace. Although no structures remain, the pond and foundations still give visitors an idea of how grand the palace once was. Excavations are still being done.
 

June - January

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