An ancient city that once rivaled Kyoto
Nestled in the mountains of southern Iwate is Hiraizumi, an ancient city that once rivaled Kyoto for its beauty and elegant surroundings which was enrolled on the UNESCO World Heritage Registry in 2011. The sites within date from the 9th to the 12th century, and include temples like Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji, and gardens built by the Northern Fujiwara clan during their reign over Tohoku.
Based on concepts and teachings from the Pure Land sect of Buddhism, the temples and gardens of Hiraizumi were designed in the image of the paradise that was thought to await practitioners after death. Subtly incorporating the backdrop of their natural surroundings, visitors today can still enjoy the peaceful and beautiful gardens.
The design of Hiraizumi’s temples are an expression of the unique synthesis of Buddhist thought and Japanese nature worship, a distinctive blending of cultural traditions that is found nowhere else in the world.
Based on concepts and teachings from the Pure Land sect of Buddhism, the temples and gardens of Hiraizumi were designed in the image of the paradise that was thought to await practitioners after death. Subtly incorporating the backdrop of their natural surroundings, visitors today can still enjoy the peaceful and beautiful gardens.
The design of Hiraizumi’s temples are an expression of the unique synthesis of Buddhist thought and Japanese nature worship, a distinctive blending of cultural traditions that is found nowhere else in the world.
