Enjoy the beauty of nature at “Genbikei”
Enjoy the famous flying dango

Genbikei is a scenic spot and natural monument with plenty to see in spring, summer, fall, and winter. The Iwai River, which flows from Mt. Kurikoma, erodes the huge rocks, creating a beautiful valley that stretches for about 2 km. The scenery created by the murmuring stream and emerald green water will take your breath away.

You'll be so absorbed in the beautiful view from Goranba Bridge (suspension bridge) that you'll forget that your feet are stiff. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the rough current upstream and the calming depths downstream.

If you get tired of walking, take a break at the gazebo. We will have the famous flying dango "Kakko Dango".

The ordering method for ``Kakko Dango'' is very unique. Once you put the money in the basket and hit the mallet, the basket will travel along a rope stretched over the river to the shop ``Kakkoya'' on the opposite bank. Eventually, the basket will be lifted up and returned with the dango and tea you ordered.
*Closed during winter season: December to early March

Learn about the history of Hiraizumi
Go to “Hiraizumi World Heritage Guidance Center”

You can learn about Hiraizumi's history and culture in an easy-to-understand manner through exhibits that use a semi-cylindrical theater, projection mapping, and models, and there is also a hands-on corner that includes earthenware puzzles.

At the Prologue Theater, you can experience the worldview of the Buddhist land (Pure Land). The ``Hiraizumikan'' from the time of the third generation Hidehira has also been restored as a diorama, giving you a good idea of how people lived there.

The center is located very close to the Yanaginogosho ruins, a nationally designated historic site where the Oshu Fujiwara clan is believed to have conducted politics. You can also enjoy a tour of the ruins using the center as your starting point.

Hiraizumi World Heritage Guidance Center

108-1 Kararaku, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture

● Hiraizumi town tour bus Runrun

Get off at “Roadside Station Hiraizumi” bus stop

★ Official website

The best in eastern Japan!
Visiting Chusonji, a treasure trove of Heian Buddhist art

Chusonji Temple is a treasure trove of Heian Buddhist art, with over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties. Along with the building, you can enjoy the scenery that changes depending on the season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. While stopping at the sights, we aim for the national treasure Konjikido.

world heritage

Konjikido, the biggest symbol of Chusonji Temple, has been designated as the first National Treasure Building. The entire interior of the hall is decorated with mother-of-pearl work, maki-e, and openwork carvings, making it gorgeous. You will be overwhelmed the moment you step inside.

Go to the main hall, the center of Chusonji. In front of the main image, there is an impressive pine tree supported by countless bamboos. A must-see is the "immortal lantern" on either side of the main image, which was lit from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei and has never been extinguished.

Chuson-ji Temple has many halls, one of which is Mineyakushi-do, which is said to be one of the rare temples in the country that is said to be beneficial for the eyes, and is filled with things related to the eyes, such as votive tablets with the character ``me'' written on them, and eye amulets. There are also votive tablets in the shape of dogs and cats that you can scratch into to pray for your pet's health.

Motsuji Temple, with its beautiful Pure Land garden

世界遺産

Motsuji Temple was founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin. Beautiful gardens and temple ruins remain, and it has been designated as a ``Special Historic Site'' and ``Special Place of Scenic Beauty.''

``Motsuji Gokusui no en'' is held on the fourth Sunday of May every year. You can see the poets dressed in Heian period costumes floating their sake cups in the water flowing in the garden and reciting waka poems in time with the flow.

Motsuji Temple

58 Osawa, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture

● Hiraizumi Town Loop Bus Runrun or Ichinoseki Maezawa Line

Get off at “Motsuji” bus stop

★ Official website