Hiraizumi 2019: Chusonji Temple (中尊寺)

My second and final piece of sightseeing in Hiraizumi was at Chusonji Temple. Chusonji is Hiraizumi’s most popular attraction and like the rest of the city it was mostly destroyed in 1189. The temple is up on a wooded hill and once I reached the base I started my hike up to the top. On the way up the trail I passed a number of smaller shrines and there was also a spot where you could look out on the town below.

Before reaching the end of the trail I stopped at Chusonji’s Hondo (main hall). Rituals and ceremonies at Chusonji Temple are normally performed here and photography was allowed inside so I can give you a glimpse of the interior.

At the end of the trail is what everyone comes to Chusonji to see: the Konjikido. This is one of the few temple buildings that survived the destruction of Hiraizumi and it’s completely covered in gold. Photography of the Konjikido is strictly prohibited and the photo above of the building that houses the Konjikido is the closest I could get to it without breaking the temple rules. If you’re curious, I’d suggest looking up the Konjikido on Google Images. There are several photos of the Konjikido that you can find there.

Once I was done viewing the Konjikido I looked around Chusonji for a couple more minutes and then began my hike down the hill. I then made my way to Hiraizumi Station to begin the ride back to Sendai. The next day would bring more day trips that I’ll be featuring next week.