Top Things to do in Hiraizumi-cho
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Things to do in Hiraizumi-cho, Tohoku: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Hiraizumi-cho, Japan including Motsu-ji Temple, Takadachi Gikeido, Yanagi no Gosho Site, Kanjizaioin Ruins, Site of Muryoko-in.
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1. Motsu-ji Temple
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Special Historical Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty The garden represents the Pure Land Buddhist world and beauty of Japan. The temple garden of Motsu-ji has been doubly recognized as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, a tribute to its extraordinary cultural value. The temple itself, like Chuson-ji, is said to have been established in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi, third head abbot of the Tendai sect.) Building began here in the twelfth century, during the time of Fujiwara no Motohira, and was completed by his son, Hidehira. At its peak, Motsu-ji was home to more than forty halls and pagodas, and more than five hundred monks' quarters. Its main hall, Enryu-ji, was considered "without peer in all the land" by medieval sources. The garden is centered on a pond known as Oizumigaike, an exemplar of the elegance of Heian era gardening technique.
