Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondô Hiraizumi Japan
Takkoku no Iwaya stands about six kilometers outside of central Hiraizumi.
Close to farm land and tranquil setting.
here is a bus that connects Hiraizumi Station with the temple, could also rent cycles and walk if you wish to in the local village road.
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon Hall was established in 801 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.
He built the hall to thank the god of war, Bishamon, after defeating his enemy Akuro Takamaro.
Japan Trip - Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall (Hiraizumi)
1200 years of history
(Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. )
【English】All about Hiraizumi #66 Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo is along the road from Motsu-ji to Genbikei Gorge. According to legend, the infamous Akuro-o had his fortress in this cavern. Sakanoue no Tamuramaro defeated Akuro-o on the Imperial orders of Emperor Kanmu and in 801, he commissioned a Bishamon Hall to be built across this cavern to commemorate his victory. It is said that when it was first built, 108 images of Bishamonten were enshrined there.
To the west of the Bishamon Hall, there is a Buddha figure carved on the rock face. It is said to have been carved by lord Minamoto Yoshiie to mourn for those who lost their lives in the Former Nine Years' and Latter Three Years' wars. It is one of the five largest Buddha figures and the northernmost one carved on a rock face in Japan.
The Benten Hall and the Gamagaike Pond are in front of the Bishamon Hall. There is a legend told about this place. One day, Jikaku Daishi Ennin found an island swimming in the pond. He realised that it was a god of poverty in the shape of a five coloured gama (toad). To prevent the gama from causing any mischief, he used it as a central island and built a Benten Hall on top, enshrining an image of Benzaiten he had carved himself. Since then, this pond has been called the Gamagaike (Toad Pond).
A new Benten Hall has been commissioned and on December 20th the 'Greeting the New Year Benten Festival' will be held there.
Takkoku no Iwaya is a place of many legends. Why don't you come and see the places that are associated with the legends for yourself?
Photographed: November 2013
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Best Attractions and Places to See in Hiraizumi cho, Japan
Hiraizumi-cho Travel Guide. MUST WATCH. Top things you have to do in Hiraizumi-cho. We have sorted Tourist Attractions in Hiraizumi-cho for You. Discover Hiraizumi-cho as per the Traveler Resources given by our Travel Specialists. You will not miss any fun thing to do in Hiraizumi-cho.
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List of Best Things to do in Hiraizumi-cho
Konjiki-do
Chuson-ji Temple
Takkoku no Iwaya
Motsuji Temple
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
Hiraizumicho Cyclic Bus Runrun
Hakusan Shrine
Takadachi Gikeido
Kyu Oi-do
Michi-no-Eki Hiraizumi
【English】All about Hiraizumi #68 Japan's earliest New Year
At the end of November, the making of the shimenawa (twisted sacred straw ropes) was held at Gokusho, Takkoku no Iwaya. Although it is a little early, every year around this time, the town folk gather to prepare for the greeting of the New Year. They say the technique to twist the shimenawa is passed down only by observing how the senior members do it. It took them 2 days to complete the shimenawa for dedication.
Spiritual barriers made of bamboo grass called 'kekkai' are set up to prevent impurity from intruding into the precinct. They are tied before the sunrise of November 23rd as part of the New Year ceremony.
Why are the preparations for greeting the New Year held so early at Takkoku no Iwaya? At Takkoku no Iwaya, the New Year Greeting Festival of Bishamon-sama is held on December 2nd as the first of all services for the New Year. It is said that this is the earliest 'New Year' celebrated in Japan. All the deities enshrined here greet their own individual New Year within December so Takkoku no Iwaya celebrates New Year twice along with January 1st.
Why don't you visit Takkoku no Iwaya, a rare place that greets the New Year twice?
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Motsuji Temple, Hiraizumi City, Tohoku Region, Japan
Motsuji Temple is located in Hiraizumi city in Tohoku Region. Hirizumi city is near the big cities like Sendai and Fukushima (North of Sendai City). The historic sites at Hiraizumi city have been recently been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This temple was originally built during Heian era in the late ninth century but was rebuilt again in the late 1200s. This was the main temple for one of the ruling Fujiwara families. Once a very large temple, now most of the old buildings have been burned down to the ground but you can see the locations of the most of these buildings around the main temple.
The highlight of this temple is the large garden and pond that is next to the main worship hall.
Enjoy!!!
【English】All About Hiraizumi#7 Takkoku no Iwaya has a long history
Broadcasted on May 27th, 2015
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo is said to have been built by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the Barbarian-conquering Great General, nearly 1200 years ago, long time before the era of Oshu Fujiwara family. Although the hall was destroyed by repeated fires, many cultural assets such as Buddhist statues including principal image of Bishamondo and historical documents still remain.
To the west of Bishamondo, Ganmen Daibutsu (Rock-carved Buddha) created on the surface of 33-meter rock is said to have been carved by Lord Minamoto no Yoshiie to console the dead in wars regardless of friend or enemy.
Benten Hall is the hall in which Benzai-ten made by Jikaku Daishi Ennin is enshrined.
In Himemachi Fudo Hall, Fudo Myoou made during the latter part of Heian period is enshrined. This statue was moved here in 1789.Kondo was built with a traditional method of construction and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai (Healing Buddha) made of sacred wood.
At present, the Belfry in Takkoku no Iwaya is being dismantled and repaired. In the past, the Belfry constructed in 1615 was repaired several times, but it is the first time to repair with excavation survey. There may be valuable discovery.
The bell called Ryuko-sho which was hung in the Belfry is being placed at a side of the approach during the period of repairs. It is a very beautiful bell with tiger-shaped cannon and a dragon depicted on the body. As visitors usually cannot enter the Belfry, it is rare opportunity. Please look at it closely and touch it.
Why don't you visit the historic site, Takkoku no Iwaya, in this season surrounded with fresh green.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
【English】All About Hiraizumi #34 Preparation for New Year in Takkoku no Iwaya
Broadcasted on December 16th, 2015
Only a few days remain in this year. We will introduce the year-end rites of Takkoku no Iwaya, which is said to be Japan’s earliest New Year ceremony.
In Takkoku no Iwaya, four Buddhas, such as Vaisravana, Kannon (Bodhisattva), Benzaiten and Acala are enshrined. Each deity has their own individual New Year’s Eve, so that they celebrate New Year earlier than we do. This tradition has been passed down even now as the old year-end rites.
In the middle of November when the autumn leaves were still colorful, the preparation for New Year has started in Gokusho, Takkoku no Iwaya. People in the town gathered, and twisted ropes skillfully. The technique has been handed down from generation to generation by townsfolk. Shimenawa ropes were completed with their prayer for a good year.
At the end of November, dusting was conducted with their gratitude to Buddhas for the year. Not only Buddhist instruments, but also all the places in the precinct were cleaned precisely. Cleaning the entire precinct all day long, the preparation for deities to greet New Year were carried out.
December 2nd is New Year’s Eve for Vaisravana, and on that day, shimenawa ropes were decorated on the top of torii gates on the approach to Bishamondo Hall. Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall has the history of 1,200 years since its foundation. The history may be the evidence that it has been worshiped and protected by the people in the region.
The information for the first temple visit in 2016
You can pay a visit to Konjikido Hall (Golden Hall) in Chuson-ji free of charge from 0:00 am to 6:00 am on January 1st. Please come to Hiraizumi for your first temple visit of the year.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
[DOTJPN 2015] The Stone 016 - Around Hiraizumi 2 , Takkoku-no-Iwaya and Genbikel
Following [015], Iwate Prefecture from Hiraizumi. I wind was strong weather is easy to change, it could very mystical experience.
To introduce Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo as a scenic area of the river is surrounded by huge rock Genbikei in this time.
I was was unfortunately taken prohibited in the building of Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo. I just candles are slightly brighten the room in, pretty much decoration shone divinely light of the Buddha. Scent of incense, such as the Himalayan temple even though drifting, and towards the noisiness of the world seemed might be a dream of the world when you close your eyes.
Buddha face that reflected from 1:30 to 1:40 (Ganmen Daibutu) is a whopping 11 century ones. He was also the body originally is not only head now like collapse. It should be protected as early as this kind of thing.
And at the end of the video is to introduce only a little Japanese house in a rural. Even though ordinary house, I like do small Osaka Castle like. And I have here and there a lot. This can not be seen easily in Tokyo! And Kawaii girl like no different from schoolgirl Shibuya has very surprised to see that go back to the house.
So, next time also I introduce the various places from Tokyo suburbs!
-LonelyPlanet, Japan(13th edition), NORTHERN HONSHU(TOHOKU) pp494-5
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[ Video and editing / iphone6 :D ]
Hiraizumi Temple Japan
Hiraizumi is a land has historical significant to the people of Japan and also mainly for the buddhist followers .
This land is dedicated as Pure buddhist land.
【English】All about Hiraizumi #36 Hiraizumi witnessed by Sugae Masumi
Sugae Masumi, a travelogue writer of the late Edo period, recorded his experiences and local folklore in his diaries. He wrote about Hiraizumi in three of his travelogues; 'Kasumu Komagata', 'Hashiwa no Wakaba' and 'Yuki no Isawabe'. He first visited Hiraizumi in 1786 to watch the Hatsukayasai Festival at Motsu-ji and later he described it in 'Kasumu Komagata':
In the Jogyozanmai-ku service, the priests stood up and walked around the central altar while reciting sutras, creating a majestic sound. The dancers of the Dengaku-mai (an ancient rustic, rice-planting dance) wore large hats made of walnut bark, golden-yellow kimono with wide sleeves, and carried narrow drums that looked like the lids of pails.
He also describes other performances in detail making his books an invaluable source for understanding that time.
A few days after watching Hatsukayasai he visited Takkoku no Iwaya and wrote in 'Kasumu Komagata':
The hall, on high staging, was commissioned by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and enshrines 108 images of Bishamonten. On the cliff beside the hall, there is a large image of Buddha, said to have been carved by Minamoto no Yoshiie.
Takkoku no Iwaya is mentioned again in the travelogue 'Hashiwa no Wakaba' which also contains a description of the Hatsu-uma no Matsuri (festival celebrating the first day of the horse in February) that Masumi saw at Hakusan Shrine in Chuson-ji:
On the Hakusan Shrine stage people wearing costumes were dancing Kojitsushiki-sanba. Then the priests gathered and the sarugaku dance began.
This Hatsu-uma no Matsuri is the origin of the Spring Fujiwara Festival that is held today. Many of the scenes that Masumi recorded can still be seen today.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Hiraizumi, Tohoku Japan 東北 平泉
Hiraizumi was an ancient capital of the Tohoku region 1000 years ago. Tohoku contains almost one third of Japan’s total land mass, and at its highest, the population of Hiraizumi was more than 100,000. It means that its size and splendor were equal to Kyoto at that time in history.
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Town of Hiraizumi Iwate
The district has a rich and amazing history, it is also called the pure land Buddhisam
Hiraizumi (Hiraizumi-chō ?) is a town located in Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
Hiraizumi is the smallest municipality in Iwate Prefecture in terms of area. located in a basin in south-central Iwate Prefecture, surrounded by the Kitakami Mountains.
Motsu-ji ( Hiraizumi Town )
( Special historic site; special place of scenic beauty )
Originally established in 850, Motsu-ji flourished during the peaceful Golden Culture which lasted for about a century under Motohira and Hidehira, the second and third lords of the Fujiwara clan. Motsu-ji was one of the most renowned spiritual places in Japan, with over 40 temple buildings, 500 monk residences, and the grand Kondo Enryuji Temple. Regrettably, none of the original structures remain today due to repeated fires; what remain today are sites of foundations, cornerstones, mounds, corridors, gates, and halls, as well as the site of Kondo Enryuji Temple. The Jokodo Hall we see today was rebuilt in 1732. There is a treasure museum with various displays such as Buddhist images, writings, craftwork, equipment used in the Ennen no Mai dance, and excavation data.
The beautiful Heian-style garden is designated as a special place of scenic beauty. In the center of the garden is Oizumi ga Ike Pond, about 10,000 m² in size. This is the only Heian-period structural site in Japan with a remaining yarimizu aqueduct.
Motsuji - Hiraizumi, Iwate, Tohoku, Japan
- Created at TripWow by TravelPod Attractions (a TripAdvisor™ company)
Motsuji Hiraizumi
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- Hiraizumi, Iwate, Tohoku, Japan
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- Motsuji by Trainsnotplanes from a blog titled Motsuji
【English】All about Hiraizumi #64 Autumn colours of Hiraizumi
This was filmed in early November.
Hiraizumi has some of the best places to view autumn leaves in Iwate. Each site is different from the others.
At Chuson-ji, Autumn colours overhang the main approach. The maple leaves glow as if translucent when lit by sunlight. In particular, the approach from the Main Hall to Konjikido is breathtakingly beautiful and many visitors pause to admire the leaves.
Motsu-ji is called 'the temple of flowers' and the Autumn leaves that colour the Pure Land Garden look like flowers. The Oizumigaike Pond reflects the bright leaves and creates a fantastic atmosphere. The vermilion maples beside the Yarimizu (Feeder Stream) remind you of the red umbrellas of the Gokusui no En.
The Autumn colours at Takkoku no Iwaya present a different scene with the trees standing close beside the sheer cliff. Golden-leaved gingko grows by the Ganmen Daibutsu (Rock-carved Buddha) and red maple by the Bishamon Hall. A special scene of history and nature is created, only seen in this season. In the Hakusan-ike Pond a carp looked as though it were swimming among the Autumn leaves.
Being able to enjoy different scenes in different seasons is one of the joys of Hiraizumi.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Chūson ji Temple, Hiraizumi, Japan
Chuson-ji TempleChuson-ji was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), a monk associated with the great monastery.
Golden Hall is an incredible place to reflect on history and pure land of the Buddhist Hiraizumi
【English】All About Hiraizumi#15 Hiraizumi Basho Festival National Haiku Contest
Broadcasted on Juy 16th, 2014
One of the most famous haiku poets, Matsuo Basho visited Hiraizumi during his journey through northern Japan, so-called 'Oku no Hosomichi' (the Narrow Road to the Deep North), it was on July 29th in 1689, 500 years after the fall of Oshu Fujiwara Family.
Basho composed the haike poem at Takadachi where Minamoto no Yoshitsune had died.
'Summer grass 'tis all that's left of ancient warriors' dreams'
It is said that Basho deeply moved and shed tears for the people who lost their lives due to the wars, as the scenery from there didn't show any remains of prosperity Fujiwara Family gained.
Hiraizumi Basho Festival National Haiku Contest was held on June 29th, the day of Basho visiting Hiraizumi.
This year marks the 53rd of this contest and 110 people were attended for the event despite the rain.
In Chuson-ji, where the contest was held, the memorial service for Basho was carried out by the priests of the temples.
Basho Festival Haiku National Contest consists of 2 sections, in the first, attendees submit their haiku in advance from all over Japan, and in the latter section, attendees will submit their haiku on that day.
A few hours before the submission deadline, participants composed haiku by considering Hiraizumi as if they were Basho himself. Since 'Hiraizumi no Hi' (Hiraizumi World Heritage Day) was established this year, it seems that many haiku poems among them submitted on that day were composed by choosing 'Hiraizumi no Hi' as the theme.
And from this year, a lot of pupils from the primary and junior high schools in Iwate prefecture participated in this contest in order to deepening their interest in haiku and Hiraizumi as traditional cultures.
The time for Mizukake Mikoshi, 'Water-splashing Potable Shrine' is coming this year again!!
Mikoshi and its bearers who will parade through Motsu-ji, Chuson-ji and the town must become soaking wet!
Keep splashing the purifying water to the mikoshi! Anyone can use the water in the bucket set along the street.
Please visit Hiraizumi Fan website for the details.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Chusonji Temple （中尊寺）, Hiraizumi City, Japan
Chusonji Temple （中尊寺） is located in the Hiraizumi (平泉) City in the Tohoku Region of northeastern Japan. Hiraizumi city is located north of Sendai and Fukushima cities. Hiraizumi city's historic sites are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This temple was originally built in the ninth century and was a main temple for Fujiwara clan. The surroundings valleys and the scenery is extremely beautiful. This temple is widely visited by the people of the Tohoku region and the surrounding areas.
Enjoy!!!
World Heritage: Hiraizumi | Nippon.com
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On June 25, 2011, the temples and archeological sites of Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture became a World Heritage site—a welcome piece of good news for the Tōhoku region, still reeling from the March 11 disaster.
Music: Ikeda Ayako, Oborozukiyo, (39ERS RECORDS)