Hiraizumi is a beautiful old temple district in Iwate Prefecture. Home to Chusonji and dating from the year 850 there are a large number of lovely old wooden temples and religious artifacts. The area is listed as World Heritage and well worth a visit on your travels through northern Japan.

The area is accessed by a walk (uphill) through some beautiful old trees, and passes by some nice old buildings before reaching the main temple, called Chusonji after 10-15 minutes or so.

Visitors are welcome to enter the main hall (shoes off!) and quietly observe the gold buddha statue and other displays inside.

Autumn at Hiraizumi Temple

The Hiraizumi temple complex contains dozens of buildings, scattered around beautiful old trees and arranged gardens.

Visiting at any time of year would be enjoyable just from the cultural experience and sights, but autumn has a very nice vibe too with brilliant red momiji (maples) and a range of other trees planted throughout the area. There are a few ponds too which reflect brilliantly in calm weather.

We will be staying in Ichinoseki and visiting Hiraizumi as part of my upcoming Japan photography workshop. The trip runs from October 23-November 1 2025 and it would be great to have you join us 🙂

If you’d like to read a little more about the history and what there is to see at Hiraizumi/Chusonji take a look at their official website.