Chusonji Temple

Overview

Chusonji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture. It flourished as the cultural center of Hiraizumi during the late Heian period, built by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, and possesses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, including the iconic Golden Hall. In 2011, it was registered as a World Heritage site as part of "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land." The highlight of Chusonji is undoubtedly the Golden Hall (Konjiki-do). Built as the Amida Hall by Fujiwara Kiyohira, its construction was completed in 1124 (Tenchi-gannen). Its name derives from its interior and exterior being entirely covered in gold leaf. It is currently housed within a reinforced concrete protective structure. The Buddha statues and ornaments housed within are equally magnificent, making the Golden Hall a masterpiece representing the height of Heian-period Buddhist art. Beyond the Golden Hall, the Chusonji temple grounds contain many other historical structures, such as the Sutra Repository, the Hakusan Shrine Noh Stage, and the Sankei-zo storehouse, which bear witness to the prosperity of Hiraizumi in its heyday. Chusonji Temple is a captivating tourist destination offering an immersive experience of history and culture. Be sure to visit and witness the dazzling Golden Hall and the Buddhist culture of the Heian period firsthand.