Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

Overview

The Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center is a must-see before visiting the historical sites such as Chuson-ji Temple and Motsu-ji Temple, which are constituent assets of the World Heritage site, "Hiraizumi — Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land." In the late Heian period, Hiraizumi, developed by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, flourished as a center of culture and art, leaving behind numerous precious cultural heritages. The Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center opened in 2002 with the aim of clearly presenting these cultural heritages and conveying their appeal. The center features rich exhibits that clearly explain the history and culture of Hiraizumi. Using panels, videos, and dioramas, it recreates the atmosphere of Hiraizumi from the Heian to Kamakura periods, allowing visitors to imagine its past glory. Artifacts unearthed during excavation surveys are also displayed, offering a deeper understanding of Hiraizumi's history through historical materials. Particularly noteworthy are the exhibits utilizing the latest technologies. For instance, using a VR (Virtual Reality) scope, you can view recreated images of the Muryokoin ruins, Yanaginomiso ruins, the bustling streets of Motsu-ji Temple, and the appearance of Kinkei-zan Mountain in those days. You can experience Heian-era Hiraizumi as if you had time-traveled. The center also includes a video theater, study rooms, and Japanese-style rooms, making it suitable for various uses. The video theater screens films about the history and culture of Hiraizumi. The study rooms and Japanese-style rooms can be used for meetings, training sessions, and events. If you're interested in the history and culture of Hiraizumi, be sure to visit. The Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center is a valuable resource for a deeper understanding of the World Heritage site "Hiraizumi."