Located on the Pacific coast in the northern
Tohoku Region of Japan's main island,
Iwate Prefecture boasts abundant marine
products, rugged coastline, scenic
mountains, outdoor activities, splendid
historical buildings and more!
The Fujiwara Clan ruled over the area during the 11th and 12th centuries,
making Hiraizumi the center of the Tohoku region for almost 100 years.
Today, Hiraizumi is home to many historic and cultural properties that showcase
the clan at the height of their prosperity.
Chusonji Temple
Chusonji Temple was built in 850 as a temple for the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. Set amongst ancient
trees on the mountainside, this is one of Hiraizumi's most popular historical sites. The temple reached
the height of its popularity during the Fujiwara Clan's reign, but at the end of the 12th century it
suffered along with the fall of the Fujiwara. Today, only two buildings from that era remain.
Of the surviving buildings, the 'Konjikido' (Golden Hall) is the more attractive and has been
designated a National Treasure. The interior and exterior are elaborately decorated with gold lacquer
and studded with gold, silver and mother of pearl. Hiraizumi's founder, Fujiwara Kiyohira, ordered
construction of the hall which took 15 years to complete. It was finally completed in 1124 and there
have been several renovations since then.
Considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art, it is said that the Golden Hall was seen by Chinese merchants who traded with the Fujiwara Clan.
Gold production flourished in Japan at that time, but not in China so alluvial gold was traded as currency. The rumor of the "gold of Hiraizumi"
was spread as the "gold of Japan" by those
merchants in China. Later on, it reached a
merchant from the Venetian Republic, Marco
Polo. He introduced Japan as the Golden
Land "Zipangu" in his famous travel book,
"Il Milione", published in the 13th century.
In addition to those from the Fujiwara period,
Chusonji has a number of other interesting
buildings. The main functions of the temple
take place in the 'Hondo' (Main Hall), and
the Treasure Hall has some more interesting
artifacts. The noh theatre stage is also worth
a visit.
Motsuji Temple
Temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The revered priest, Ennin, founded the temple in 850. The
compound once consisted of several buildings, many of which were donated by the second and third
Fujiwara lords. At the height of the Fujiwara's reign, Motsuji had 40 pagodas and 500 monasteries,
making it the largest temple in northern Japan during the 12th century. Some say that, at the time, it
surpassed Chusonji in both size and significance. Unfortunately, it met the same fate as Chusonji
when the Fujiwara's fortune fell. Today, little remains of Motsuji's former glory as most of the
buildings have been destroyed by fire. However, the foundations of the original temples and the
'Jodo-teien' surrounding Oizumi Pond remain intact and have been painstakingly preserved.
The 'Jodo-teien' is an important feature of Motsuji Temple as it is one of Japan's few remaining
'Pure Land' Gardens. Popular during the Heian Period (794-1185), this garden style seeks to
replicate the Buddhist concept of the 'Pure Land' or paradise. As with all gardens of this style,
'Jodo-teien' centers around a large pond. A leisurely stroll around the pond is one of the best
ways to enjoy the garden. Along the way, sign posts indicate the sites of former buildings.
These foundations help visitors picture the temple complex at the height of its popularity. While
walking around this garden, the famous haiku poet, Basho, even felt inspired to compose one
of his most famous poems in which he ponders glory's impermanence.
In addition to the garden and original foundations, the complex has some other interesting
buildings for visitors to explore. These include the 'Hondo', or Main Hall; the Cultural Assets
Repository, a museum displaying Motsuji's historical and cultural artifacts; and the 'Kaizando',
a commemorative building for Ennin and the three Fujiwara lords who governed Hiraizumi.
Surrounded by scenic mountains, Appi Resort offers a wide variety of activities all year round, from top rated ski resorts to expansive golf courses.
Located in Hachimantai City, in the northwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, the
Appi Kogen (Highland) centers around Mt. Appi and features a world class ski
resort, golf course and gorgeous natural scenery. Together, the Hachimantai
Plateau and Appi Plateau make up the Ou Mountain Range that runs along the
borders of Akita and Iwate Prefectures. As part of Towada-Hachimantai
National Park, the Appi Highland is like a huge nature museum where visitors
can enjoy beautiful forests of white birch, beech and Betula ermanii. Seasonal
alpine flora includes wild spring blossoms and colorful autumn foliage.
A wide variety of outdoor activities await in the highland, such as skiing,
golf, tennis, hiking and mountain biking. One of the most popular ski resorts in the Tohoku region is
Appi Ski Resort - a large scale alpine facility covering
282 ha. with 21 different terrains catering to all levels of
skiers and snowboarders. Courses are linked by road and
lifts with most slopes facing the north side for optimum
snow conditions. Night skiing facilities are also available.
Additionally, Appi's well known 'Aspirin snow' (light
and fluffy flakes) allows skiers and snowboarders to enjoy
a longer season from December through May.
Appi Kogen Golf Resort is another highlight for guests to
experience. The vast 36 hole course skillfully utilizes the
natural topography and is highly regarded by top pro-golfers. The area around Appi Resort was named
one of the top 100 forests in Japan and features
magnificent forests of beech and virgin Aomori pine.
Strolling through the lush landscape is the perfect escape
during the warm summer months.
After taking in the gorgeous scenery, visitors can relax at
the Hotel Appi Grand. This popular yellow hotel blends
in with the seasons' changing colors and is a landmark of
Appi Resort. With such a variety of outdoor activities,
visitors can enjoy the Appi Highland all year round.
Located in rustic areas, nestled among the mountains and highlands, there are several popular hot springs to choose from in Iwate.
'Oshuku Onsen', in Shizukuishi town, gets its
unique name from a wounded nightingale that
was healed after bathing in the spa waters. This
hot spring is nestled among the mountains and
is famed for its beauty. In the southern part of
the prefecture, well known 'Hanamaki
Onsenkyo' (Hot Springs) is located along the
Toyosawa River and features nine different hot
springs including Hanamaki, Dai and Osawa.
The local area is famous for its variety of
outdoor activities, such as golf, skiing,
tennis, cycling, camping and hiking.
Relaxing in a variety of natural hot springs
is the perfect end to a busy day.
'Hachimantai Onsenkyo' (Hot Springs) is
home to 'Matsukawa Onsen', surrounded
by Matsukawa Gorge's thick forest of
beech and oak, offers relaxing baths in a
rustic surrounding.
Located on the Pacific coast in the northern
Tohoku Region of Japan's main island,
Iwate Prefecture boasts abundant marine
products, rugged coastline, scenic
mountains, outdoor activities, splendid
historical buildings and more!
Chusonji Temple
Chusonji Temple was built in 850 as a temple for the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. Set amongst ancient
trees on the mountainside, this is one of Hiraizumi's most popular historical sites. The temple reached
the height of its popularity during the Fujiwara Clan's reign, but at the end of the 12th century it
suffered along with the fall of the Fujiwara. Today, only two buildings from that era remain.
Of the surviving buildings, the 'Konjikido' (Golden Hall) is the more attractive and has been
designated a National Treasure. The interior and exterior are elaborately decorated with gold lacquer
and studded with gold, silver and mother of pearl. Hiraizumi's founder, Fujiwara Kiyohira, ordered
construction of the hall which took 15 years to complete. It was finally completed in 1124 and there
have been several renovations since then.
Considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art, it is said that the Golden Hall was seen by Chinese merchants who traded with the Fujiwara Clan.
Gold production flourished in Japan at that time, but not in China so alluvial gold was traded as currency. The rumor of the "gold of Hiraizumi"
was spread as the "gold of Japan" by those
merchants in China. Later on, it reached a
merchant from the Venetian Republic, Marco
Polo. He introduced Japan as the Golden
Land "Zipangu" in his famous travel book,
"Il Milione", published in the 13th century.
In addition to those from the Fujiwara period,
Chusonji has a number of other interesting
buildings. The main functions of the temple
take place in the 'Hondo' (Main Hall), and
the Treasure Hall has some more interesting
artifacts. The noh theatre stage is also worth
a visit.
Temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The revered priest, Ennin, founded the temple in 850. The
compound once consisted of several buildings, many of which were donated by the second and third
Fujiwara lords. At the height of the Fujiwara's reign, Motsuji had 40 pagodas and 500 monasteries,
making it the largest temple in northern Japan during the 12th century. Some say that, at the time, it
surpassed Chusonji in both size and significance. Unfortunately, it met the same fate as Chusonji
when the Fujiwara's fortune fell. Today, little remains of Motsuji's former glory as most of the
buildings have been destroyed by fire. However, the foundations of the original temples and the
'Jodo-teien' surrounding Oizumi Pond remain intact and have been painstakingly preserved.
The 'Jodo-teien' is an important feature of Motsuji Temple as it is one of Japan's few remaining
'Pure Land' Gardens. Popular during the Heian Period (794-1185), this garden style seeks to
replicate the Buddhist concept of the 'Pure Land' or paradise. As with all gardens of this style,
'Jodo-teien' centers around a large pond. A leisurely stroll around the pond is one of the best
ways to enjoy the garden. Along the way, sign posts indicate the sites of former buildings.
These foundations help visitors picture the temple complex at the height of its popularity. While
walking around this garden, the famous haiku poet, Basho, even felt inspired to compose one
of his most famous poems in which he ponders glory's impermanence.
In addition to the garden and original foundations, the complex has some other interesting
buildings for visitors to explore. These include the 'Hondo', or Main Hall; the Cultural Assets
Repository, a museum displaying Motsuji's historical and cultural artifacts; and the 'Kaizando',
a commemorative building for Ennin and the three Fujiwara lords who governed Hiraizumi.
Located in Hachimantai City, in the northwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, the
Appi Kogen (Highland) centers around Mt. Appi and features a world class ski
resort, golf course and gorgeous natural scenery. Together, the Hachimantai
Plateau and Appi Plateau make up the Ou Mountain Range that runs along the
borders of Akita and Iwate Prefectures. As part of Towada-Hachimantai
National Park, the Appi Highland is like a huge nature museum where visitors
can enjoy beautiful forests of white birch, beech and Betula ermanii. Seasonal
alpine flora includes wild spring blossoms and colorful autumn foliage.
A wide variety of outdoor activities await in the highland, such as skiing,
golf, tennis, hiking and mountain biking. One of the most popular ski resorts in the Tohoku region is
Appi Ski Resort - a large scale alpine facility covering
282 ha. with 21 different terrains catering to all levels of
skiers and snowboarders. Courses are linked by road and
lifts with most slopes facing the north side for optimum
snow conditions. Night skiing facilities are also available.
Additionally, Appi's well known 'Aspirin snow' (light
and fluffy flakes) allows skiers and snowboarders to enjoy
a longer season from December through May.
Appi Kogen Golf Resort is another highlight for guests to
experience. The vast 36 hole course skillfully utilizes the
natural topography and is highly regarded by top pro-golfers. The area around Appi Resort was named
one of the top 100 forests in Japan and features
magnificent forests of beech and virgin Aomori pine.
Strolling through the lush landscape is the perfect escape
during the warm summer months.
After taking in the gorgeous scenery, visitors can relax at
the Hotel Appi Grand. This popular yellow hotel blends
in with the seasons' changing colors and is a landmark of
Appi Resort. With such a variety of outdoor activities,
visitors can enjoy the Appi Highland all year round.
'Oshuku Onsen', in Shizukuishi town, gets its
unique name from a wounded nightingale that
was healed after bathing in the spa waters. This
hot spring is nestled among the mountains and
is famed for its beauty. In the southern part of
the prefecture, well known 'Hanamaki
Onsenkyo' (Hot Springs) is located along the
Toyosawa River and features nine different hot
springs including Hanamaki, Dai and Osawa.
The local area is famous for its variety of
outdoor activities, such as golf, skiing,
tennis, cycling, camping and hiking.
Relaxing in a variety of natural hot springs
is the perfect end to a busy day.
'Hachimantai Onsenkyo' (Hot Springs) is
home to 'Matsukawa Onsen', surrounded
by Matsukawa Gorge's thick forest of
beech and oak, offers relaxing baths in a
rustic surrounding.
