Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi

These are five UNESCO World heritage sites that are representing the Buddhist pure land, they originate from the 11th and 12th centuries. These spots were made in to world heritage sites in 2011, more spots are tried to be added on to the list but so far they have not been added in yet. The five sights that are on the list are: Chūson-ji Temple, Mōtsū-ji Temple, Kanjizaiō-in former temple sight, Muryōkō-in former Temple former temple sight and Mt. Kinkei.

Chuson-ji Temple
Chuson-ji Temple
This temple of the Fujiwara clan enjoyed 100 unbroken years of prosperity before becoming caught up in war. The Golden Hall, created by Kiyohira, the founder of the Northern Fujiwara clan, is a hidden treasure that illustrates Paradise and prayers for peace.
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Motsu-ji Temple
Motsu-ji Temple
The garden culture of the powerful Northern Fujiwara clan retained through the centuries. Nature and the world of Buddhism is merged into this garden, created in the image of the Buddhism Pure Land. Walk through this tranquil garden and reminisce over the lifestyle of the elegant Heian nobility.
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Kanjizaiō-in Temple
Kanjizaiō-in Temple
A temple built by the wife of Motohira Fujiwara who focused his energies on the reconstruction of Chuson-ji Temple. Excavated in 1976, the garden has been restored to its nearly original appearance. Currently, it is open as a historical park.
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Muryokoin Ruins
Muryokoin Ruins
There was once a gorgeous temple built to resemble Byodo-in Temple of Kyoto, but it burned down with the collapse of the Fujiwaras. Now, only remnants of the temple remain. They have been registered as a World Heritage site as a part of the Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.
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Mt. Kinkei
Mt. Kinkei
Located between Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji Temples, the mountain was the foundation for the building of Hiraizumi. It is worshiped for its sutra mound at the summit. Not only is it a World Heritage site, it is also a national site of scenic beauty.
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