Hiraizumi Chuson-ji Temple, a National Treasure in Nishiwai-gun, Iwate, Japan Video Introduction

This video, titled "JG☆☆☆☆☆8K HDR 岩手 平泉中尊寺の紅葉(国宝,世界遺産) Iwate, Hiraizumi Chusonji Temple in Autumn (World Heritage)" is a PR video for the colorful autumn foliage of Hiraizumi's Chuson-ji Temple in Iwate.

Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi, associated with the Northern Fujiwara clan for three generations, is known as a treasury of Heian art, and Konjikido, which can be seen at 4:47 in the video, is a national treasure. Chuson-ji Temple , where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined, is said to be good for curing illness, prolonging one's life, and curing eye diseases.
We recommend that you bring your red seal book to collect your shuin, and buy a health charm as a souvenir of your visit.

What Kind of Temple Chuson-ji?

Photo：Autumn Leaves at Chuson-ji Temple

Chuson-ji Temple was reportedly built in 850 by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, an eminent monk who studied under Saichō at Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. However, this is unclear, and it is said that the origin of Chuson-ji Temple dates back to the Tahōtō pagodas built by Fujiwara no Kiyohira around the 12th century.

The history of Chuson-ji Temple is described in the "Rakkei Kuyo Ganmon," a work designated an Important Cultural Property.
The mummies of Kiyohira and three of his descendants are enshrined in the National Treasure Konjikido, built by Fujiwara no Kiyohira as his own mausoleum.
It is also famous as one of the best places to view the autumn foliage in Iwate Prefecture.

The Beautiful Autumn Foliage of Chuson-Ji Temple

Source :YouTube screenshot

If you're visiting Chuson-ji Temple, you'll want to take your time to see the National Treasure Konjikido and the grounds of the Special Historic Site.
We also recommend a tour of the main hall at the end of Tsukimizaka (see video at 3:02), and the sutra repository, an important cultural property.

You should also take a look at the East observation platform, Benkei Hall, Jizo Hall, Yakushido Hall, and Amida Hall, which can be seen at 1:07 in the video.
The Fujiwara Festival in spring, Takigi no Noh in summer, the Fujiwara Festival in autumn, the Chrysanthemum Festival (shown at 2:46 in the video), hatsumode, and the Setsubun celebration in February, are also notable events held throughout the year.
Chuson-ji Temple also offers purification ceremonies as well as Buddhist wedding ceremonies.
Chuson-ji Temple is also part of the "Four Temples Pilgrimage" pilgrimage route in the Tohoku region, so you can visit it along with other famous temples such as Motsu-ji Temple.

You can also enjoy the colorful autumn foliage all over the temple grounds during the fall season, as seen in the video.
You can see the approach to the temple dyed in red and yellow at 0:14 in the video, the maple leaves surrounding the Benzaiten at 0:38, and the bright red foliage behind the yellow, white and purple chrysanthemum festival site at 4:36 in the video.

Summary of Autumn Foliage at Chuson-Ji Temple

Photo：Chuson-ji Temple・Bishamon Hall

The video shows the beautiful autumn foliage of Chuson-ji Temple in Iwate Prefecture.
There are many places on the temple ground that are great for taking pictures. Be sure to post them on your Instagram!
The area around Chuson-ji Temple is dotted with accommodations and lunch spots, making it convenient for sightseeing.
If you're planning on visiting Chuson-ji, try to go when the weather is nice so you can get a great view of the beautiful autumn leaves.
If you want to visit Chuson-ji Temple, we recommend using the "Hiraizumi Chuson-ji-go" bus that departs from Sendai.

◆Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi◆
【Address】Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102
【Access】5 minutes by bus from JR Hiraizumi Station
【Telephone】0191-46-2211
【Hours】March 1st to November 3rd : 8:30 to 17:00, November 4th to the end of February : 8:30 to 16:30
【Admission fee】Adults : 800 yen, High school students : 500 yen, Junior High school students : 300 yen, Elementary school students : 200 yen (As of March , 2020)
【Parking 】Available (~400 yen)

【Official Website】Kanzan Chuson-ji Temple［Head Temple in Tohoku of Tendai-shu in Hiraizumi, Iwate］
https://www.chusonji.or.jp/language_en/index.html