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At this stage of my life as a Japan traveler, it takes rather a lot to cease me in my tracks. I go to dozens of recent locations per 12 months, and whereas I get pleasure from nearly all of them, only a few have an effect on me in a big approach.
It was humbling, then, once I stopped in a small city in Iwate prefecture just a few weeks in the past. Notably since I wasn’t anticipating a lot from the few hours I deliberate to spend right here, aside from picture ops at a few temples.
Is Hiraizumi price visiting? Sure, though if I’d recognized how superb it was earlier than I went there, I in all probability wouldn’t have handed by means of fairly as shortly.
Easy methods to Get to Hiraizumi
Earlier than I get into the small print of my Hiraizumi itinerary, I wished to cowl somethings extra foundational: Easy methods to get there! It’s fairly simple, fortunately. You can begin with a Shinkansen, whether or not you’re coming from the south or the north. Particularly, you’ll need to trip the Nasuno (or, relying on the departure, the Hayabusa) to Ichinoseki Station, which is simply 7 minutes from Hiraizumi Station by way of the JR Tohoku Line.
When you arrive in Hiraizumi, it’s greatest to get round on foot, despite the fact that there are restricted bus companies. It’s because a lot of the magic on this city is in random sights alongside the roads, relatively than the “sights” themselves (despite the fact that these are unimaginable, as you’ll see shortly). Do notice that because the JR Tohoku Line doesn’t come usually, you will have to be considerably methodical about how you propose your sightseeing.
My Favourite Issues to Do in Hiraizumi
Begin at Chuson-ji
Positioned up a hillside staircase that takes you thru a dramatic pine forest, Chuson-ji is a type of locations that thrills me earlier than I even get to the principle corridor—or halls, relatively, as a result of there are three. As you discover these ornate buildings, which date again to the Twelfth-century (i.e. the time of the Fujiwara), it’s arduous to not really feel transported again in time.
Go the scenic route
Certainly, the stroll southward from Chuson-ji to Motsu-ji actually does really feel such as you’re no less than 100 years again in time, with so most of the homes, temples and different buildings you discover en route so spartan (in a great way) and untouched by trendy affect, a theme I’ve tried to hold by means of this Hiraizumi journey weblog the place it’s been attainable.
Benefit from the greenery at Motsu-ji
Though there are some season seasonal bushes on the location of Motsu-ji, which is even older than Chuson-ji, the principle coloration right here is inexperienced. The grounds are completely lined in twisted Japanese pine bushes, that are one of many causes I don’t thoughts coming right here on a wet day (which, for many different locations in Japan, does find yourself being a dealbreaker for me).
See the sakura
Which isn’t to say every part that makes Hiraizumi price visiting is rooted in a selected time. A few of it, notably when the cherry blossoms are in bloom (or, when you can’t are available April, the autumn colours) begin to change, has a timeless really feel, as when you might think about individuals centuries in the past having fun with the identical spectacle as you might be.
Plan on coming again
The one factor I might consider as I walked again to Hiraizumi Station was how intensely I need to go to once more some day. When you don’t find yourself taking my recommendation beneath and reserving a room within the city, then it’s best to plan on getting again to Hiraizumi as quickly as attainable. I’ll be sure you replace this put up with extra particulars and insights as soon as I make my subsequent journey!
Ought to You Keep In a single day in Hiraizumi?
I’ll be trustworthy: If I might do it over again—or, extra precisely, once I do it once more in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later—I’d like to remain in a single day in Hiraizumi. Whereas not vital, given how accessible the city is from different locations in Japan, doing so would actually permit me to take issues in at a relaxed tempo, and dig a lot deeper into the traditional ambiance on provide throughout.
When you do resolve that you simply discover Hiraizumi price visiting for an in a single day keep, I’d suggest reserving a room shortly. Not as a result of it’s prone to be crowded with vacationers, thoughts you, however as a result of there aren’t many lodging selections. Locations like Minpaku Hiraizumi and Iris Yu are among the many solely ones, and let’s face it: They simply don’t have huge capability.
Different FAQ About Visiting Hiraizumi
What’s Hiraizumi recognized for?
Hiraizumi is understood for its wealthy heritage, when it was an essential base for Japanese Samurai combating to unify what was then any extraordinarily unruly north. Regardless of how essential it’s, traditionally, it doesn’t actually have a lot of a status in any respect amongst vacationers.
Easy methods to get round Hiraizumi?
Though there’s a native bus service that connects main sights in Hiraizumi, your greatest wager is solely to go most locations on foot. The city is sufficiently small (and, extra to the purpose, is attention-grabbing sufficient in its in-between factors) to make strolling one of the simplest ways to get round.
What number of days do you want in Hiraizumi?
Most individuals (myself included) choose to see Hiraizumi on a day journey from Sendai or Morioka. Nonetheless, when you do resolve to remain in a single day (assuming, in different phrases, that you would be able to get a room at one of many few lodging right here), I’d counsel staying only one night time right here.
The Backside Line
Is Hiraizumi price visiting? Indubitably, this small city in Iwate has been one among my most nice Japan journey surprises ever. Whether or not due to sights like Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji temples, or the traditional vibe of the city middle, Hiraizumi is among the best-preserved (and, no less than for now, least touristic) historic locations you may go to in Japan. It’s particularly beautiful within the spring and autumn although, like most of Tohoku, stuns at mainly any time of 12 months. Need personalised assist incorporating Hiraizumi into your Japan journey? Fee a customized Japan itinerary as we speak!
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