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At this stage of my life as a Japan traveler, it takes so much to cease me in my tracks. I go to dozens of latest locations per yr, and whereas I get pleasure from virtually 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 a couple of 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.
The excellent news? I liked Hiraizumi a lot that I’ve returned a number of instances—and, as is commonly the case once I discover Japan, in a number of seasons. The higher information? My information to issues to do in Hiraizumi is now extra complete than ever.
The best way to Get to Hiraizumi
Earlier than I get into the small print of my Hiraizumi itinerary, I wished to cowl somethings extra foundational: The best way 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, regardless that there are restricted bus providers. It is because a lot of the magic on this city is in random sights alongside the roads, somewhat than the “points of interest” themselves (regardless that these are unbelievable, as you’ll see shortly). Do notice that for the reason that JR Tohoku Line doesn’t come usually, you will have to be considerably methodical about how you intend your sightseeing.
My Favourite Issues to Do in Hiraizumi
Begin at Chuson-ji
Situated up a hillside staircase that takes you thru a dramatic pine forest, Chuson-ji is a kind of locations that thrills me earlier than I even get to the principle corridor—or halls, somewhat, 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 onerous to not really feel transported again in time.
TIP: If you happen to’re right here in autumn, I extremely advocate coming after evening has fallen as a way to see the temple lit-up. It’s much more lovely on this context!
Go the scenic route
Certainly, the stroll southward from Chuson-ji to Motsu-ji actually does really feel such as you’re a minimum of 100 years again in time, with so lots of the homes, temples and different buildings you discover en route so spartan (in a great way) and untouched by fashionable affect, a theme I’ve tried to hold by way of this Hiraizumi journey weblog the place it’s been potential.
Benefit from the greenery at Motsu-ji
Though there are some season seasonal timber on the positioning of Motsu-ji, which is even older than Chuson-ji, the principle shade right here is inexperienced. The grounds are completely coated in twisted Japanese pine timber, 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 specific time. A few of it, notably when the cherry blossoms are in bloom (or, should you can’t are available April, the autumn colours) begin to change, has a timeless really feel, as should you might think about individuals centuries in the past having fun with the identical spectacle as you’re.
And the autumn colours
The one factor I might consider as I walked again to Hiraizumi Station was how intensely I wished to go to once more some day. And so I did! Particularly, I got here again the next autumn, and made a degree not solely of exploring the city middle, however of driving simply outdoors it to the superlative Takkoku-no-Iwaya “cliff temple.”
Ought to You Keep In a single day in Hiraizumi?
I’ll be trustworthy: If I might do it yet again—or, extra precisely, once I do it once more sooner or later sooner or later—I’d like to remain in a single day in Hiraizumi. Whereas not crucial, given how accessible the city is from different locations in Japan, doing so would actually enable me to take issues in at a relaxed tempo, and dig a lot deeper into the traditional ambiance on supply throughout.
If you happen to do resolve that you just discover Hiraizumi price visiting for an in a single day keep, I might advocate 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 identified for?
Hiraizumi is understood for its wealthy heritage, when it was an essential base for Japanese Samurai preventing 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 popularity in any respect amongst vacationers.
The best way to get round Hiraizumi?
Though there’s a native bus service that connects main points of interest in Hiraizumi, your greatest guess 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 the easiest way to get round.
What number of days do you want in Hiraizumi?
Most individuals (myself included) decide to see Hiraizumi on a day journey from Sendai or Morioka. Nevertheless, should you do resolve to remain in a single day (assuming, in different phrases, that you could get a room at one of many few lodging right here), I might counsel staying only one evening right here.
The Backside Line
Interested in what to do in Hiraizumi? Indubitably, this small city in Iwate has been certainly one of my most nice Japan journey surprises ever. Whether or not due to points of interest like Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji temples, or the traditional vibe of the city middle, Hiraizumi is among the best-preserved (and, a minimum of for now, least touristic) historic locations you’ll be able to go to in Japan. It’s particularly beautiful within the spring and autumn although, like most of Tohoku, stuns at mainly any time of yr. Need personalised assist incorporating Hiraizumi into your Japan journey? Fee a customized Japan itinerary at this time!
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