Hiraizumi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

5.0
(2 reviews)

6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English Speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Hiraizumi area!

Nestled in the mountains of southern Iwate is Hiraizumi, an ancient city that once rivaled Kyoto for its beauty and elegant surroundings. This was the capital of the Northern Fujiwara lands, an independent country that briefly flowered in the late 1100s. Today, you can see the remnants of that once-beautiful city while enjoying the gorges and other scenic beauty of southern Iwate.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

What's Included

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Hiraizumi
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private transportation
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 2

    Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    Hiraizumi town is known for the Konjiki-do at Chusonji temple, a small gilded amida hall. The town is called the capital of Buddhism. Many temples influenced by the pure land philosophy are spotted in the town as well as many historic sites. The World Heritage consists of 5 sites; Chusonji temple, Motsuji temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkei. All of the five sites constitute the land of Perfect Bliss. There are many other valuable temples and ruins besides World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Why don’t you come and see the land of Perfect Bliss?

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 5

    The Sankozo (Treasure House) Museum, a little up the hill to the left, is not to be missed and has over 3,000 exhibits. Three, large impressive wooden, gilded statues of the Buddha greet the visitor on entry and another highlight is a stunning 1.74m-tall image of a "Thousand Arms" Kannon - the goddess of mercy.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 6

    Other buildings are a 19th century thatched Outdoor Noh Stage (Nohgakudo) next to the Hakusan Shrine.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 7

    Hiraizumi's other main sight is Motsuji Temple (Tel: 0191 46 2331) known for its beautiful strolling gardens. Like Chusonji, Motsuji is believed to have been founded by the priest Ennin in the 9th century. Most of the buildings are no longer standing except for a few foundation stones, but the exquisite, tranquil Jodo teien Heian garden with its large pond is beautifully preserved. There is a small museum to the left of the main entrance with images of Motsuji's fascinating festivals (see below).

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 8

    Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Temple is a grand old temple built into a cliff rock wall approximately 1,200 years ago, and it also happens to be the next destination on your action packed day trip. The temple was built in the Heian period as a way of honoring the ruling government’s victory over the local indigenous population of the north, called the Emishi. Whilst the original look of the structure has been lost to time, it has nonetheless been rebuilt as an impressive structure in its own right, and a wonderful place to spend the afternoon and get lost in a little slice of Japanese history.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Japan Guide Agency
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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5.0 Based on 2 2 reviews
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