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Motsuji Temple

平泉町_達谷窟毘沙門堂

Hiraizumi: Is Japan’s “Kyoto of the North” Worth the Trip?

February 23, 2026 / 100 Landscapes of Japan, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Iwate Prefecture, National Historic Site, Temples & Shrines, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Known as the “Kyoto of the North”, Hiraizumi town (平泉町) once rivaled the imperial capital in splendor, with a refined culture and elegant architecture in the 12th century. Retaining its charm and traces of its former greatness, Hiraizumi has a couple of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Established in the 12th century by the powerful Oshu […]

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Motsuji Temple Pureland Garden Hiraizumi Iwate Japan

Motsu-ji Temple and Japan’s Most Beautiful Pure Land Garden

February 19, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Iwate Prefecture, Temples & Shrines, Tōhoku Region

Step into a world of serene beauty and spiritual harmony at Motsuji Temple (毛越寺), one of Japan’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage sites in Hiraizumi. Once a massive monastic complex rivaling the greatest temples of Kyoto, Motsuji is now world-renowned for its perfectly preserved Pure Land Garden (Jodo Teien). This 12th-century masterpiece represents a Buddhist

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