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Motsu-ji temple

Discovering the Thousand Year Old Mōtsū-ji Temple

In the smallest municipality of Iwate Prefecture in Japan, surrounded by the Katami Mountains and nestled in a basin, lies the picturesque town of  Hiraizumi. The historic town was a part of ancient Mutsu Province and was the home of the Hiraizumi Fujiwaras (a Japanese noble family who ruled the Tōhoku region) for some one hundred years in the late Heian era through the Kamakura period. Hiraizumi is noted for being home to several historic monuments and sites, and has been part of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. One of the more popular places to visit in Hiraizumi is the Buddhist temple Mōtsū-ji, over a thousand years old.Motsu-ji temple

Mōtsū-ji temple

Mōtsū-ji was built in 850 CE and is the base of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The temple’s structure was made in the architectural style typical of the golden age of Hiraizumi. There were initially over forty buildings in the area constructed using precious materials such as metals and quality timber. It also had around 500 monasteries where monks had their ascetic training. However, a fire during the 13th century and ensuing wars over the years caused devastating destruction, and all that were left of the once flourishing town are the now preserved remnants of the glory days.

Pure land garden, Motsuji templeThe pure land garden of Mōtsū-ji temple

Now, the Mōtsū-ji temple is composed of the Main Hall that enshrines the principal image of the Buddha, the Jogyo-do that houses Buddhist monks in training, and the Jodo Teien (Pure Land Garden). The Jodo Teien has a pond known as Oizumi-ga-ike symbolizing the Buddhist Land of Happiness or the magnificent land of the afterlife. The Oizumi-ga-ike is preserved almost as it was some 800 years ago. The pond is filled with blossoming flowers at some times of the year and is a sight to behold. Various festivals are held all year round for visitors to enjoy.

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Read all about Japanese immersion learning and studying abroad. Check out our eZasshi archives for more articles!