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A pathway flanked by trees and traditional lanterns, leading towards a distant structure. 1
A person standing on a road with a yellow tactile paving strip, holding a booklet, and a water bottle. 2
A group of people standing in front of a monument with steps and a stone structure. 3
A group of people posing in front of a building with a glass entrance. 4
A person standing in front of a traditional building with ornate golden decorations and a wooden structure. 5

Hiraizumi 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

By Japan Guide Agency
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$999 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 6h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Step back into Japan's golden age in Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Iwate, on a relaxed private tour with your own government-licensed guide and private vehicle. Once the capital of the Oshu Fujiwara clan and a centre of Pure Land Buddhism, Hiraizumi is crowned by Chuson-ji and its gold-leafed Konjikido, and by the serene garden of Motsu-ji. Beyond the famous temples, your guide leads you to the cliffside hall of Takkoku no Iwaya, the dramatic boat-ride gorge of Geibikei, the sculpted rapids of Genbikei, and the hilltop hall honouring the hero Yoshitsune. With a private vehicle you link these scattered sites with ease.

Once your reservation is made, your guide will contact you to plan a personalised itinerary. Choose 3 to 4 spots from 'Tour Details' to visit. Not sure where to go? Ask your guide for recommendations. We look forward to showing you Hiraizumi!

  • Maximum 7 participants per tour.
  • If your group includes children, please let us know their number and ages.

Activity location

  • Chuson-ji Temple
    • 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi,
    • 029-4102, Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Chuson-ji Temple
    • 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi,
    • 029-4102, Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Check availability

Van (Up to 7 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Van (Up to 7 Pax)
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
AU$1,073.63 x 1 AdultAU$1,073.63
Total
Price is AU$1,073.63
Until Fri, 14 Aug

Minivan (Up to 4 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Minivan (Up to 4 Pax)
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
AU$1,216.24 x 1 AdultAU$1,216.24
Total
Price is AU$1,216.24
Until Fri, 14 Aug

Regular Car (Up to 2 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Regular Car (Up to 2 Pax)
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
AU$998.82 x 1 AdultAU$998.82
Total
Price is AU$998.82
Until Fri, 14 Aug

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Private vehicle
  • Inclusions
    Customisable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'Itinerary' list.
  • Inclusions
    Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Exclusions
    You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Exclusions
    Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Exclusions
    Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under Itinerary

Know before you book

    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

Activity itinerary

Chuson-ji Temple

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Chuson-ji is the crowning treasure of Hiraizumi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 9th century and expanded by the powerful Oshu Fujiwara clan in the 12th century as a centre of Pure Land Buddhism. Set amid towering cedars on a wooded hillside, its great prize is the Konjikido (Golden Hall), an exquisite gilded mausoleum covered in gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, and lacquer that enshrines the Fujiwara lords. The atmospheric approach and treasure hall make it the highlight of any visit to Hiraizumi.

Motsu-ji Temple

  • 1h
Motsu-ji is renowned for having Japan's finest surviving Pure Land (Jodo) garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that recreates the Buddhist vision of paradise on earth. Centred on a large, serene pond ringed by carefully placed stones, islands, and a meandering stream, the garden was laid out in the 12th century beside a once-vast temple complex. Though the original halls are gone, the tranquil grounds and seasonal flowers, especially the summer irises, make it a peaceful counterpart to nearby Chuson-ji.

Kanjizaioin Ruins

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
Kanjizaio-in Ato is the tranquil site of a 12th-century temple and Pure Land garden built by the wife of the second Oshu Fujiwara lord, now a UNESCO World Heritage component. While the original halls are long gone, the carefully restored pond garden survives, its still water, gentle islands, and lawns evoking the Buddhist paradise the Fujiwara sought to recreate. Adjacent to Motsu-ji, it is a peaceful, uncrowded spot to imagine Hiraizumi's golden age.

Chuson-ji Temple Benkeido

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
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?

Sankozo

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
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.

Hakusan Shrine

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
Other buildings are a 19th century thatched Outdoor Noh Stage (Nohgakudo) next to the Hakusan Shrine.

Motsu-ji Temple

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
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).

Takkoku no Iwaya

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo is a dramatic temple hall built into a natural rock cave at the foot of a cliff, a short drive from central Hiraizumi. Founded according to legend in 801 by the general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro to enshrine Bishamonten in thanks for victory, the vermilion hall nestles strikingly against the dark rock face. Nearby a large Buddha figure is carved into the cliff itself, making this an atmospheric and lesser-known stop steeped in early history.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Chuson-ji Temple
    • 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi,
    • 029-4102, Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Chuson-ji Temple
    • 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi,
    • 029-4102, Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

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