⛩️ Mōtsūji Temple毛越寺（もぅつうじ）

Mōtsū-ji, designated as both a "Special Historic Site" and a "Special Scenic Spot" by the government, preserves numerous relics from the Heian period, including the foundational stones of Buddhist architecture. It is said that at its peak, the temple housed 40 halls and pagodas along with 500 monks, making its scale nearly surpass that of Chūson-ji. The Pure Land garden is preserved almost perfectly, allowing visitors to feel as though they have stepped into a world from 800 years ago. The Pure Land garden of Mōtsū-ji, which presents the world of Buddha in the human realm, is considered a representative work of the Pure Land-style garden. It was constructed by the second generation of the Kiyohira family and completed by the third generation, Sukehiro. At the center of the garden is the "Ōizumi Pond," which features a central island shaped like a magatama (curved jewel). The remains of the bridge piers that once connected to the island are preserved and currently displayed in the treasure museum. The "Shubō," representing a beautiful coastline, is designed to resemble a cliff, while the "Dekizumi Stone Group and the Standing Stone in the Pond" depict the tumultuous waves of the coast; everywhere you look, you can see the techniques of garden design integrated with the natural landscape. Additionally, the waterway (the channel that brings water into the pond) of Mōtsū-ji is the only remaining structure from the Heian period and is extremely rare in Japan. Against this waterway, the "Kurayami no En" (Banquet of the Curved Water) is held every year. This so-called "Kurayami no En" allows sake cups to float on the water, accompanied by the flowing water as participants recite poems and songs, reflecting the elegant singing games of the Heian period. Characters dressed in Heian period attire lead us back to ancient times.

Audio guides are available for rent at locations such as the Sanmon gate of 毛越寺 (Mōtsūji) in Hiraizumi Town, with a rental fee of 500 yen. From mid-April to early November, there are staff members providing guided tours in front of the Sanmon gate of 毛越寺 (Mōtsūji). The tour lasts about 40 minutes (paid, reservation required). The "毛越寺菖蒲節" (Mōtsūji Iris Festival) is held every year from June to July, showcasing 300 varieties and 30,000 irises in full bloom. Special御朱印 (goshuin) can be obtained at the four temple corridor of 毛越寺 (Mōtsūji), 中尊寺 (Chūson-ji), 立石寺 (Risshaku-ji), and 瑞巖寺 (Zuisen-ji), which have connections to Bashō and Ennin. Zen meditation, sutra copying, and dharma talks are available (reservation required).