Hiraizumi Private Half-Day Tour: Chusonji, Motsuji & Local Temples

Summary

Discover Hiraizumi’s World Heritage Sites with a Local Guide

You’ll walk through ancient temples, peaceful gardens, and hillside shrines—all with stories brought to life by your local guide. This half-day tour lets you see Hiraizumi’s best spots at your own pace and gives you those small moments (like warm manju on a chilly morning) that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Hiraizumi feels different—maybe it’s the way the morning mist hangs over the hills or how quiet it gets as you walk up toward Chusonji Temple. Our guide, Mr. Sato, met us right by the station and led us through narrow lanes dotted with little shops selling manju buns. He pointed out how even the street signs here have gold accents, a nod to the famous Konjiki-do—a small gilded Amida hall that really glows when sunlight hits it just right. You’ll want to pause at the Sankozo Treasure House too; inside, three huge wooden Buddhas seem to watch your every move, and there’s this “Thousand Arms” Kannon statue that’s taller than most people I know.

We wandered next to Motsuji Temple. The original buildings are mostly gone now—just some old stones left—but what you get instead is this wide, peaceful garden wrapped around a pond. Our guide explained how monks designed it to look like the Buddhist Pure Land. There was barely anyone else around except for a couple of locals walking their dogs and an old man sweeping leaves off the path. If you’re into history, don’t skip Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Temple either. It’s built right into a cliff wall and feels almost hidden away from time itself. We ended up chatting with a local vendor outside who sold us sweet rice crackers—he said he’s been here since before the last big snowstorm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hiraizumi Temples and Museums

• Visit Chusonji Temple and Konjiki-do
• Explore Motsuji Temple and Gardens
• See ruins of Kanjizaio-in and Muryoko-in
• Visit Mt. Kinkei historic site
• Tour Sankozo Treasure House Museum
• View Outdoor Noh Stage at Hakusan Shrine
• Visit Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Temple

Top questions

Can I choose which sites we visit during the tour?

Yes, just let us know your must-see spots from our list when booking—we’ll tailor the route for you.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people using wheelchairs?

Absolutely! The whole route is wheelchair accessible and prams are fine too. It’s easy-going for all ages.

How do we meet our guide?

Your guide will meet you on foot within Hiraizumi town—usually near the station or another central spot.

Are entrance fees included?

No, entrance fees aren’t included but your guide can help arrange tickets on site if needed.

What’s included

You get a government-licensed English-speaking local guide who knows Hiraizumi inside out. The tour is fully customizable—you pick 2–3 sites from our list (like Chusonji Temple or Motsuji). We meet up on foot in town; everything is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Service animals are welcome too!