September Itinerary Idea Day 3 (Iwate Prefecture Day 1    AM)

Table of contents

Introduction

1. Ruins of Muryokoin

2. Chusonji Temple (Konjikido (Golden Hall) , Main Hall)

3. Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

4. Kinkeisan

5. Kanjizaiō-in ruins

6. Motsuji Temple

7. Takkoku no Iwaya

8. Genbikei

9. Hiraizumi Station

10. Head to Ichinoseki

Introduction

We will visit the Chusonji Temple and Konjikido of Hiraizumi, which are both World Heritage Sites and National Treasures. I think it is more efficient to rent a bicycle around Hiraizumi Station. If we go to Takkoku no Iwaya (about 6km from Hiraizumi Station) or Genbikei (about 9km from Hiraizumi Station), there is a distance, so I think we should rent an electrically power assisted bicycle.

The time required below is an approximate time for a rental cycle. After arriving at JR Hiraizumi Station, it will start around 9:00 AM.

If we don’t go to Takkoku no Iwaya or Genbikei Gorge, we can go around sightseeing spots without a rental cycle by taking the patrol bus “Runrun” from Hiraizumi Station. The one-day ticket is Yen 450. However, from April 17th to November 7th, 2021, it operates only on weekends and holidays.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/index.html

1. Ruins of Muryokoin

(about 5 minutes by bicycle from Hiraizumi Station)

From Sendai to Hiraizumi

It is a world heritage site of the temple ruins built by Mr. Fujiwara Hidehira.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/heritage/index.html#about_muryo

2. Chusonji Temple (Konjikido (Golden Hall) , Main Hall)

(Approximately 10 minutes by bicycle from the site of Ruins of Muryokoin)

Chusonji Konjikido is the only one that has survived since the 12th century. Konjikido is the only national treasure in Iwate prefecture. Chusonji is a World Heritage Site.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/heritage/index.html#about_chusonji

3. Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

(Approximately 5 minutes by bicycle from Chusonji Temple)

This facility introduces Hiraizumi in an easy-to-understand manner. Admission is free.

4. Kinkeisan

(Approximately 5 minutes by bicycle from Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center)

It is a mountain of faith of Ohshu Fujiwara. It is a World Heritage Site.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/archive/sightseeing/kinkei.html

5. Kanjizaiō-in ruins

(Approximately 5 minutes by bicycle from Kinkeizan)

It is a temple ruin and is a World Heritage Site.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/archive/sightseeing/kanji.html

6. Motsuji Temple

(Approximately 1 minute by bicycle from the ruins of Kanjizaiōin)

The cathedral ruins are left in good condition. It is a World Heritage Site.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/archive/sightseeing/motsuji.html

7. Takkoku no Iwaya

(Approximately 30 minutes by bicycle from Motsuji Temple)

It is a rock cave where Shogun Sakanoue Tamura Maro enshrined Bishamonten.

https://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/archive/sightseeing/takkoku.html

8. Genbikei

(Approximately 10 minutes by bicycle from Takkoku no Iwaya)

It is a national scenic natural monument.

The specialty of Genbikei is the “Cuckoo Dango” from the Cuckoo shop. The dumplings and tea come down the rope in the basket. 2021 is scheduled to open until the end of November.

9. Hiraizumi Station

(Approximately 40 minutes by bicycle from Genbikei)

The route that goes around Hiraizumi, Takkoku no Iwaya, and Genbikei in three and a half hours must be hurried, but I think we can manage to go around. Those who want to take a leisurely trip may need to remove Takkoku no Iwaya and Genbikei Gorge. Next time, if I have a chance to go on a trip, I will try the route I suggested.

10. head to Ichinoseki

From Hiraizumi to Ichinoseki

Lunch

At Ichinoseki, we can eat “Hattozen” at “Kuramoto Restaurant Sekinoichi” (a 10-minute walk from JR Ichinoseki Station).

“Hatto” is also known as “Hittsumi” and is a local dish of Iwate prefecture.

“Kuramoto Restaurant Sekinoichi” is posted on the “Iwate Prefecture Tourism Portal Site”, and I thought it was a very attractive restaurant that also makes sake and craft beer.

https://sekinoichi.co.jp/

Regular holidays: Irregular holidays, January-March regular holidays are Tuesdays. September is an irregular holiday, so you should check in advance.

If “Kuramoto Restaurant Sekinoichi” is closed, we will eat “Hatto” in Hiraizumi. In Hiraizumi, it seems that you can eat “Hatto” at “Yumenokaze” and “Restaurant Hanamizuki”.

If we want to have lunch in Hiraizumi, please take a bus to Geibikei from Hiraizumi station square at 13:00 and arrive at Geibikei at 13:35 (ticket 700 yen). Alternatively, move at JR Hiraizumi Station at 14:07, JR Ichinoseki Station at 14:14, transfer at JR Ichinoseki Station at 14:17, and JR Geibikei Station at 14:46. However, the bus will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from April 17th to November 7th, 2021.

(Note: The departure / arrival times and fares for transportation listed in the text are as of the time of writing the BLOG. They may change in the future, so please check for yourself when you go on a trip.)