Temples and Shrines in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Chuson-ji

Hiraizumi, Iwate

Opens in 18 min

Goshuin

Chūsonji is a Tendai temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate, serving as the sect’s Tōhoku head temple. Traditionally founded in 850 by Ennin (also attributed to Fujiwara no Kiyohira in 1095), it is part of the 2011 UNESCO Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.

Why you should go

Visit during autumn foliage season to see the temple grounds transformed into a living painting with spectacular maple colors, but arrive on weekdays or early mornings if possible to enjoy the scenery in relative tranquility despite this being a...
Explore beyond the Golden Hall to discover other historical treasures including Benkei-do Hall, the Main Hall, and the oldest Noh theater stage in Tohoku at Hakusan Shrine, all located within the expansive temple complex.
Try the local specialty wanko soba at restaurants along the Tsukimizaka approach path on your way back down, making your visit a complete cultural experience combining history, nature, and regional cuisine.

Iwate Gokoku

Morioka, Iwate

1 Goshuin

Iwate Gokoku is a solemn Shinto shrine in Morioka, Iwate, adjacent to Morioka Hachimangu. It is associated with remembrance of war dead and offers a quiet, reflective atmosphere. The shrine’s modest grounds make it a peaceful stop near central Morioka.

13-2 Hachimanchō, Morioka, Iwate 020-0872, JapanWebsite +81 19-652-5211

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Stone torii gate framing a tree-lined path to the Iwate Gokoku temple building.

Shrine

Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

1 Goshuin

A Shinto shrine on Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido, near the ropeway summit. It is a small mountaintop shrine linked to Sarutahiko worship and a scenic stop for visitors enjoying panoramic views over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay.

Why you should go

Locate and rub the nose of the Tengu statue (called 'Hanade Tengu-san') near the shrine, as this is a popular wish-granting ritual specific to this location.
Arrive at the shrine via the ropeway early in the morning or on weekdays to experience the mountaintop shrine in relative solitude, as most visitors come for the daytime views and night scenery rather than the spiritual site itself.
Take photos of the illuminated torii gates and shrine approach at night, as the lighting creates a notably different and more atmospheric scene than daytime visits.

2 Chome Tenguyama, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0012, JapanWebsite +81 134-33-7381

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Shrine

Iwate Prefecture

Cities & Wards

Hiraizumi

Morioka

Top places to visit in Iwate Prefecture

Chuson-ji

Why you should go

Iwate Prefecture throughout the year

Iwate Gokoku

Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

Why you should go

Cities & Wards

Hiraizumi

Morioka

Top places to visit in Iwate Prefecture

Chuson-ji

Why you should go

Iwate Prefecture throughout the year

Explore More Prefectures

Iwate Gokoku

Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

Why you should go