Temples and Shrines in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Chuson-ji

Hiraizumi, Iwate

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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.

Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4195, Japan

Hazanono

Open now

Hanazono Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in central Shinjuku, Tokyo, founded in the mid17th century and long regarded as the guardian shrine of the district. Tucked behind modern buildings, it is known for seasonal festivals, cherry blossoms, and a lively...

Why you should go

Plan around festival dates if you prefer a lively atmosphere: Hanazono Shrine is known for seasonal festivals and its annual Tori-no-Ichi market.
Visit during cherry blossom season if you want shrine scenery with sakura; it's specifically noted as a popular time here.
Hanazono Shrine was founded in the mid-17th century and has long served as Shinjuku district's guardian shrine.

5-chōme-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, JapanWebsite +81332095265

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Shrine

Shiba Daijingu

Open now

1 Goshuin

Shiba Daijingu (Shiba Shinmeigu) is a Shinto shrine in Minato, Tokyo, founded in 1005 and dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami and Toyouke Ōmikami, linked to Ise Grand Shrine. Rebuilt after 1945, it hosts the September Daradara Matsuri and a historic ginger fair.

1 Chome-12-7 Shibadaimon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0012, JapanWebsite +81334314802

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Shrine

Iwate Prefecture

Cities & Wards

Hiraizumi

Top places to visit in Iwate Prefecture

Chuson-ji

Why you should go

Hazanono

Why you should go

Shiba Daijingu

Cities & Wards

Hiraizumi

Top places to visit in Iwate Prefecture

Chuson-ji

Why you should go

Hazanono

Why you should go

Shiba Daijingu

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