Hiraizumi Town, located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is part of Nishiiwai District. It is an ancient town rich in historical and cultural heritage.
Hiraizumi is most well-known for having flourished as the stronghold of the Northern Fujiwara clan during the late Heian period. At its peak, it developed into a grand city second only to Heian-kyō (Kyoto).
Under the rule of the Fujiwara clan, Hiraizumi became a center of religion and the arts. Even today, visitors can experience the splendor of that era through well-preserved historical sites such as Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji. The Golden Hall (Konjikidō) of Chūson-ji and the Pure Land Garden of Mōtsū-ji are not only symbols of Japanese culture but are also treasured examples of Buddhist art and architecture.
