Hiraizumi (Iwate)

Hiraizumi (Japanese平泉 町, -chō ) is a town in the district Nishiiwai in Iwate Prefecture in Japan.

History

The Ōshū - Fujiwara had been one of the most powerful families in Japan since the mid- seventh century. They dominated the region about 1000-1200 Tohoku ( northern Japan ) and selected the city Hiraizumi their residence, from where they could govern relatively undisturbed by the central power in Heian - kyō. Hiraizumi was already due to the proximity to the holy mountain kanzan time as the religious center of the region and possessed a strategic location.

Pretty soon after the election of the city flourished. Archaeological excavations late eighties / early nineties promoted the remains of a large castle, probably the residence of the third prince of Hiraizumi, as well as many temples to light. Also, they found many clay bowls, called Kawarake, and even Chinese porcelain, more than anywhere else in Japan. Except in Kyoto and Hakata At that time, Hiraizumi had a total population of 100,000-150,000 people and was therefore one of the largest cities in Japan. Then lived in Japan about 10 million people and the capital of Heian - kyō 160000-300000 For comparison.

The city owed ​​its great wealth thus stimulate trade relations with the rest of Japan and also in the north, to the Ainu on Hokkaido and even up to Sakhalin and the nearby mainland. So you purchased from Hokkaido sea lions and bear skins, gold soaps and seaweed. Trade brought but for the Ainu also great cultural changes, because by the iron pots which they import, they gave their own pottery on.

The city of Hiraizumi went along with the ruling family of Fujiwara under in 1189. Only the main temple remained, the rest of the city was razed to the ground. The trade lasted, however, continued even after the demise Hiraizumis. Today there by then Hiraizumi next to the temples only this municipality of the same name.

In June 2011, the temples, gardens and archaeological sites by UNESCO was declared a World Heritage Site.

Attractions

Although over time fell into disrepair many former palaces, Hiraizumi home nevertheless some important structures which cultural property of Japan, including many Buddhist temples. The most famous is the Chuson -ji (中 尊 寺) in the mountains with the mausoleum of the Ōshū Fujiwara, the magnificent, consisting of gold leaf and mother of pearl, Golden Hall (金色 堂, Konjikidō ).

Down in the Sea of ​​Hiraizumi ehemalingen, built in the style of the Heian period temple of the Fujiwara is obtained. On the south side there is the Motsu -ji (毛 越 寺).

Scenic attractive is the Geibiki gorge with the river Satetsu.

Adjacent Cities and Towns

• ōshū
• Ichinoseki