平泉自転車旅の後編！中尊寺から観自在王院跡→毛越寺～Hiraizumi 4-hour sightseeing guide (Part2)～
Leaving Chuson-ji Temple, we’re heading toward Motsu-ji Temple. And right away — a steep uphill climb! So glad I chose an electric bike! There are plenty of spots to stop by and peaceful scenery along the way. Few cars here — it’s such a pleasant cycling route. On the left is our third World Heritage Site, Kanjizaio-in Ruins — a quiet hidden gem. There are no buildings left now, just a tranquil garden. Our fourth stop is Motsu-ji Temple, right next to the ruins. The leaves were just starting to turn red. There’s a bike parking area immediately to the right after entering. This is one of Hiraizumi’s most important temples. Its main highlight is the Jodo Garden. It embodies the Buddhist idea of bringing paradise to this world. It may look like a relaxing park on a sunny day… But eating and drinking are not allowed — please remember that! It’s one of the most popular spots in Hiraizumi, so there were many visitors. Now we can see the main hall ahead. It was developed by the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period. At its peak, there were said to be over 40 temple buildings and 500 monks’ quarters. It truly was the “Mount Hiei of the Tohoku region.” Though most buildings are gone today, The Jodo Garden remains largely in its original form — that’s the real charm. Amazing that it’s still preserved as it was. Beyond the main hall spreads the beautiful Jodo Garden. The “Chujuryu-seki” stones symbolize rocky shores and are a key feature of the garden. The grand view centered on Oizumi Pond is simply breathtaking. This garden was designed to represent the Buddhist Pure Land of Paradise. The artificial hill symbolizes cliffs along the coastline. I can’t help but imagine the grand temple complex that once stood here… And how people in those days saw the same scenery I’m seeing now. Just strolling around the pond makes you feel the romance of history. It really stirs the imagination. Cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall— In winter, snow adds a touch of quiet beauty. Each season brings its own charm. Motsu-ji also preserves ancient Heian-era ceremonies. The most famous is the “Kyokusui-no-En” held every June. People float sake cups down a stream while composing poems — a graceful Heian ritual. If we did that today, It might turn into a “coffee cup floating event” instead! The “Yarimizu” waterway channels mountain water into the pond. It’s designed to represent a gently winding river flowing through a valley. The leaves, just starting to change color, were beautiful. Even with many tourists, there’s a peaceful calm here. The garden of Motsu-ji is a designated Special Historic Site and Scenic Beauty. It’s rare to have both titles — a true national treasure. That alone proves how precious and beautiful this place is. It’s a must-visit spot among Hiraizumi’s World Heritage sites. You can fully enjoy the garden in about 30 to 40 minutes. From here, you can also see the Kanjizaio-in Ruins we visited earlier. Looks like we’re back near the entrance. There’s a teahouse inside the temple grounds. After walking in the heat, it’s time for a little break — rest is part of the journey! I had matcha shaved ice — it was absolutely delicious! Having enjoyed both the World Heritage sites and the shaved ice, it’s time to head back to the station. Motsu-ji is only about a 2–3 minute ride from the station. Today we explored the World Heritage town of Hiraizumi by bike — all in about 4 hours. Thanks for watching until the end!
レンタサイクルで巡る平泉の旅、後半です🚲
中尊寺を参拝したあと、平泉のもうひとつの庭園跡「観自在王院跡」へ。
そして池泉回遊式庭園で知られる「毛越寺」まで足をのばしました。
「観自在王院跡」は静かな池と芝生が広がり、平安時代の栄華をしのばせる落ち着いたスポットで、観光客も少なくのんびりと過ごせます。
「毛越寺」は大泉が池を中心にした池泉回遊式庭園が有名で、四季折々の景色を楽しめる平泉を代表する寺院です。
特に池に映る堂宇や庭園の眺めは、どこか平安時代にタイムスリップしたような感覚を与えてくれます。
自転車での移動だからこそ、平泉の街並みや自然も含めて一度に楽しめるのが魅力。
徒歩より効率的で、車よりもゆったりとした目線で回れる「ちょうどいい旅」の形です。
後半は少し静かで落ち着いた雰囲気のスポットを中心にご紹介しています。
ぜひのんびりした気分で、平泉サイクリングの続きをお楽しみください✨
【毛越寺】
拝観時間：8:30～17:00
※11月5日～3月4日は8:30～16:30
拝観料：大人700円、高校生400円、小・中学生200円
https://www.motsuji.or.jp/index.html
前編はこちら⇒https://youtu.be/_Jd2hdLykAs
平泉観光におすすめホテル⇒https://youtu.be/vjPVugSootc
＃岩手県 ＃平泉 ＃世界遺産 ＃観自在王院跡 ＃毛越寺 ＃レンタサイクル ＃４時間
This is the second half of our Hiraizumi rental bicycle tour. 🚲
After visiting Chusonji Temple, we headed to Kanjizaio-in Temple, another former garden site in Hiraizumi.
We then extended our trip to Motsu-ji Temple, known for its strolling pond garden.
Kanjizaio-in Temple, with its tranquil pond and expansive lawns, is a tranquil spot evocative of the splendor of the Heian period, and with few tourists, it’s a great place to relax.
Motsu-ji Temple is famous for its strolling pond garden centered around Oizumi Pond, and is a representative temple of Hiraizumi, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
The view of the temples and garden reflected in the pond in particular makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the Heian period.
Traveling by bicycle allows you to enjoy both Hiraizumi’s cityscape and its natural beauty all at once.
It’s more efficient than walking and more leisurely than driving, making it the perfect way to travel.
This second half of the tour focuses on quieter, more tranquil spots.
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the rest of your Hiraizumi cycling adventure! ✨
[Motsuji Temple]
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
*8:30 AM – 4:30 PM from November 5th to March 4th
Admission Fee: ¥700 for Adults, ¥400 for High School Students, ¥200 for Elementary and Middle School Students
https://www.motsuji.or.jp/index.html
#IwatePrefecture #Hiraizumi #WorldHeritage #Kanjizaio-inRuins #MotsujiTemple #RentalBicycle #4Hours