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Nov. 29, Tue. 0:30 - 1:00 (UTC) etc.
"HIRAIZUMI: Iwate - Pref."
- Paradise of peace -
- At Konjiki-do, Prof. Nobuo Irumada introduces the World Heritage site of Hiraizumi
- Sunset at the site of Muryoko-in
- "Hidehira-nuri" lacquerware
Hiraizumi lies 450 kms north of Tokyo, in Iwate Prefecture. Because its ancient sites have unique religious significance, they were recognized in 2011 as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
During its heyday in the 12th century, Hiraizumi was the only place in Japan comparable with the imperial capital, Heiankyo (modern-day Kyoto). The rulers of Hiraizumi built temples and palaces and laid out formal gardens to create as an earthly representation of the Buddhist ideas of the Pure Land paradise, reflecting the religious beliefs that developed as the teachings of Buddhism introduced from China melded with the ancient indigenous traditions of nature worship.
The one building that, above all others, symbolizes Hiraizumi's ancient heritage is the golden worship hall of Konjikido. The entire structure, apart from the roof, is covered with gold leaf inside and out and the interior is elaborately decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay and makie lacquerwork. A masterpiece of 12th century architecture, the Konjikido represents the Pure Land paradise, which a Buddhist sutra describes as gleaming brilliantly like gold.
The garden of Motsuji Temple also reflects the religious beliefs of the time. The pond represents the sea, jutting rock formations simulate rugged coastlines, and round pebbles evoke a sandy beach. This style of garden had a significant impact on Japanese landscape gardening.
The temple of Muryoko-in was built so that its central axis ran east-west, directly toward the peak of Kinkeisan, a mountain due west of the city. This also symbolized the Pure Land, which was thought to lie in the far west, the direction of the setting sun.
The Hiraizumi area is also home to various arts and crafts, such as handmade washi paper and lacquerware which carries on a tradition dating back to the 12th century.
Traveler: Julian Carl Crocker (English language instructor)
Access Map
Access:
Hiraizumi lies about 450 kilometers north of Tokyo. From Tokyo, it takes 2 hours 20 minutes by Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train to Hachinohe and then by local train.
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This episode reminds me of Tetsuwan DASH. It's too bad nobody is sharing that show :(