Chūson-ji, Buddhist temple in Hiraizumi, Japan
Chūson-ji is a Buddhist temple complex on the forested Kanzan hill in Hiraizumi that includes several religious buildings connected by paths covering about one kilometer. The grounds sit within dense forest of cedar and other trees, with each shrine and hall having its own character.
The monk Ennin founded the site in 850 as a small monastery. Fujiwara no Kiyohira expanded it into a major religious center starting in 1095 and commissioned the golden hall in 1124 to demonstrate his clan's power.
The name Chūson means middle temple and refers to its position between two other sacred mountains in the region. Visitors today see Buddhist monks performing ceremonies and find small prayer halls along the forest paths still used for religious rituals.
The complex opens daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with adjusted hours in winter. Visitors reach the temple by bus or on foot from Hiraizumi Station and should bring sturdy shoes for the forest paths.
The golden hall preserves three mummified bodies of Fujiwara clan leaders in separate altars. This burial practice was uncommon during the Heian period and shows the special status the family held in the region.
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