Hiraizumi Full Day Tour

In the early 12th century, as Kyoto thrived as Japan's leading metropolis, the northern city of Hiraizumi emerged as a significant seat of power for an influential samurai clan. This once-vibrant enclave was adorned with temples and palaces, later lost to war by the century's end. On this full-day tour, explore the remnants of Hiraizumi with a private guide and uncover the treasures that have endured over the centuries. Highlights include visiting a rare "pure land" garden, a golden temple, and experiencing the serene waterside scenery of a famed river gorge.

The tour begins at 8:00 AM with a private guide meeting you at your hotel in Sendai. After taking the shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station, you’ll travel by taxi to Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The first stop is Motsu-ji Temple Garden, a rare example of a "pure land" garden designed to evoke a Buddhist paradise, with a large serene pond and a circular walking path. Though many original temple buildings no longer remain, the garden's tranquil beauty endures. Next, visit Chuson-ji Temple, nestled within a dense cedar forest, where you'll find the Konjikido hall, a breathtaking golden Buddhist altar, possibly the legendary "palace of gold" Marco Polo once heard about.

After lunch, the tour continues with a taxi ride to Geibikei Gorge for a unique boat cruise through breathtaking river scenery. The gorge, with its towering rock walls, forested slopes, and calm waters, is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The boat ride offers a distinctive experience as passengers sit on mats on the wooden floor while the boatmen perform traditional folk songs. After soaking in the serene beauty of northern Japan’s landscape, the tour concludes with a return trip by taxi and shinkansen to Sendai, where you’ll part ways with your guide.