Buddhist temple
Mōtsū-ji
毛越寺（もうつうじ）
Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture
A bekkaku honzan (special head temple) of the Tendai school in Hiraizumi, enshrining Yakushi Nyorai in its main hall. It is known for its Pure Land garden centered on the pond Ōizumigaike, and holds a double designation as a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Yakushi Nyorai
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said to have begun in Kashō 3 (850) when Jikaku Daishi Ennin, guided by the hair of a white deer, built a hall at the revelation of Yakushi Nyorai, who appeared in the form of an old man. Many buildings were constructed in the time of Motohira and Hidehira of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, but they were later lost in disasters, and in Heisei 1 a main hall in the Heian style was built.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 毛越寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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