Travel Guide Hiraizumi

This small, unassuming town had its moment of glory, when it was the capital of the Fujiwara family for a century, from 1089 to 1189. At that time, Hiraizumi was not afraid to compete with Kyōto. At the beginning, the city was only a small fort resisting the attacks of the Ainu. After 1094, it became the stronghold of the Fujiwara (Oshū family). Thanks to the gold extracted from the mines, the Fujiwara were able to build the monastery of Chūson-ji, of which only two superb buildings remain. As Yoshitsune Minamoto had taken refuge with them, Yoritomo Minamoto attacked the city in 1189, exterminated them and razed the city to the ground. Hiraizumi is a Unesco World Heritage candidate. Do not miss to visit the temples if you can.