Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 12, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get there from JR Hiraizumi Station?
About 7 minutes' walk from JR Hiraizumi Station, so it is easy to reach. The Hiraizumi town loop bus Runrun is also available. By car it is about 10 minutes from Hiraizumi-Maesawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Other (1)
Can I get a goshuin stamp?
Goshuin are available at Motsuji; please ask at the sutra office or temple office. Please see the official website or call 0191-46-2331 for details.
Nearby information (1)
Can I visit Chusonji as well?
Chusonji is about 20 minutes' walk from Motsuji. Both are component parts of the Hiraizumi World Cultural Heritage site. Going from Motsuji to Chusonji, on foot or by bus, is the efficient order.
Opening hours (1)
What are the visiting hours?
8:30-17:00 in the summer period (5 March to 4 November) and 8:30-16:30 in winter (5 November to 4 March), open all year round.
Seasons / Events (2)
When are the irises at their best?
The iris garden of about 30 ares around Oizumigaike grows 30,000 plants of 300 varieties, and the Iris Festival is usually held from mid to late June, when the temple draws especially large numbers of visitors.
Are there New Year events such as the temple bell?
The bell is rung on New Year's Eve. Motsuji is open all year round, so you can visit over the New Year period; please see the official website for details of events.
Time needed (1)
How long should I allow?
About 30-40 minutes to walk once round the Pure Land garden, or 1 to 1.5 hours to see the main hall, the Jogyodo and the rest at leisure.
Prices (1)
How much is admission?
Adults 700 yen, high school students 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen. The temple is open all year round.
Facilities and equipment (1)
Is there anywhere to leave luggage?
There are free coin lockers near the entrance, so you can visit without worrying about large bags.
Highlights (1)
What are the highlights of Motsuji?
The greatest is the Pure Land garden with Oizumigaike pond, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Centred on a large pond, it preserves Heian-period garden design, and is especially beautiful with about 30,000 irises in spring and the autumn colours. The reconstructed main hall and Jogyodo hall also stand in the grounds.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
There is a paid car park. Please check the rates when you visit.
Other (6)
How much is admission?
Adults 700 yen, high school students 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen.
When is it closed?
Open all year round.
What are the opening hours?
5 March to 4 November 8:30-17:00; 5 November to 4 March 8:30-16:30.
How do I get there?
About 7 minutes' walk from JR Hiraizumi Station. About 10 minutes by car from Hiraizumi-Maesawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway, or about 5 minutes from Hiraizumi Smart IC (ETC only).
What is the address?
Osawa 58, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.