Japan - Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

"Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land (Japan) comprises five sites, including the sacred Mount Kinkeisan. It features vestiges of government offices dating from the 11th and 12th centuries when Hiraizumi was the administrative centre of the northern realm of Japan and rivalled Kyoto. The realm was based on the cosmology of Pure Land Buddhism, which spread to Japan in the 8th century. It represented the pure land of Buddha that people aspire to after death, as well as peace of mind in this life. In combination with indigenous Japanese nature worship and Shintoism, Pure Land Buddhism developed a concept of planning and garden design that was unique to Japan." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1 - Muryokoin-ato

Muryokoin-ato was a very large temple but now a mainly a rice field. Thanks to Kayu of Japan.

Postcard 2 - Kanjizaio in Ato

Kanjizaio used to be temples before, now a park. Ato means ruins in Japanese. Thanks to Kayu of Japan.

Postcard 3 - Mt Kinkeisan
Mount Kinkeisan. Thanks to Kayu of Japan for mailing this postcard from Hiraizumi, Iwate, Japan.

Postcard 4 - Chusonji Temple

Chusonji Temple - one of five sites of Hiraizumi. Nice Nippon Christmas stamp used. Thanks to Kenji-san of Japan.

Postcard 5 - Moutsuji Temple

Moutsuji Temple of Hiraizumi. Thanks to Kenji-san of Japan.