Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage

Hiraizumi’s History

Hiraizumi Related Chronology

749Year 1 of Tenpyō-kanpō eraNara eraTenpyō gold production. Offerings of gold from the land of Michinoku.
If you do not know what to do, you will not be disappointed in a miserable mound.
752Year 4 of Tenpyō-kanpō eraTodai-ji Great Buddha Opening Ceremony
788Year 7 of Enraku eraSaicho, Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji constructed
794Year 13 of Enraku eraHeian eraTransfer of capital to Heian
801Year 20 of Enraku eraVictory by SAKANOUENO Tamauramaro, commander-in-chief of expeditionary force against the barbarians, commemorated, and Baishamon-do Temple constructed at Takkokunoiwaya (according to temple records)
802Year 21 of Enraku eraIsawa Castle established
Takkoku Seiko-ji Temple opened as separate temple from Baishamon-do Temple (according to temple records)
804Year 23 of Enraku eraTransfer of Michinoku base from Taga Castle to Isawa Castle. Visits to Saicho, Kukai.
819Year 10 of Konin eraKongobu-ji Temple constructed in Kukai, Mt. Koya
847Year 14 of Jowa eraEnnin (also known as Jikaku Daishi) returns to Japan from China
850Year 3 of the Kasho eraJikaku Daishi founds Chūson-ji (Kōdaiju-in) and Mōtsū-ji (Kashō-ji)
862Year 4 of Jogan eraKokuseki-ji Yakushi Buddha opened
894Year 6 of Kampyo eraJapanese missions to Tang China halted
935Year 5 of Johei eraRevolt of Johei / Tengyo
Tendai-ji Temple constructed around this time
941Year 4 of TengyoFUJIWARA Hidesato (ancestor of Oshu-Fujiwara clan) attacks TAIRA Masakado
985Year 1 of Kanna eraGenshin writes “Ōjōyōshū”
990Year 1 of Shōryaku eraFUJIWARA Michitaka becomes senior regent.
Regent government by Fujiwara clan begins.
1003Year 5 of Choho eraMURASAKI Shikibu writes “Genji Monogatari” (The Tale of Genji) around this time.
1007Year 4 of Kanko eraFUJIWARA Michinaga erects sutra mound at Mt. Yoshino.
1016Year 5 of Chowa eraFUJIWARA Michinaga becomes regent Heyday of the regency government
This world, I think, is indeed my world. Like the full moon I shine, Uncovered by any cloud.
1028Year 1 of Chogen eraWar with TAIRA Tadatsune (~1031)
1051Year 6 of Eisho eraFormer Nine Years War
MINAMOTO Yoriyoshi becomes the Lord of Mutsu
Pardoned by the state, ABE Yoriyoshi changes name to Yoritoki and implements ceasefire
1052Year 7 of Eisho eraAge of decadence begins
1053Year 1 of Tengi eraFUJIWARA Yorimichi celebrates completion of the Uji Byodo-in Temple’s Ho-o-do (enshrining image of Amitabha)
1056Year 4 of Tengi eraBirth of FUJIWARA Kiyohira
Aku Towa Incident occurs. FUJIWARA Tsunekiyo (Kiyohira’s father) joins Abe.
1059Year 2 of Kohei eraABE Sadato and others overrun the six counties of Oshu and other areas.
Tsunekiyo sent to Shirafu and procures goods.
1062Year 5 of Kohei eraABE Sadato surrenders at Kuriyagawa. Tsunekiyo beheaded. Former Nine Years War ends.
At age 7, Kiyohira is taken by the DEWA Kiyohara family.
1063Year 6 of KoheiKIYOHARA Takenori is appointed Shogun of the Chiju government.
1070Year 2 of Enkyu eraEnkyu battle occurs
1077Year 1 of Joryaku eraEmperor Shirakawa dedicates Hosshō-ji.
1081Year 1 of Eiho eraMINAMOTO Yoshiie becomes Lord of Mutsu.
1083Year 3 of Eiho eraLater Three Years War begins.
1086Year 3 of Otoku eraDuring dispute with Kiyohara’s family, Kiyohira’s wife and child are killed.
1087Year 1 of Kanji eraKiyohira eraDewa Kanazawa-saku surrenders and the Later Three Years War ends.
Kiyohira and Abe take possession of lands and six counties of Oshu.
1091Year 5 of KanjiNovember Kiyohira presents two horses to Regent FUJIWARA Morozane.
1095Year 2 of Kaho eraKiyohira moves to Hiraizumi from Fort Toyota in Esashi (certainly by 1099)
1105Year 2 of Choji eraKiyohira commences construction of Chūson-ji grounds.
Saisho-in and Taho-ji Temples are constructed (according to temple records).
FUJIWARA Motohira is born around this time.
1117Year 5 of Eikyu eraAround this time, Kiyohira has copies made of Issai-kyō Sutra written in gold and silver on dark blue paper
1122Year 3 of Hoan eraKyōzō at Chūson-ji is constructed.
FUJIWARA Hidehira is born around this time.
1124Year 1 of Tenji eraFramework of Konjikidō at Chūson-ji is completed (written in Indian ink on a ridgepole)
1126Year 1 of Daiji eraMarch A service to celebrate completion of “Great Halls and Grounds of Chingokokka” is conducted (“Chūson-ji Kuyo Ganbun”).
1127Year 2 of Daiji eraConflict occurs between Kiyohira and Kokuji over Shindate Shoen.
1128Year 3 of Daiji eraKiyohira appoints JIZAI Borenko to position at Chūson-ji’s Kyōzō.
July Kiyohira dies (age 73).
  Motohira eraAugust Motohira commissions a thousand copies of sutras in gold lettering on dark-blue paper.
1129Year 4 of Daiji eraAfter Kiyohira’s death, Motohira and Koretsune battle over inheritance.
1130Year 5 of Daiji eraMotohira attacks Kodate (perhaps Koretsune) of older brother
1138Year 4 of Hoen eraMotohira commissions a thousand copies of the Lotus Sutra dedicated to his father (Kiyohira) who had passed away.
1144In 1144(the 1rd year of the Ten’yō era)Saigyo visits Hiraizumi around this time.
I was surprised at how many cherry blossoms there were at Mt. Tabashine; Comparable only with Yoshino.
1150Year 6 of Kyuan eraConstruction of Mōtsū-ji and Kanjizaiō-in begins around this time.
1151Year 1 of Nimpei eraRegent FUJIWARA Yorinaga orders an increase in contributions to Motohira.
Motohira shows disapproval of order to increase land taxes on Gokasho.
Two years later, settled through compromise by both parties.
1152Year 2 of Nimbei eraMotohira’s wife (Munetō) dies (according to temple records).
1155Year 2 of Kyuju eraFUJIWARA Yasuhira is born.
1156Year 1 of Hogen eraHogen Rebellion occurs.
1157Year 2 of Hogen eraMotohira dies around this time.
1159Year 1 of Heiji eraHidehira eraHeiji Rebellion occurs. MINAMOTO Yoshitsune is born.
1160Year 1 of Eiryaku eraMINAMOTO Yoshitomo dies in battle, and his son MINAMOTO Yoritomo is banished to Ise.
FUJIWARA Motonari (father-in-law to Hidehira) is banished to Michinoku on the charge as an accomplice because of his kinship.
Hidehira’s daughter (or younger sister), Tokuhime, constructs Shiramizu Amida-do.
1164Year 2 of Chokan eraTaira Kiyomori erects Rengeō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō)
1167Year 2 of Nin’an eraHidehira pays tribute by proxy to a Shinto priest for Karita Horyo Shrine in Otakayama, Shibata-gun
TAIRA Kiyomori becomes Daijo Daijin (chief minister of the government). The heyday of the Taira’s begins (~1184).
1169Year 1 of Kao eraEmperor Go-Shirakawa “Ryōjin Hishō” (Songs to Make the Dust Dance on the Beams)
1170Year 2 of KaoMay Hidehira is conferred to fifth rank and is appointed as Chinjufu Shogun.
1174Year 4 of Joan eraAround this time, MINAMOTO Yoshitsune escapes to Kuruma-dera Temple, then retires to Hiraizumi.
1175Year 1 of Angen eraHidehira has copies of sutras made dedicated to his dead father (Motohira).
1177Year 1 of Jisho eraHidehira and wife construct Amitabha Hall in Kōzō-ji Temple (according to temple records).
1180Year 4 of Jisho eraJanuary TAIRA Shigehira burns Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji Temples
June Transfer of capital to Fukuhara.
MINAMOTO Yoritomo goes to war at Ise.
October Yoshitsune leaves Oshu, meets Yoritomo.
1181Year 1 of Yowa eraIntercalary February TAIRA Kiyomori dies.
August Hidehira is conferred to fifth rank and is appointed as Governor of Mutsu.
1182Year 1 of Juei eraApril Yoritomo conducts the secret rites for Hidehira’s exorcism at Enoshima.
1183Year 2 of JueiJuly KISO Yoshinaka goes to the capital. The Taira clan falls.
1184Year 1 of Genryaku eraFebruary Battle of Ichi-no-Tani. Around this time, Hidehira erects Muryōkō-in.
June Yoritomo presents 1,000 ryo and Hidehira 5,000 ryo as gilding charges for the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji Temple.
1185Year 1 of Bunji eraFebruary Battle of Yashima
March Taira clan falls at Dan-no-ura.
MINAMOTO Yoritomo and Yoshitsune do not allow entrance to Kamakura.
November Yoshitsune leaves Kyoto. Yoshitsune is given an order to leave as punishment.
1186Year 2 of BunjiApril Hidehira cooperates with MINAMOTO Yoritomo and pays tribute to the capital by way of Kamakura.
August Saigyo goes to aid in Hiraizumi for solicitation of funds for gold for Tōdai-ji Temple.
Sometime between autumn of this year and spring of the following year, Yoshitsune arrives in Hiraizumi.
1187Year 3 of Bunji eraOctober Hidehira dies.
1188Year 4 of Bunji era February FUJIWARA Yasuhira and Motonari are ordered to go to Yoshitsune.
October Second imperial order
November Imperial order to arrest Yoshitsune given to governors of Mutsu and Dewa.
1189Year 5 of Bunji eraIntercalary April Yoshitsune commits suicide.
June Yasuhira attacks younger brother IZUMI Saburo Tadahira.
July MINAMOTO Yoritomo leads army advancing to Kamakura.
August Battle of Atsukashiyama FUJIWARA Kunihira dies in battle.
Yoritomo enters Hiraizumi. FUJIWARA Motonari and children surrender.
September Yasuhira is attacked at Nie no saku(Hinai-gun).
Ōshū-Fujiwara clan falls.
Hizume family surrenders.
FUJIWARA Takahira surrenders.
Yoritomo orders protection for temples in Hiraizumi.
December Yoritomo begins construction of Eifuku-ji Temple (in Nikaido).
1190Year 1 of Kenkyu eraJanuary Battle of Okawakaneto occurs in Mutsu and Dewa.
November Yoritomo proceeds to the capital for palace visit.
1192Year 3 of Kenkyu erathe Kamakura periodJuly MINAMOTO Yoritomo becomes Sei-i Tai Shogun (Generalissimo).
1195Year 6 of Kenkyu eraSeptember Yoritomo orders both Oshu Magistrates KASAI Kiyoshige and ISAWA Iekage to repair the Hiraizumi temple tower.
1213Year 1 of Kenpo eraHOJO Masako believes that she sees a ghost in her dreams leading to a resove to repair the Hiraizumi temple tower.
1219Year 1 of Jōkyū eraMINAMOTO Sanetomo is assassinated.
1220Year 2 of Jōkyū eraJien “Gukansho”
1221Year 3 of Jōkyū eraJōkyū War
Hojo Regency established.
1226Year 2 of Karoku eraMōtsū-ji (Enryu-ji and Kashō-ji Temples) is burned.
1274Year 11 of Bun’ei eraMongol invasions of Japan (Battles of Bun’ei and Koan) ~1281
1288Year 1 of Sho’oThe sheltering hall for the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji is constructed by the Kamakura government.
1304Year 2 of KagenThe Kamakura government repairs the Kyōzō at Chūson-ji.
1318Year 2 of Bumpo eraThe “Hone-dera Shoen Diagram” (in Chūson-ji’s Kyōzō collection) is created around this time.
1334Year 1 of Kemmu eraSouthern and Northern DynastiesEmporer Go-daigo, New government of Kemmu
1336Year 3 of KemmuKITABADAKE Akiie in Hiraizumi as Chinjufu Shogun
Transciption of “Chūson-ji Kuyo Ganbun”
1337Year 4 of KemmuGreat halls of Chūson-ji are burned due to wildfires (Chūson-ji Bonshō)
1343Year 2 of Koei eraChūson-ji Bonshō (Buddhist bell) cast.
Benefactor is ISHIDO Yoshifusa, general at Hokucho.
1355Year 4 of Bunwa eraMaizuru of Kanjizaiō-in installs Japanese pagoda (iron tower) on the island in the pond.
1392Year 3 of Meitoku erathe Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periodsUnification of Nanboku-chō (Meitoku Peace Settlement)
1397Year 4 of OeiASHIKAGGA Yoshimitsu erects “Kinkaku” at Rokuon-ji Temple.
1467Year 1 of OninWar of Onin (~77)
1490Year 2 of EntokuGreat halls at Takkoku Saiko-ji are burned (temple records)
1571Year 2 of Genki eraODA Nobunaga, Enryaku-ji Temple burned down
1573Year 4 of Genki eraKanjizaiō-in and Mōtsū-ji Great Halls are lost to fire due to war.
1590Year 18 of Tensho eraTOYOTOMI Hideyoshi unifies nation.
Kasai and Osaki clans collapse under Oshu Shioki (execution)
1591Year 19 of Tensho eraHiraizumi region is ruled by DATA Masamune.
1592Year 1 of Bunroku eraJapanese invasions of Korea (~98).
Great Halls of Takkoku Saiko-ji Temple are burned down in the same year.
1597Year 2 of Keicho eraThe Mōtsū-ji Jōgyō-dō and Hoke-dō are lost to wildfires (temple records).
1598Year 3 of Keicho eraA number of Chūson-ji sutras are removed, including “Issai-kyō Sutra written in gold and silver on dark blue paper.”
1600Year 5 of Keicho eraBattle of Sekigahara
1618Year 4 of Genna erathe Edo periodDATE Masamune surverys historic sites of Hiraizumi.
1641Year 18 of Ken’ei eraLand is surveyed by Sendai Clan (protection of temple territories).
1665Year 5 of Kanbun eraChūson-ji, Mōtsū-ji, Takkoku Saiko-ji, Toei Zanwanei-ji become branch temples.
1683Year 3 of Tenwa eraDATE Tsunamura erects Gikei-do at Takadate.
1689Year 2 of Genroku eraMATSUO Basho visits Hiraizumi (“Oku no Hoso Michi”).
1695Year 8 of Genroku eraDATE Tsunamura orders prohibition of removing foundation stones from Hiraizumi sites.
1699Year 12 of Genroku eraKonjikidō is repaired by Sendai clan.
1701Year 14 of Genroku eraAko incident
1719Year 4 of Kyoho eraSAKUMA Yoshikazu “Ou Kanseki Monroshi”
1728Year 13 of Kyoho eraMōtsū-ji’s Jōgyō-dō is rebuilt.
1730Year 15 of Kyoho eraA grave marker for FUJIWARA Motohira’s wife is erected at the Kanjizaiō-in site.
1760Year 10 of Horeki eraAIHARA Tomonao “Hiraizumi Kyuseki Shi”
1769Year 6 of Meiwa eraPriest Yaryo (nephew of MATSUO Basho), erects “Natsu Kusa” marker (located at main temple at the time).
1772Year 1 of An’ei eraTABAN Marefumi “Honai Fudoki”
1775Year 4 of An’ei eraHiraizumi submits “Fudoki Goyoshoshutu” to Sendai clan.
1780Year 9 of An’ei eraAIHARA Tomonao, “Hiraizumi Zakki.”
1786Year 6 of Temmei eraSUGAE Masumi visits Hiraizumi and records details of the Hatsukayasai Festival (“Kusumu Komagata”).
1808Year 5 of Bunka eraGikeido is rebuilt.
1849Year 2 of Kaei eraHakusan Shrine and Hall of Worship (Noh stage) are lost to fire (rebuilt in 1853).
1868Year 1 of Meiji Era MeijiMeiji Revolution
1870Year 3 of MeijiChūson-ji, Mōtsū-ji, Takkoku Saiko-ji, become directly controlled branch temples of Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple.
1871Year 4 of Meiji eraMay 23 Proclamation by the Grand Council of State on Preservation of Antiquities and Relics
July 14 Abolition of the han system
1875Year 8 of MeijiOctober 17 Merger of villages
Hiraizumi, Takadate and Takkoku become Hiraizumi Village, and Chūson-ji and Togouchi become Kinutome Village.
1876Year 9 of Meiji eraJuly 4 Emperor Meiji tours Tohoku
Imperial visit to Takadate and Chūson-ji
1883Year 16 of Meiji eraJanuary Kinutome divides and is renamed, becoming Chūson-ji and Togouchi villages
1888Year 21 of Meiji eraApril 17 Municipality System proclaimed
TAKAHIRA Mafuji “Hiraizumi Shi”
1889Year 22 of Meiji eraApril 1 Two villages from Higashi-Iwai, Kojima and Osabe merge to become Nagashima, and three from Nishi-Iwai, Chūson-ji, Togouchi and Hiraizumi merge to become Hiraizumi.
1894Year 27 of Meiji eraFirst Sino-Japanese War (~95)
1897Year 30 of Meiji eraJune 10 Law for the Preservation of Old Shrines and Temples proclaimed
December 28 The Konjikidō of Chūson-ji is designated “Building Under Special Protection.”
1900Year 33 of Meiji eraAugust Mōtsū-ji Main Temple constructed
1904Year 37 of Meiji eraRusso-Japanese War (~05)
1909Year 41 of Meiji eraApril 23 The Kyōzō is designated “Building Under Special Protection.”
1909Year 42 of Meiji eraThe Main Hall of Chūson-ji is rebuilt. Arts and crafts of Chūson-ji are surveyed by KURODA Hoshin (Arts and Crafts).
1914Year 3 of Taisho eraTaishoWorld War I (~1918)
1917Year 6 of Taisho eraApril 5 The Sheltering Hall of the Konjikidō is designated “Building Under Special Protection.”
1919Year 8 of Taisho eraApril 10 Historical Spot, Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument Preservation Law proclaimed
1921Year 10 of Taisho eraThe gate of the former Ichinoseki Clan lord Tamura is removed and reconstructed to Mōtsū-ji.
1922Year 11 of Taisho October 12 Site of Shinto shrine on Mōtsū-ji site and Muryōkō-in Ato are designated Historic Sites.
1923Year 12 of Taisho eraGreat Kanto Earthquake
1924Year 13 of Taisho eraThe Office of the Geographer from the Ministry of Home Affairs conducts surveys of Hiraizumi sites. During the same year, the Mōtsū-ji Reiho-date (currently known as Kansando Hall) is constructed.
1925Year 14 of Taisho era800 year anniversary of Shogun FUJIWARA Kiyohira
1929Year 4 of ShowaShowa (pre-war)March 28 Law for the Preservation of National Treasures proclaimed.
July 1 The Konjikidō, Kyōzō, and Sheltering Hall at Chūson-ji are designated National Treasures.
Summer the same year, Tokyo University Professor FUJISHIMA Gaijiro conducts measurement surveys of Hiraizumi sites.
October 24 The Great Depression (~1933)
1930Year 5 of Showa eraExcavation survey of Mōtsū-ji site is conducted at the request of the Preservation Section of The Religions Bureau of the Ministry of Education (the first archaeological survey of Hiraizumi).
The Sutra Mound on Mt. Kinkeisan is excavated (non-academic excavation).
That same year, archaeologist ODASHIMA Rokuro surveys Hiraizumi sites.
1931Year 6 of Showa eraMajor repairs to the Konjikidō and Kyōzō are completed.
1933Year 8 of Showa eraApril 1 The Law Relating to the Preservation of Important Fine Arts is proclaimed.
1934Year 9 of Showa eraThe Takadate Bridge is built (first wooden bridge).
1936Year 11 of Showa Era750 year anniversary of Lord FUJIWARA Hidehira
1939Year 14 of Showa eraWorld War II (~1945)
1945Year 20 of Showa eraAugust 10 US Carrier based aircraft hold air raid and 45 buildings in front of Hiraizumi station are burned down.
November 16 The United Nations and UNESCO charters are adopted.
1946Year 21 of Showa eraShowa (post war)Takkoku Saiko-ji, Iwaya Bishamon-do, and others are lost to fire.
1947Year 22 of Showa eraSeptember 15 Typhoon Kathleen
1948Year 23 of Showa eraJune 16 Hiraizumi Tourism Association established
September 16 Typhoon Ione
1949Year 24 of Showa eraJanuary 26 The Kondo of Horyu-ji burns down. Murals are lost to fire.
1950Year 25 of Showa eraMarch 22 An academic survey of the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji and Four Generations of Fujiwara is conducted through March 31.
April 1 The 1100 year anniversary, of the opening of Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji, Ou-Fujiwara Festival, is held through Ocober 31.
May 30 The Cultural Properties Protection Law proclaimed. In that same year, the Iwate Board of Education conducts excavation survey of the Hanadate site with the new construction of Hiraizumi Junior School.
1951Year 26 of Showa eraJune 9 The Konjikidō of Chūson-ji is designated Class 1 National Treasure Building in accordance with the Cultural Properties Protection Law.
1952Year 27 of Showa eraOctober The Cultural Properties Protection Committee (currently the Agency for Cultural Affairs) conducts excavation survey of Muryōkō-in Ato.
November 22 Remains of site of Shinto shrine on Mōtsū-ji site are designated Special Historic Site.
1953Year 28 of Showa eraOctober 1 Hiraizumi is incorporated.
1954Year 29 of Showa eraDr. FUJISHIMA Gaijiro presides over Hiraizumi Site Investigating Committee and begins excavation surveys of Mōtsū-ji and Kanjizaiō-in sites.
*Later, excavation surveys are conducted of Chūson-ji grounds, the Yanagigosho site and many other important sites.
1955Year 30 of Showa eraMarch 24 Muryōkō-in Ato is designated Special Historic Site.
April 15 Hiraizumi and Nagashima villages merge.
May 3 The Chūson-ji “Sankozo” Museum is completed.
1956Year 31 of Showa eraMay 1 The 800 year anniversary festival for Lord FUJIWARA Motohira is held through May 6.
1957Year 32 of Showa eraNovember 12 Mōtsū-ji Gardens are designated Place of Natural Beauty.
1958Year 33 of Showa eraThis year, Chūson-ji is promoted to special temple status and becomes the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Tohoku.
The tradition of the everlasting light of Buddhism is passed from Enryaku-ji Temple.
1959Year 34 of Showa eraApril 14 The Hiraizumi-cho Tourism Association is established (replacing the former Hiraizumi Tourism Association).
May 1 The 850 Anniversary Festival for the construction of the Konjikidō is held through May 31.
May 23 The Mōtsū-ji Gardens are designated as a Special Place of Natural Beauty (two special designations along with Special Historic Site).
The Hiraizumi Site Investigating Committee begins excavation surveys of the Chūson-ji grounds (~1968).
1960Year 35 of Showa eraJanuary 20 Rebuilding of Takadate and Eikyu Bridges is completed.
May 3 The 770 year anniversary festival of Priest Saigyo in Chūson-ji
July 18 The Hiraizumi Tourism Association begins guide services.
1961Year 36 of Showa eraMay 1 The 900 year anniversary of the birth of Kiyohira
On the same day, the celebration of completion of Takkoku Saiko-ji Temple and Iwaya Bishamon-do is held.
1962Year 37 of Showa eraOctober 7 Commencement Ceremony for Repairs of Konjikidō (Major repairs of Showa ~1968).
1963Year 38 of Showa eraApril 1 Chūson-ji Sakashita Parking Area begins operations.
May 1 1100 year anniversary Buddhist service for Founder and Priest Jikaku
May 2 Ceremony for Moving Remains at Konjikidō
1964Year 39 of Showa era September 25 Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay passes through Chūson-ji Sakashita Relay Station
1965Year 40 of Showa eraMay 1 Tenth anniversary of merger after municipality system
May 3 Memorial service for completion of the new Sheltering Hall of Konjikidō at Chūson-ji
August 16 Daimoji Fire Festival on Mt. Tabashine is held (becomes regular event).
November 2 Iwate Tourism Development Agency comletes “Kaisantei.”
1966Year 41 of Showa eraMarch 27 A thousand cheery trees are planted on Mt. Tabashine and Mt. Komagata during Nishi-Iwai Tree Planting Festival.
May 2 Takadate protection work is completed.
May NHK’s historical drama, “Minamoto Yoshitsune” draws 200,000 to Fujiwara Festival.
June 28 Hiraizumi Citizen Charter is enacted.
November 1 Completion of new Hiraizumi Station
1967Year 42 of Showa eraOctober 22 Framework completion ceremony for the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji
November 2 Tabashina Industry Development Road (Tabashina Gold Line) opens.
1968Year 43 of Showa eraMay 1 Ceremony for completion of the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji (dismantling and repairs completed).
November 1 FUJISHIMA Gaijiro Ceremony for Recognition as Outstanding Citizen
1969Year 44 of Showa eraNovember 4 Hiraizumi Site Investigating Committee begins excavation survey of Yanagigosho site.
Gikeido is transferred in conjunction with flood control work at Takadate cliff’s precipice.
1970Year 45 of Showa eraSeptember 26 Iwate Sports Meet Torch is lit from Eternal Flame of Chūson-ji.
October 14 The Konjikidō of Chūson-ji is visited by the Emperor and Empress.
Mōtsū-ji becomes special temple of Tendai Sect.
1971Year 46 of Showa May 22 Mt. Tabashine fire
1972Year 47 of ShowaMaintenance work begins on Kanjizaiō-in site (~1977).
November 16 The 17th UNESCO General Meeting adopts the “Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.”
1973Year 48 of ShowaJuly 28 Municipal parking lot for Mōtsū-ji completed.
November 1 Ceremony on 20th anniversary of town merger
1974Year 49 of ShowaFebruary 8 Tohoku Shinkansen’s “Tabashine Tunnel” opens.
1975Year 50 of Showa eraJune 28 National Route 4, Ichinoseki Bypass opens.
November 4 Tohoku Expressway, “Hiraizumi Tunnel” opens.
1976Year 51 of ShowaApril 2 Celebration for opening Hiraizumi Junior High School
1977Year 52 of Showa eraApril 1 Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Center is established.
May 4 Inauguration ceremony for maintenance of Kanjizaiō-in site
May 17 Ennen Dance of Mōtsū-ji designated as Important Intangible Folk Culture Property
November 19 Tohoku Expressway between Ichinoseki and Morioka opens.
1978Year 53 of ShowaApril 1 Mōtsū-ji Cultural Assets Repository opens.
June 12 Miyakiken-oki Earthquake, Intensity 4
August 14 Bonfire Noh begins at Chūson-ji (becomes an annual event).
1979Year 54 of Showa eraMaintenance work on Mōtsū-ji Gardens begins.
May 22 Chūson-ji grounds are designated as Special Historic Site.
1980Year 55 of Showa eraMarch 24 Grand Commemoration for 850 Year Anniversary of Death of FUJIWARA Kiyohira held through November 10.
1982Year 57 of ShowaMay 20 Sister City agreement is concluded with Tabata, Wakayama.
June 23 Tohoku Shinkansen open (between Morioka and Omiya).
1983Year 58 of Showa eraExcavation surveys along with maintenance of Mōtsū-ji Gardens reveal remnants of a watering system.
1984Year 59 of Showa eraTetsuju (in Mōtsū-ji Sente-in’s collection) is designated Important Cultural Property.
1985Year 60 of Showa eraApril 1 Hiraizumi Citizen Charter is revised. Official town flower, bird and tree are decided.
April 22 Ceremony for opening Mōtsū-ji Gardens watering site.
November 1 Ceremony on 30th anniversary of town merger
1986Year 61 of Showa eraApril 20 Special Commemoration of 800 years of Lord FUJIWARA Hidehira, Lord MINAMOTO Yoshitsune and Musashibō Benkei.
May 18 Gokusui no En is held in Mōtsū-ji Gardens (becomes an annual event).
1987Year 62 of Showa eraMay 21 Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Hall is opened (former Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Center).
4April 30 Hiraizumi Town Hall
1988Year 63 of Showa eraLarge scale excavation survey of Yanagigosho site begins (~1993).
1989Year 1 of Heisei eraHeiseiMay 13 “Oku no Hoso Michi,” 300 years of Basho celebration until October 12.
June 11 Celebration to open the new main temple of Mōtsū-ji.
1990Year 2 of HeiseiApril 22 Celebration of improvements for preservation facility (new Sheltering Hall) for the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji
1992Year 4 of Heisei eraApril 29 “Land of Gold / Zipangu Hiraizumi Festival” begins through November 3.
June National Diet approves Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and in September Japan becomes 128th signatory nation.
December 14 The Hiraizumi Site Excavation Survey Leadership Committee determines the Yanaginogosho site to have been the site of the Hiraizumi-no-tachi site.
Maintenance work on Mōtsū-ji Gardens is completed.
1993Year 5 of Heisei eraJuly 4 NHK historical drama, “Homura Tatsu” begins broadcast through March the following year.
November The Ministry of Construction (current Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) plans route is changed for “Kitakami River Flood Prevention and National Route 4 Hiraizumi Bypass.”
Preservation of Yanaginogosho site is determined.
1995Year 7 of Heisei eraJanuary 17 Han‐Shin Awaji Earthquake disaster
April 30 Yomigaere Ogon Hiraizumi Festival begins and runs through November 30.
October Ceremony on 40th anniversary of town merger
1997Year 9 of Heisei eraMarch 5 Yanaginogosho site is designated as Historic Site.
*Please see the listings on pages 15 ~ 18 of this book for later designations.
July 1 Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji being designated a National Treasure starts and runs through November 10th.
1999Year 11 of Heisei eraJuly 24 The Hiraizumi UNESCO Association is formed.
November 11 The Yanaginogosho Museum opens.
Part of the National Route 4 Hiraizumi Bypass opens.
2000Year 12 of Heisei eraMarch 24 Celebration of opening of new Chūson-ji Sankozo Museum.
Celebration of 1150th anniversary of Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji founding.
July 23 The town holds a Year 2000 event through November 30.
November 17 “Hiraizumi Cultural Property” is registered on the World Heritage Provisional List.
2001Year 13 of Heisei eraAugust 26 Celebration of 1200th anniversary of opening of Takkoku Saiko-ji.
Buddhist service for the opening of the Main Hall
December 21 New Takadate Bridge opens.
2002Year 14 of Heisei eraJuly 15 Hiraizumi’s Honorable Citizen, FUJISHIMA Gaijiro dies at age 103.
2003Year 15 of HeiseiMay 26 South Sanriku Earthquake, intensity of low 6.
2005Year 17 of Heisei era1January 9 NHK historical drama, “Yoshitsune” begins broadcast through December.
May 3 The spring Fujiwara Festival and Minamoto Yoshitsune Higashi-kudari Parade attracks 250,000 tourists.
October 1 Hiraizumi designates landscape administration body.
October 15 Ceremony on 50th anniversary of town merger.
2006Year 18 of Heisei eraApril 16 Buddhist service commemorating 850 years after death of Lord FUJIWARA Motohira.
2008Year 20 of Heisei eraJune 14 Iwate–Miyagi Nairiku earthquake, intensity of strong 5.
June 21 Service to pray for Konjikidō registration.
July 7 “Hiraizumi Cultural Property” World Heritage registration postponed (Canada, local time July 6).
July 24 Earthquake with epicenter on northern coast of Iwate, intensity of strong 5.
2009Year 21 of Heisei eraApril 14 Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Center opens (improvements to former Hiraizumi Kyodo Hall).
2010Year 22 of Heisei eraJune 12 Citizens hold service at Konjikidō to pray for registration.
June 28 Hiraizumi and China’s Tiantai County conclude Friendship and Exchange Agreement.
2011Year 23 of Heisei era3月11日 東日本大震災 大津波 東京電力福島原子力発電所事故 震度5強 余震最大6弱
June 29 The 35th World Heritage Committee decides on registration for “Hiraizumi.”
Service at Konjikidō for Hiraizumi World Heritage Site registration and recovery for Tohoku.
September 24 Hiraizumi Recovery – Jodo-no-Kaze 2011 opens through the 25th.
November 8 Ceremony held to commemorate Hiraizumi World Heritage Site Registration.
2012Year 24 of Heisei eraFebruary 13 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds ceremony for accepting World Heritage Certificate.

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