Chusonji - Motsuji Walk

中尊寺ー毛越寺の散歩

Visitors to the two main sites in Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan can enjoy a pleasant 3km walk on a new specially-made trail between Chusonji and Motsuji.

The pleasant hike, which is well sign-posted, passes through thick forests and across marshes on wooden boardwalks. At no time does the path entail walking on the road.

There are signs warning of the dangers of stumbling on a bear, but most of the time the Japanese Black Bear tends to avoid humans and is nocturnal.

To find the path turn left out of the main entrance of Motsuji and walk along the side of the gardens and you'll see a sign to Chusonji along the path heading in to the hills to your left. From Chusonji the path is signposted below the Sankozo Museum.