MayAutumn Leaves · Tohoku
Chusonji Temple
Hiraizumi & IchinosekiTemple🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
A Tendai Buddhist temple that represents the World Heritage site of Hiraizumi, known for its National Treasure Konjikido (Golden Hall). In autumn the maples and ginkgoes along the approach and in the grounds change color, and the Koyo Ginga autumn leaves illumination is held at night.
- Address
- 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate 029-4102
- Closed
- Open every day
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours to walk around the grounds
- Official website
- https://www.chusonji.or.jp/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookChusonji Konjikido & Geibikei Gorge Boat Ride Day Tour (from Sendai)Bus tour from Sendai Station East Exit to Geibikei Gorge with a boat ride, Chusonji Temple including the Konjikido, and Fujiwara no Sato. Lunch and admission includedView on Klook- PRKlookShiogama Shrine, Matsushima & Chusonji Day Tour (from Sendai)Private-vehicle tour from Sendai Station to Shiogama Shrine, Matsushima with a sightseeing cruise, Zuiganji Temple and Chusonji Temple. Lunch includedView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late October to early November
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
This year’s special openings & events
The 2026 Koyo Ginga autumn leaves illumination runs 10/24 (Sat)–11/8 (Sun)
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights are the vivid ginkgoes and maples around the Konjikido’s protective hall and the temple grounds. The autumn leaves season also overlaps with the Chrysanthemum Festival and the Autumn Fujiwara Festival, so you can enjoy Hiraizumi as only autumn shows it.
📷 Best views
Around the Konjikido protective hall
The heart of the grounds, where ginkgoes and maples change color
Tsukimizaka
The approach leading to the main hall, climbed with autumn leaves on both sides
Illumination
Illumination & night viewing
- Period
- October 24 (Sat)–November 8 (Sun), 2026
- Hours
- 16:30–18:30
Koyo Ginga 2026. Hundreds of lights illuminate the autumn leaves
Hours
Opening hours
Visiting hours (3/1–11/3)8:30–17:00
Visiting hours (11/4–end of February)8:30–16:30
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Konjikido, Sankozo and more (regular admission)Adults ¥1,000, high school students ¥700, junior high school students ¥500, elementary school students ¥300
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Koyo Ginga lights up at 16:30. Plan an afternoon-to-evening visit to enjoy the autumn leaves both by day and at night
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Hiraizumi Station (JR Tohoku Main Line)Local buses run from Ichinoseki Station via Hiraizumi Station to Chusonji
- From major stations & airports
- Ichinoseki Station: JR Tohoku Main Line to Hiraizumi Station (About 9 min)
- By car & parking
- Sakanoshita Parking (about 240 m to the main hall) regular car ¥500; No. 1 and No. 2 Parking regular car ¥400
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Many visitors during the Autumn Fujiwara Festival (11/1–3) and on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings, right after opening
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Normals for Ichinoseki: October high 19.3°C, low 9.5°C; November high 12.7°C, low 3.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- Mornings and evenings are cold in November, so bring a coat and gloves. Tsukimizaka is a slope, so wear comfortable walking shoes
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Chusonji TemplePR
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki
MayAutumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Tohoku
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peakTsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakYamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05