If you have time, start here to understand the 100 years when Hiraizumi was the most important center of Japan. Chusonji is the head temple of Tendai Buddhism in northeast Japan and it was founded in 850. The Fujiwara clan made Hiraizumi its headquarters and was the most powerful family in Japan for about 100 years. During that time Hiraizumi had many culturally important buildings. By the 14th century, many of the buildings had been burned and Japan had moved on. Still, there are over 3000 national treasures in the area. In 2011 Hiraizumi was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cultural Heritage Center has exhibits and a film introducing Hiraizumi in its glory years. Visited 26 November 2018.

We only discovered the Cultural Heritage Centre on a walk from our hotel while exploring the surrounding area. A visit to here should be the initial step in exploring Hiraizumi's World Heritage Sites. The explanations in english of the history and artefacts of the area put many features of the local sites into context. This was an extremely significant area in the history of Japan and change in the country brought about by changes in the Shogunates. Although I find names in Japanese history extremely difficult to follow and the relationship between the Shogunates and the Imperial family extremely complex this centre goes some way to illuminating to how all this worked and how different Buddhist sects had crucial roles in the politics of Japanese feudal society. It also highlights how some of the more beautiful natural features in Japan were integral to the view of the world of all the players in an intricate and complex society. Set aside an hour to visit here and you will better understand what you see in this stunning part of Tohuku.