Travel in Iwate
Chusonji
Chusonji · Chūson-ji Temple · 中尊寺
Climb Chusonji’s Tsukimizaka approach to visit the Golden Hall and see temple collections at Sankozo. Allow time for both the buildings and exhibitions.

Visitor information
Admission
Standard admission covering the Golden Hall, Sankozo, sutra repository and former protective hall costs ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for high school students, ¥500 for junior high school students, and ¥300 for elementary school students. It is separate from the ¥1,600 combined ticket for the special opening of normally hidden Buddhist images.
Opening hours
The grounds open year-round. Visiting facilities open 08:30–17:00 from 1 March to 3 November and 08:30–16:30 from 4 November to the end of February. Ticket sales end 10 minutes earlier, at 16:50 or 16:20.
Opening-hours source Opening-hours source Opening-hours source
What to see at Chusonji
Golden Hall and Sankozo
Chusonji’s standard ticket covers the Golden Hall, Sankozo, sutra repository and former protective hall. See buildings and collections together; its coverage differs from the combined ticket for the special opening of normally hidden Buddhist images.
How to get to Chusonji
Take the seasonal Runrun loop from Hiraizumi Station to Chusonji, then climb Tsukimizaka from the stop. Adult Runrun fare is ¥200 per ride, or ¥400 for two, less than the ¥550 day pass. Check operating seasons, days and return services in the operator’s timetable. On non-operating days, look for the ordinary Ichinoseki–Hiraizumi Line (一関平泉線), with different fares and valid tickets. Do not use the 850-metre car park 1–main hall estimate as the distance from the stop to the Golden Hall.
Runrun operating timetable Chusonji access Official English guide
Before you visit
The temple approach is uphill
After the bus, climb Tsukimizaka and leave time to descend after sightseeing. If walking is difficult, ask the facility about access in advance. The temple’s 850-metre estimate from car park 1 to the main hall is not the distance from the stop to the Golden Hall.
Questions about Chusonji
Do I still walk uphill when visiting Chusonji by bus?
Yes. Get off and climb the Tsukimizaka approach. You also need time to descend after the Golden Hall and exhibitions, so leave enough time before the return bus.
Runrun operating timetable Chusonji access Official English guide
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Chusonji access ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Chusonji ·
- Runrun operating timetable ·
- Official English guide ·
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