Take the Shiji Kairo pilgrimage course to witness the beauty of Tohoku’s sacred sites

Shiji Kairo is a pilgrimage course that weaves along four temples in the Tohoku region. It is such a famous and beautiful route that it’s been immortalised in a number of Japanese literary works, such as “Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North)” by Matsuo Basho. Here is a plan to visit Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture, Zuigan-ji Temple in Matsushima and Chuson-ji Temple and Motsu-ji Temple in Hiraizumi. Experience the pilgrimage as the great haiku poet did.

DAY1

Yamagata

7.5hourcourse
- Yamadera (mountain temple)
  
  09:30
- Gengo Chaya
  
  11:30
- Zuigan-ji
  
  13:30
- Chuson-ji
  
  15:30
- Motsu-ji
  
  16:30

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DAY1

- Yamadera (mountain temple)
  
  09:30
  
  30min
  
  Temple
  
  Standing tall, overlooking untamed jagged cliffs and rolling mountain landscapes, you’ll find the Yamadera Mountain Temple nestled into one of the most breathtaking backdrops you’ll ever see. It will take a short hike up 1,000 stairs to hit the site but, when you get there, you’ll agree the journey was more than worth it.
  
  Address
  
  Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Yamadera 4456-1
  
  Phone
  
  0236952843
  - 立石寺(山寺)
  - 立石寺(山寺)
  - 立石寺(山寺)
- Car
  
  61min
- Gengo Chaya
  
  11:30
  
  60min
  
  Other Restaurant
  
  After all that trekking, it’s time to treat yourself to a delicious local lunch at one of the area’s most iconic establishments Gengo Chaya. Boasting an impressive 130 years of history, they’ve mastered the art of local cuisine. If you can’t decide what to order, it’s recommended you try the popular pork cutlet (tonkatsu), followed by sweet zunda (green bean) mocha for dessert.
  
  Address
  
  Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Sakuragaokakouen 1-1
  
  Phone
  
  0222222830
  - 源吾茶屋
- Car
  
  40min
- Zuigan-ji
  
  13:30
  
  30min
  
  Temple
  
  Now that you’re all fuelled up, the next stop on the itinerary is Zuigan-ji an impressive Zen Buddhist temple complex, located in Matsushima. Known as one of the region’s most famous and historically significant temples, its lush foliage and mysterious caves that run along the approach offer plenty to explore beyond the impressive temple structures.
  
  Address
  
  Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai 91
  
  Phone
  
  0223542023
  - 瑞巌寺
  - 瑞巌寺
- Car
  
  85min
- Chuson-ji
  
  15:30
  
  30min
  
  Temple
  
  An afternoon of temple hopping is in order and now it’s time to make your way to Chuson-ji. Overflowing with fascinating history, the cite was awarded World Heritage Site status, making it a must not miss stop for history buffs. Arguably the site’s most popular building is Konjikido hall like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, it is completely covered in gold.
  
  Address
  
  Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Koromonoseki 202
  
  Phone
  
  0191462211
  - 中尊寺
  - 中尊寺
  - 中尊寺
- Car
  
  6min
- Motsu-ji
  
  16:30
  
  30min
  
  Temple
  
  The final destination on today’s journey is Motsu-ji a site which was once the home of the Tohoku region’s most impressive temple complex. Today, the buildings no longer stand. However, its meticulously crafted and cared for "Pure Land" gardens are said to be to paradise on earth.
  
  Address
  
  Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Osawa 58
  
  Phone
  
  0191462331
  
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- FINISH
  
  17:00