motsuji temple
Mōtsū-ji is a significant Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect, situated in the historic town of Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 850 by the monk Ennin, Mōtsū-ji is renowned for its Pure Land garden, representing the Buddhist concept of paradise. This temple, along with its surrounding gardens, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, acknowledging its cultural and historical importance. The serene landscape of Mōtsū-ji, with its large pond and garden, continues to be a testament to the architectural and spiritual legacy of the Heian period.