Use the
Planning a Trip to Japan?
Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp
Ⓒ Hidehiranuri Ochiya
HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Lacquer Painting and Farm Resort in Hiraizumi
Experience centuries of tradition in the World Heritage town of Hiraizumi
HIRAIZUMI-ICHINOSEKI Destination Management Organization
Home to five World Heritage sites, including the splendid Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple, the small town of Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture is a treasure trove of culture and tradition. In 1105, Hiraizumi was chosen as the seat of the Oshu Fujiwara, the "northern branch" of the powerful Fujiwara family, and thrived as the political and cultural center of northern Japan in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Among the many arts and crafts that flourished during this period is Hidehira lacquerware. Its origin is linked to Fujiwara no Hidehira (c. 1122-1187), third leader of the Oshu Fujiwara. Hidehira, it is said, invited craftsmen from Kyoto and had them make tableware using Hiraizumi’s abundant lacquer and gold. The art techniques of Hidehira lacquerware are the same used to decorate the Golden Pavilion of Chusonji Temple.
Experience this elegant craft at Ochiya, a workshop in Hiraizumi Town that has been producing lacquerware for generations. Located in sight of Chusonji Temple, Ochiya sells traditional Hidehira traditional lacquerware and offers visitors the opportunity to lacquer paint a keyholder, spoon, chopsticks, coaster, or plate. Choose your favorite item and design and create an original artwork to take home as a souvenir!
To make your visit to Hiraizumi even more memorable, stay at Hiraizumi Club, a beautiful farm resort that has been restored and renovated from a 150-year-old farmhouse. With a perfect balance of tradition and modernity, Hiraizumi Club will make you feel cozy and relaxed, and its nostalgic vibe will remind you of “home” no matter where you come from. The resort also provides breathtaking views of the mountains, rice fields, and the town of Hiraizumi throughout the seasons.
How to get there
Ochiya: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes), then a taxi to Ochiya workshop (about 20 minutes).
Hiraizumi Club: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). A free shuttle service is available upon reservation from JR Ichinoseki Station to Hiraizumi Club (about 20 minutes).
Ochiya: 1-7 Kinoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate-ken
Hiraizumi Club: 78-1 Maebayashi, Nagashima, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate-ken
