Takkoku Saikoji Temple (Bishamondo)

Takkoku-no-Iwaya (Takkokutsu) is a Bishamonten hall said to have been founded in the Heian period by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. Built along a sheer rock wall, the hall resembles Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera stage-style architecture, and its vivid vermilion pillars stand out dramatically. It is regarded as the largest cave-temple hall of its kind in Japan. The site is also famous as one of the strongest power spots in the Tohoku region, drawing many visitors seeking the protective amulet known as "Gozu Hoin"—sometimes described as the "strongest talisman." On the west side of the Bishamondo Hall, you can also see Japan’s northernmost cliff-carved Buddha (magaibutsu), another major highlight. The precinct is treated as sacred ground: eating, drinking, and visiting with animals are prohibited, and the atmosphere feels solemn and reverent. Weathered cliff carvings—some reduced to only faces—remain as they are, giving the impression of stepping back in time to the unchanged scenery of the late Heian era. Takkoku-no-Iwaya sits along the route from Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji toward Genbikei, so traveling by car is especially convenient. It’s about 10 minutes by car from JR "Hiraizumi Station," about 7 minutes from Motsu-ji, and about 4 minutes from Genbikei—making it a great add-on when visiting Hiraizumi.