Chusonji Chrysanthemum Festival

Chusonji is a temple of the Tendai sect in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, and its building complex, including the Konjikido (Golden Hall), is registered as part of the Hiraizumi World Heritage Site. Every autumn, chrysanthemums carefully grown by members of the local chrysanthemum association and schoolchildren decorate the temple grounds for the Chusonji Chrysanthemum Festival. On the opening day, October 20, a memorial service is held in the Main Hall to pray for the flowers and the safety of the event. The festival overlaps with the autumn foliage season, allowing visitors to admire the chrysanthemums while visiting the Konjikido and the Sankozo treasure hall.