A place said to preserve Japan’s original rural landscape — the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins.
Here we explain why it’s called an “original landscape,” and introduce the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins through photos.
Visiting feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Why not take a trip to this original rural landscape?
When it comes to sightseeing in Ichinoseki–Hiraizumi, the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi, Chuson-ji Temple comes to mind.
Deeply connected to Chuson-ji Temple and aiming for additional registration as a World Heritage Site, the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins is not only historically significant but also a spot where you can experience rich nature.
We recommend sightseeing that lets you enjoy the changing of the four seasons, but in this article, we’d first like to briefly touch on the historical background and the appeal of its natural landscape!
Step Back into the Middle Ages at This Original Japanese Rural Landscape! The Honedera-mura Manor Ruins
What is Honedera-mura?
Honedera-mura was a manor (private estate) of the Chuson-ji Sutra Repository, and it is mentioned frequently in documents handed down at Chuson-ji Temple.
As depicted in a Kamakura-period illustrated map preserved at Chuson-ji, a temple called “Honedera” once existed in this village, which is said to be the origin of the name Honedera-mura.
Honedera is an unusual name, but it is thought to relate to the custom of interring part of a deceased person’s remains at a particular sacred site (bunkotsu, or the division of remains), and it’s said that Honedera may have served as such a place.
Today, the area is called “Honji,” and its people continue to live a rich life in harmony with nature.
Why is it called Japan’s original landscape?
Simply put, it’s because the landscape depicted in the medieval manor illustration has been well preserved.
It is an extremely precious rural landscape, said to be the only one of its kind in all of Japan.
Standing there in person, you can experience the world of the medieval manor illustration.
It truly feels like being transported back to the Middle Ages.
All the more so if you combine it with a visit to Chuson-ji Temple!
Experience Japan’s Original Landscape and Nature in Ichinoseki! Sightseeing at the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins
By the way, we previously introduced the Kubokawa Ihatov World, Japan’s original satoyama (rural mountainside) landscape,
but the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins are drawing attention as Japan’s original rural farming landscape — an extremely precious view!
(In Ichinoseki, you can see the rich natural scenery unique to Japan, where people and nature coexist!)
Beyond the beautiful scenery, rice-planting and rice-harvesting experience events are also recommended.
We look forward to the delicious rice.
How about experiencing traditional, old-fashioned nature in the rice fields of Honedera (Honji), a historic part of Ichinoseki?
This is the rice-offering ceremony. It recreates the custom of offering rice to Chuson-ji Temple.
Stay in Ichinoseki for Sightseeing Focused on Nature and History! Recommended Spots
Now, we’ve given you a general introduction to the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins, but history and nature run very deep!
Just like the Kubokawa Ihatov World, Japan’s original satoyama landscape, we’ll continue to introduce the Honedera-mura Manor Ruins, Japan’s original rural landscape, along with its seasonal changes!
But there’s nothing like experiencing it in person!
On site, there is the “Honedera-mura Manor Exchange Hall,” where you can learn about its history and nature.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from BELLINO HOTEL.
The deeply connected World Heritage Site, Chuson-ji Temple, is about a 30-minute drive from the Exchange Hall,
and the Kubokawa Ihatov World, Japan’s original satoyama landscape, is about a 15-minute drive from the Exchange Hall.
There is a restaurant where you can enjoy local specialties and regional cuisine, making it a great rest stop while driving.
Our previous event with the Exchange Hall → A Sightseeing-Style Obon Buffet!
Please enjoy the rich, distinctively Japanese scenery where people and nature coexist when you visit Ichinoseki for sightseeing♡
*Photos courtesy of the Honedera-mura Manor Exchange Hall
