Take a trip back in time to medieval japan at Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park
Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park is a recreated city that transports visitors back to the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan. With its palatial red buildings and meticulously landscaped grounds, the park exudes cultural refinement and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the era. The atmosphere at the park is reminiscent of the ancient cities of Kyoto and Hiraizumi in their heyday.
Don’t Miss
One of the highlights of Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park is its intricate architectural replicas. These replicas are masterpieces in their own right and showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Heian period. Visitors can admire the beauty of these structures and marvel at the skill of the artisans who created them.
Another unique experience at the park is the opportunity to dress like Heian royalty. Visitors can don extravagant kimono and feel like nobility from the Heian period. This immersive experience allows visitors to step into the shoes of the aristocracy and get a sense of the grandeur and elegance of the time.
For those looking for a more adventurous activity, the park offers the chance to try samurai-style archery. Visitors can test their skills and channel their inner warrior as they learn the art of archery from the samurai. This activity provides a hands-on experience and allows visitors to engage with the history and traditions of the samurai.
How to Get There
Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park is easily accessible from Mizusawa-Esashi Station. The station is located on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, making it convenient for travelers coming from different parts of Japan. From the station, visitors can take a shuttle bus to the park, which runs at limited intervals. Alternatively, a quick taxi ride can also take visitors to the park.
Quick Facts
Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park was built in 1993 for an NHK period drama. The park was created to recreate the atmosphere and architecture of the Heian period and has since become a popular tourist attraction in Iwate.
One of the highlights of the park is a replica of the Golden Pavilion at Chuson-ji Temple. This iconic structure is a testament to the grandeur and beauty of the Heian period and is a must-see for visitors.
There are more than 120 structures to visit at the park, each showcasing different aspects of Heian period architecture and culture. Visitors can explore the various buildings and gain a deeper understanding of life during this time.
Explore a 12th-century Japanese city
The city recreated at Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park is a fictional representation of a 12th-century Japanese city. However, it is modeled on actual Heian-period buildings from Kyoto and Hiraizumi. These cities were powerful political bases during the 12th century and played a significant role in shaping Japanese history.
Most of the structures at the park were built for an NHK drama in 1993 about the Oshu Fujiwara Clan. This clan ruled over Hiraizumi and its surrounding areas during the late Heian period. The set was later opened to the public and has since become a top tourist attraction in Iwate.
Frozen in time
Inside many of the structures at Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park, visitors can see mannequins depicting life during the Heian period. These mannequins are dressed in attire representative of the time and provide a visual representation of the daily life of the people during this era. The attention to detail in these displays is impressive, and visitors can learn a great deal about the customs, traditions, and fashion of the Heian period.
Dress like a samurai
One of the unique experiences offered at the park is the opportunity to dress up like a samurai. Visitors can try on costume armor free of charge and stage their own photo shoot. This activity allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the samurai and get a taste of what it was like to be a warrior in medieval Japan.
Become a Heian aristocrat
If dressing up in something more refined appeals to you, then the Heian aristocrat cosplay is the perfect option. The park’s staff will transform visitors into aristocrats of the Heian imperial court. The costumes are reminiscent of the fashion of the time and are available for both men and women. This service is free of charge, and visitors can try on as many costumes as they like and take as many photos as they wish. For those looking for a more comprehensive experience, there is also an optional paid course where visitors can dress up in a full set of Heian-era kimono.
Lights, camera, action
Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park continues to be a popular location for period dramas and movies. Depending on when visitors visit, they may have the chance to witness a TV show or movie being filmed or even be cast as an extra. Some locals frequent the park in the hopes of being cast in a production, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the visit.
Watch a performance of Tohoku’s “deer dance”
Visitors to the park can also enjoy a visually striking performance of shishi-odori, a type of folk dance unique to the Tohoku region of Japan. Shishi-odori, also known as the deer dance, is a traditional dance that features dancers wearing unique costumes and donning deer masks. The deer has a sacred status in Japanese culture and is considered a messenger of the gods. Performances of shishi-odori are held twice daily, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness this captivating dance.
Further exploration
In addition to the main attractions at Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park, there are other areas to explore. The park’s Heian Trick Art Hall is especially recommended for children. This area features rooms with trick artwork based on themes from medieval Japan. Visitors can enter these rooms and take photos with the artwork, creating fun and memorable experiences.
The park covers a vast area of 20 hectares, and there are 120 buildings to delve into. Exploring the entire park generally takes a couple of hours, so visitors should plan accordingly. There are also shops and restaurants within the park where visitors can take a break, enjoy local specialties, and shop for souvenirs.
Things to do around Mizusawa-Esashi Station
For those looking to explore the area further, Mizusawa-Esashi Station is conveniently located near several attractions. The area is known for its cast-iron products, such as wind chimes, bells, pans, and teapots. Visitors can visit the local shops and browse through a wide selection of these traditional crafts.
After exploring the station area, visitors can take a short train ride to Hiraizumi, Geibikei, or Kitakami. These nearby destinations offer additional opportunities to immerse oneself in the history and culture of the Tohoku region.
Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park provides a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to travel back in time to medieval Japan. With its meticulously recreated buildings, traditional costumes, and engaging activities, the park offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Heian period. Whether it’s exploring the architectural replicas, trying on samurai armor, or witnessing a traditional dance performance, Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park promises an unforgettable journey into the past.
Address And Maps Location:
86-1 Konamaru, Oshu-shi, Iwate-ken
Find Location And Direction On Google Maps
Subscribe, follow travelbloggerindonesia.com