Under light snow in February 2023, I explored Chūson-ji Temple site of Hiraizumi.  My introduction to the temple area was by walking through Tsukimizaka (Moon Viewing Slope), lined by well-postured cryptomeria trees.  The slope leads to a slightly meandering path, which is decorated on both sides by subordinates temples and shrines.

All but three buildings at the site are reconstructions.  The three surviving originals buildings are:

• the gold-leaf covered Konjiki-dō (built 1124 but restored in the 20th century);
• Konjiki-dō Ôidô (built in 15th century), which sheltered Konjiki-dō before the current concrete building; and
• Chūson-ji Kyôzô (built in 1122 with the lower storey reconstructed in the 14th century).

While one may visit the grounds for free, you must pay to visit Konjiki-dō and the museum.  While Konjiki-dō is objectively a visually stunning structure, its aura is compromised by how this small building is presented.  To elaborate, the allure of experiencing a building in situ is severely reduced when the said building is kept inside a concrete structure and behind glass.  Looking at Konjiki-dō in this setting aroused the same emotion in me that I get when I look at an interesting artifact under a glass display in a museum.  A mild, dispassionate interest.