Tohoku, another Japan.

Do you think Japan had been an unified nation? There were so many nations in ancient time. Even in Heian Period(from 8th century to 12th century), there is another big nation in Japan. Oushu-Fujiwara clan ruled Tohoku district in Heian Period and it is a virtually independent nation. Tohoku district is northeastward of Honshu island (a main island of Japan)



The Fujiwara clan established their kind of kingdom in Tohoku by riding to victory to Abe clan about 900 years ago. Abe clan was the former ruler of Tohoku. Now the descendants of Abe clan live in another rigions, one of them is Prime minister Shinzo Abe.



Fujiwara clan established a big golden city named Hiraizumi. Golden hall built in the era remains even now. Many foreign travelers visit Hiraizumi. There were several big temples in Hiraizumi.



Hiraizumi was a kind of international city because the city bordered Japanese territory. Other northern tribe also visit the city. Fujiwara clan trade with continental kingdoms. Marco Polo described Japan as Zipangu, golden island. Most golden city in Japan was Hiraizumi. It is said that Columbus wanted to visit Zipangu, it means namely, maybe, Hiraizumi. In Tohoku, there were many goldmines. And they could use so much gold.



I took the photo at Cyusonji in Hiraizumi.