Temple hopes for UNESCO nod and big cheer for Iwate

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http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110618f1.html

HIRAIZUMI, Iwate Pref. — Hidden among giant cedar trees at the summit of a mountain in central Iwate Prefecture, Chusonji Temple, with its stunning golden hall dating from the 12th century, couldn't feel farther from the distraught, tsunami-ravaged coast just 50 km away.

But if things go its way and the temple's status is elevated on a global scale, a bit of cheer may come to an area where such sentiment has been in short supply. The change hinges on a meeting taking place in Paris next week.

At a special conference running from Sunday to June 29 in the Paris, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization will decide whether to grant 42 sites World Heritage status.

Chusonji and the cluster of historical sites to which it belongs in the town of Hiraizumi are among three locations in Japan up for consideration.

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1. Hope they get it - LOVE Hiraizumi!

It was one of my favorite places in the prefecture. Chusonji's stunning - almost Indian in its design and artwork.