Zuiganji Temple

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Zuiganji Temple

The temple with the greatest history in Tohoku Region.

3.86 3

Last update :

This temple is said to have been opened as a Tendai Sect in the 9th century. The official name including the name of the mountain is Shoto Seiryuzan Zuiganenpukuzenji. Today, it is a zen temple belonging to Rinzai Sect Myoshin-ji School. The current architecture was completed by Date Masamune. Since it is a valuable property that preserves Momoyama-period art, the main hall and Temple kitchen were designated as national treasures. The paper doors with gold and deep color paintings in the main hall are must-see. The decoration in the Peacock Room is outstanding with three panels depicting changing seasons.

On the temple grounds, there are red and white plum trees, (Garyubai, resembling a lying dragon) believed to have been planted by Date Masamune - to the right of the main hall, the red plum, and to the left, the white plum. They are both double-petaled and bear clusters of 7-8 berries, thus called “Garyu Eight Tassels.” Their blooms peak from late March to early April.

To the south of Zuigan-ji, Godai-do by the coast was also built by Date Masamune. This hall is almost the symbol of Matsushima, which is the oldest remaining Momoyama-Period architecture in Tohoku Region. The frog-leg-struts under the eaves have carvings of zodiac animals in the corresponding directions.

Highlights

  • National treasures and many cultural properties are curated.
  • The main hall has paper doors with impressive gold and deep color paintings.
  • Carvings at the Godai-do, away from the temple grounds and over the bridge along the coast, are worth a look.
  • Godai-do offers a sweeping view over the sea of Matsushima.

Photos

  • The main hall in Irimoya style with tiled roof is designated as national treasure

    The main hall in Irimoya style with tiled roof is designated as national treasure

  • The courtyard expressing Matsushima’s culture, Zuigan-ji’s history and zen

    The courtyard expressing Matsushima’s culture, Zuigan-ji’s history and zen

  • The red and white plum trees (Garyu Plums) planted by Date Masamune

    The red and white plum trees (Garyu Plums) planted by Date Masamune

  • Godai-do stands by the sea, separate from Zuigan-ji

    Godai-do stands by the sea, separate from Zuigan-ji

  • Going to Godai-do across a bridge with openwork

    Going to Godai-do across a bridge with openwork

Reviews

3
  • David Chen

    寺院的庭園亦是瑞巖寺的一大特色,四季皆有不同的美景。漫步在寺院的庭園中,可以感受到禪意的寧靜與和諧。

  • tim-tian

    據說是伊達政宗的心血之作,無論是樹木還是建築都相當細緻巧妙。
    特別適合和松島一起排行程喔~

  • Jen Lee

    伊達政宗長眠之地,值得花時間細細品味。

Details

Name in Japanese
瑞巌寺
Postal Code
981-0213
Address
91 Matsushima, Matsushimamachi, Miyagigun, Miyagi
Telephone
022-354-2023
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
8:30am-5:00pm
March & October: 8:30am-4:30pm,
February & November: 8:30am-4:00pm,
January & December: 8:30am-3:30pm,
※Reception closes 30 minutes before closing
Admission
Adult: 700 yen, Middle and elementary student: 400 yen
Directions
1) From JR Matsushimakaigan Station, walk 10 min.
2) From Sanriku Expressway, Matsushimakaigan Interchange, drive 10 min.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)