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Zuiganji

宮城県

4.3

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Date Masamune rebuilt the temple by gathering top-notch craftsmen.

This temple was completed over a period of five years by 130 master craftsmen invited by Date Masamune. There are still many remains on the grounds, and the main hall and storehouse have been designated as national treasures. The luxurious and gorgeous fusuma paintings and carvings in the main hall, which make abundant use of gold, give a sense of the Azuchi-Momoyama culture.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Enjoy Beautiful Scenery Throughout the Seasons

Within the grounds of Zuiganji Temple, you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, such as the Garyubai plum tree that Date Masamune brought back from Korea during the Imjin War, and autumn leaves that color the grounds in the fall. In spring, the plum blossoms are in full bloom, and in summer, the lush green trees bring a cool breeze to Zuiganji. The autumn leaves turn a bright red, and in winter, the scenery is covered in snow. Please soothe your heart while enjoying the beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.

Point 2

Historical Building Erected by Date Masamune

The main hall, storehouse, and middle gate of Zuiganji Temple were built by Date Masamune over a period of five years, and still retain the characteristics of the Momoyama period. The solemn main hall is designated as a national treasure, and the dazzling interior decoration of each room is tailored to its purpose. Zuiganji Temple is home to many other historically valuable buildings. Why not follow in the footsteps of Date Masamune and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere?

Point 3

A Must-Visit Tourist Spot as a Base for Matsushima Sightseeing

Zuiganji Temple is located in the center of Matsushima tourism and is also a scenic spot where you can overlook Matsushima Bay. There are also other tourist spots in the area, such as Entsuin and Godaido, where you can enjoy yourself all day long. It is also conveniently located just a short walk from the Matsushima sightseeing boat pier, making it easily accessible. To fully enjoy Matsushima, a scenic tourist spot counted among Japan's three most scenic views, be sure to visit Zuiganji Temple.

Point 4

Bring Your Stamp Book and Visit

At Zuiganji Temple, visitors are given a stamp called "goshuin". By bringing your stamp book and visiting, you can experience the history and culture of Zuiganji Temple. In the main hall, godaido hall, sanshodo hall, and shitera corridors, different goshuin stamps are given. Since they are handwritten, it takes time to complete, so it is recommended to leave your stamp book and then visit. Stamp books are also a wonderful item to remember your travels. Please bring your stamp book and visit.

Point 5

View the Cave Ruins

Next to the approach to Zuiganji Temple, there are cave ruins. The presence of caves with memorial towers and pagodas carved into the rock face is truly worth seeing. Matsushima, where Zuiganji Temple is located, has been called "Oku no Hossho" since ancient times and is an area where the deceased were memorialized. The caves, which combine a mystical atmosphere with cultural value, are one of the must-see spots when visiting Zuiganji Temple.

History

A Historic Temple, the Final Resting Place of Date Masamune

Zuiganji Temple is a historic temple said to have been founded by the great Buddhist monk Jikaku Daishi in 828. It is also the final resting place of Date Masamune, a famous warlord. The temple's grand complex, which Masamune poured his heart and soul into building, is a notable feature. The main hall, which conveys the aesthetics of the Momoyama period, has been designated as a national treasure. In 2018, a major renovation was completed, allowing visitors to appreciate the temple's original appearance.

Basic Information

	Address	91 Matsushima-cho Matsushima, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0213
	Business Hours	8:30～16:00
	TEL	022-354-2023
	Web Site	http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/

Average Review

4.3

5 Reviews

伊達政宗公が約400年前に建立した瑞巌寺。厳かながらも、ゆっくりと積み重なった時の流れの趣を、感じ取れる場所でした。撮影は外部からのみということで、美しい本堂と庭園をパシャリ。数々の美しい襖絵を見ながら、建物内部からこの美しい庭園を眺めたひとときは、格別なものでした。かつては立派な杉並木だった参道は、東日本大震災の影響で大きく雰囲気が、変わってしまったそうです。若い木々が育ち、往年の美しい並木へと成長していく様を、次回の訪問では見てみたいなと思いながら後にしました。

みちのく四大名刹四寺廻廊（しじかいろう）の一つの寺です。9世紀に円仁（慈覚大師）が開山し、17世紀に松尾芭蕉が訪れた東北地方の4つの寺(岩手県平泉町の中尊寺・毛越寺、宮城県松島町の瑞巌寺、山形県山形市の立石寺山寺)を廻る巡礼コースとして有名です。伊達家の菩提寺として領内一の格式を誇ったお寺で本堂内のいくつもある部屋それぞれが豪華で見事な内装でした。宝物館の文化財展示物も見る価値がありました。参道から外れた道脇にはお墓として使われていた洞窟群がありこれも一見しました。

松島に来たらまず第一に訪れるべき場所、瑞巌寺。国宝の本堂と宝物館がおもな拝観場所になります。見どころはたくさんありますが、まずは本堂のふすまに描かれた極彩色の襖絵が目を引きます。明治天皇が一夜を過ごされたという上々段の間のしつらえも見事です。墨絵の間に描かれた水墨画はレプリカでないオリジナルの絵が飾られており、歴史の重みを感じさせてくれます。寺宝を集めた宝物館もなかなか見ごたえがありますね。「御用絵師の仕事のいろは」という企画展が開催されており、こちらもなかなか面白い内容でした。なお、本堂も宝物館も、館内での撮影は一切認められていません。ずいぶん久しぶりの訪問になりますが、寺自体のたたずまいが変わらない一方で、いくつか変わってしまったところもあります。何より、参道の両側を覆っていた杉木立が東日本大震災の津波で枯死してしまい、雰囲気が変わってしまったのが寂しいところです。また参道わきの岩に多数の石仏が彫られた洞窟群は、崩落の危険があるのか、近づくことができないようになっていました。時の流れには抗えないとしても、この地で長い歴史を見つめてきた瑞巌寺には、これからもずっと変わらぬ姿で残ってほしいと思います。

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重要文化財の三慧殿と庭園が見どころ