ZUIGANJI TEMPLE
Zuiganji Temple, located in Matsushima, is considered to be one of the greatest Zen temples in Tohoku area. Zuiganji Temple was completed in 828AD.
Zuiganji Temple was originally opened in 828 AD by Ennin (later known as Jikaku Daishi), priest of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Zuiganji Temple, located in Matsushima, is considered to be one of the greatest Zen temples in Tohoku area. During that time, Zuiganji Temple was often referred to as Enpuku-ji, which was inspired by Enryakuji Temple, head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
At the turn of the Shogen era (1259), the temple was transferred to the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and its name was officially changed to Enpuku-ji.
The present building was completed by feudal lord Date Masamune in 1609. During this five year-process, the old construction was renovated to conform to Momoyama-style architecture. In order to complete this task, craftsmen were gathered from many different countries, and construction materials were brought from the depths of the Kumano Mountains. Lord Date even participated in the rope stretching work, showing his enthusiasm as the overlord of Tohoku area.
Zuiganji Temple, the Date family temple, is a majestic building that truly displays the essence of the Momoyama era. The hinged doors and ranma (transoms) along with the extravagant paintings on the the fusuma doors and toko-no-ma alcoves are said to be the culmination of the representation of natural beauty through man-made beauty.
Hondo (Main Hall), Nakamon (center gate), and Onarimon (left gate) are currently undergoing thorough repairs until March 2016, and so are closed to the public. However, during the period of repair on Hondo (Main Hall ), Kuri (Zen Kitchen and a National Treasure) and the Yotoku-in mausoleum are specially opened for public viewing.
Access: 5 min walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station
Open hours: 8:00am - 4pm, 7 days a week
Admission: 700 yen