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From October 28th to November 19th, 2023,Zuiganji Temple, a national treasurea nighttime worship event is being held at
I actually visited the site on November 10th, so this time I'll be reporting on what it was like to worship at night!
What is Zuiganji Temple?
Zuiganji Templeis a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture. Although it fell into disrepair at times during its long history, it was restored during the Edo periodby Date Masamunehis academic teacher, the Zen monk Kosai Soitsu, and the main hall and other temple buildings were renovated during the Keicho era.
It was at this time"Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji (Zuiganji)"was established, andall the buildings, including the main hall and the priest's quarters, which are now designated as national treasures, were built by Lord Masamune.
one of Japan's three mostbeautiful views, the temple's gate is situated on a rocky outcrop, with the Godaido building towering above it and the pier for sightseeing boats that tour the islands visible from the premises. It is a popular spot for many tourists.
NAKED Matsushima - National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit
"NAKED Matsushima National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit"is a night visit event to the national treasure Zuiganji Temple, planned, directed, and produced by NAKED Inc., headquartered in Tokyo. During the event, the temple grounds will be illuminated with various light displays, including light-ups and projection mapping.
Also,since photography is normally prohibited inside the main hall,but is allowed for a limited time during this period, I think this is a very rare opportunity!
Name:NAKED Matsushima National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Nighttime Visit
Event period: Saturday, October 28th, 2023 - Sunday, November 19th, 2023
Event hours: 17:00-21:00 (ticket sales end 20:30)
Fee
Regular price: 1,300 yen per adult (junior high school students and above)
Web advance purchase tickets: Adults (junior high school age and older) 1,100 yen per person *Elementary school age and younger: Free *Entsuin combined ticket 2,000 yen (Web advance purchase tickets for the combined ticket are not available)
We arrived in Matsushima around 7:00 p.m. on November 10th, just as the rain had stopped
Matsushima at night
I have been to Matsushima at night for a fireworks festival before, but it was crowded with people, so this was my first experience seeing Matsushima at night in a quiet, deserted setting
Zuiganji Temple's main gate
at the entrance to the approach to the shrine,the main gatethere was already a light display using lanterns. Since it had just rained that day, the combination with the wet ground created an ethereal atmosphere.
Ticket office poster
Purchase your ticket at the ticket booth located to the right of the entrance
Autumn leaves illumination
It was the perfect time of year, as the leaves were perfectly colored, and the illuminated scenery was incredibly beautiful!
The entrance to Zuiganji Temple
Present your ticket at the entrance and head inside. The inside of the main hall is dark, so don't forget to get a lantern from the attendant shown on the right side of the photo above
Lanterns available for loan
Walking around the temple grounds illuminated by the light of the lanterns will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period!
Illumination of the cedar trees along the approach to the shrine
The cedar trees lining the approach to the shrine are lit up in blue light. It has a beautiful atmosphere that is different from the autumn leaves
Entrance to the main hall
Following the route, we finally enter the main hall!
Corridor inside the main hall
Inside the main hall, there are lights at key points to illuminate the ground, but it is quite dark
There are quite a few steps in the corridor, so we rely on the light of the lantern we borrowed at the entrance and proceed carefully, being careful where we step
Sound and light production at the front of the main hall
In the area directly in front of the main hall,the inner gatewas closed off, and a projection mapping and musical performance was held.
Many customers stopped and sat in the hallway, gazing intently
Date Masamune in the upper room
the Hawk Room,the Peacock Room,the King Wen Room, is lit up, and the magnificent sliding screen paintings stand out beautifully against the darkness. The highlight, in particular, is the statue of Date Masamune enshrined in the upper room.
which is usually closed,the "fire-head window,"is wide open.
Masamune's back seen through the open window
If you follow the route, the aforementioned fire window will be open, allowing you to admire Masamune's back from behind. This is also an experience that can only be had during this period!
summary
The autumn leaves and the illuminated Zuiganji Temple will only be available until November 19th, so there isn't much time left, but if you have the chance, this is an event you should definitely visit
During the same period, the neighboringEntsuin Templeis also holding an autumn foliage light-up event, and a combined admission ticket is available, so if you have the time, we recommend visiting both.
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
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