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A nighttime worship event will be held at the national treasure Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima Town, Miyagi County, Miyagi Prefecture from October 28th to November 19th, 2023
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 Temple is a Rinzai sect temple located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi County, Miyagi Prefecture. Although it fell into disrepair at times throughout its long history, it was rebuilt during the Edo period by Date Masamune his academic teacher, the Zen monk Kosai Soitsu , and the main hall and other buildings were renovated during the Keicho era.
At this time , the temple was given the name "Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji (Zuiganji)," andthe main hall, priests' quarters, and other buildings, which are now designated as national treasures, were all built by Masamune.
one of the "Three Views of Japan." The Godaido building stands tall on the rocks in front of the temple gate, and the pier for sightseeing boats that tour the island can be seen, making it a popular tourist destination.
NAKED Matsushima - National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit
"NAKED Matsushima - National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Nighttime Worship" is a nighttime worship event at the National Treasure Zuiganji Temple, planned, directed, and produced by Tokyo-based Naked Corporation. During the event, the temple will be illuminated with various visual effects, including illuminations and projection mapping within the temple grounds.
Also, photography is normally prohibited inside the main hall, but for this limited time only, you can take photos , so it's a very rare opportunity!
Title: NAKED Matsushima - National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night 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)
Online advance tickets: Adults (middle school students and above) 1,100 yen per person *Free for elementary school students and younger *Entsuin combined ticket 2,000 yen (there are no online advance tickets for combined tickets)
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
the main gate at the entrance to the shrine , a light display using paper lanterns was already set up. As it had just rained that day, the light, combined with the wet road surface, created a mysterious 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 gate is closed and a projection mapping and musical performance is held.
Many customers stopped and sat in the hallway, gazing intently
Date Masamune in the upper room
The lights are on in each room, including the Hawk Room , the Peacock Room , the Buno Room
The window behind Lord Masamune, called the Kato window, which is usually closed,
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 neighboring Entsuin Temple also lights up its autumn leaves, and joint admission tickets are available for purchase, so if you have time, we recommend visiting both temples.
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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