[Miyagi Prefecture] Matsushima/Zuiganji Temple "Autumn night worship" field report. Illumination of autumn leaves and strolling through temples at night!

A nighttime worship event will be held from October 28th to November 19th, 2023 Zuiganji Temple, a national treasure

I actually visited the site the other day on November 10th, so this time I will report on the night visit!

What is Zuiganji Temple?

Zuiganji is a Rinzai sect temple located in Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture. There was a time in its long history when it fell into disrepair, but in the Edo period, Date Masamune revived it on the advice of his academic master, the Zen monk Kosai Soutsu. During the Keicho period, the temple, including the main hall, was constructed.

At this time, ``Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji (Zuiganji)'' was born, and the buildings such as the main hall and kuri, which are now designated as national treasures, were all built by Lord Masamune. is.

``Japan's Three Scenic Views,'' and in front of the temple's gate, you can see the Godaido building towering over the rocky area, and the pier for the pleasure boats that take you around the island. It has become a place visited by tourists.

• Article link: [Miyagi] Zuiganji, a temple rebuilt by Date Masamune in Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan

NAKED Matsushima/National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit

"NAKED Autumn Night Visit to National Treasure Zuigan-ji Temple in Matsushima" is a night-time worship event at National Treasure Zuigan-ji Temple planned, directed, and produced by NAKED Co., Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo.During the event, the precincts will be illuminated. It will be decorated with a variety of visual effects such as lighting and projection mapping.

Also, you can take photos inside the main hall, which is usually prohibited, for a limited time , so I think it's a very special opportunity!

Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit <Information>

• Name: NAKED Matsushima National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit
• Event period: October 28, 2023 (Sat) - November 19, 2023 (Sun)
• Holding time: 17:00-21:00 (ticket sales end at 20:30)
• Fee
  • Normal: 1,300 yen per adult (junior high school students and above)
  • Advance web ticket: 1,100 yen for adults (junior high school students and older)
    *Free for
    elementary school
• Official URL: NAKED Matsushima National Treasure Zuiganji Temple Autumn Night Visit

I actually went there!

We arrived in Matsushima around 19:00 on November 10th, just as the rain had stopped.

I have been to Matsushima at night for a fireworks display, but it was crowded with people, so this is my first experience of Matsushima at night, where there are not many people and it is quiet.

the main gate at the entrance to the shrine, there is a light display using lanterns. It had just rained that day, and the wet road surface created a mysterious atmosphere.

Purchase admission tickets at the ticket office on the right side of the entrance.

Perhaps because the time was right, the color of the autumn leaves was exquisite, and the way it was lit up was incredibly beautiful!

Show your ticket at the entrance and enter immediately. It's dark inside the main hall, so don't forget to pick up a lantern from the staff member on the right side of the photo above.

As you walk around the temple grounds illuminated by the light of lanterns, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Edo period!

The cedar trees along the approach are illuminated with blue light. It has a beautiful atmosphere that is different from the autumn leaves.

Follow the route to the inside of the main hall!

Inside the main hall, there are lights at strategic points to illuminate your feet, but it's quite dark.

There are quite a few steps in the hallway, so I rely on the light from the lanterns I borrowed at the entrance and watch my step as I proceed.

In the area in front of the main hall, the middle gate is closed off, and there is a projection mapping and music performance.

Many customers stopped and sat in the hallway to watch.

the Hawk Room , Peacock Room , and King Bun's Room , is lit, and the gorgeous paintings on the sliding doors stand out in the darkness, creating a truly beautiful sight. Among them, the highlight is Date Masamune, who is enshrined in the upper room.

the hot head window, which is usually closed, is left open.

If you follow the route, you can see the back of Lord Masamune from the back thanks to the open window above. This is also an experience only available during this period!

summary

The autumn leaves and Zuigan-ji illumination event only lasts until November 19th, so there aren't many left, but if you have the chance, this is an event you should definitely visit.

During the same period, the neighboring Entsuin Temple will also be lit up with autumn leaves, and common admission tickets are also on sale, so if you have time, we recommend visiting at the same time.

Link: [Official] Entsuin – Autumn leaves light up 2023

At Entsu-in Temple, you can also see the autumn leaves reflecting like a mirror on the surface of the pond

Zuiganji Temple＜Information＞

• Name: Zuiganji Temple
• Address: 91 Matsushima-cho, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-0213
• Phone number: 022-354-2023
• Official URL: http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/

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