[Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture] Entsu-in, a moss temple in Miyagi with a beautiful garden created by Enshu Kobori

A temple related to the Date family in Matsushima

Entsuin located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture , is the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune, and its principal image is the Bodhisattva Sho Kanzeon. This is a temple of the Myoshinji sect of the Rinzai sect, located on the west side of the Omotesando approach to Zuiganji temple rebuilt by Date Masamune

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

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Zuigan-ji Temple is a Rinzai sect temple located in Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, and its official name including the mountain name is Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji. It occupies a part of the scenic Matsushima landscape known as ``Japan's Three Scenic Views,'' and in front of the temple's gate, you can see the Godaido building towering over a rocky area, and the pier for sightseeing boats that take you around the island. It has become a place visited by many tourists. Zuigan-ji Temple, a temple of the Tendai sect founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, has its origins recorded in the ``Tendai Ki'', which is thought to have been established during the Nanbokucho period or the early Muromachi period.

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Date Mitsumune was the second son of Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai domain, who was hailed as the great Lord of Morinari, and was a cousin to Tokugawa Iemitsu, but he died at the age of 19, burdened with the expectations of being the third lord of the domain. Did.

On the zushi of Mitsumune's mausoleum, Sankeiden, an important cultural property, there are paintings of roses said to have been brought back from Europe by Hasekura Tsunenaga This rose is painted with patina and coral so that it will not fade, and the pattern on the zushi is decorated in a Western style with playing card patterns such as hearts and spades.

A beautiful garden also known as ``Kokedera'' and ``Rosedera.''

While Zuigan-ji Temple has a solemn impression, Entsu-in Temple is a temple that soothes the soul.

As soon as you pass through the main gate, you will find the ``Ungai Tenchi no Niwa'' dry landscape garden that depicts Matsushima Bay, and as you go further in, you will find a pond garden created 360 years ago by Kobori Enshu.

This garden is said to have been relocated and recreated from the Date mansion in Edo, and the beautiful moss around Shinji Pond and Fudarakuyama is impressive, which is why Entsu-in Temple is called ``Moss Temple.'' .

It is also known as the ``Rose Temple'' because the chief priest planted roses in the 6,000 m² Baekhwabong Western Garden and opened it to worshipers

A garden that looks different in each season

In spring, the single-layered white yamabuki blooms, in the Obon period the approach to the shrine is illuminated by candlelight, in autumn the nishiki-e is illuminated with bright red autumn leaves, the white of the rock garden, and the green of the moss carpet, and in winter the snowy landscape is illuminated. It's as quiet as an ink painting, and it's a place where you can relax no matter when you visit.

To the left of the Sanmon gate is a matchmaking Kannon sitting on a dragon. It is popular for bringing good luck, and cute matchmaking kokeshi dolls with wishes and names written on them are placed neatly on either side of the Kannon statue.

You can also try making beads at the main hall. There is an explanation of the positions of the beads on the rosary, and you can choose beads that resonate with your sensibilities and create your own original rosary.

There are large natural stones, small natural stones, glass and plastic stones, and if you choose a natural stone, you will be given an explanation of the stone after it is completed. Once the rosary has been completed, a prayer is offered to the principal image. It is also popular among parents and children as it is easy to make even for children.

Entsuin <Information>

• Name: Entsuin
• Address: 67 Matsushima-cho, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-0213
• Phone number: 022-354-3206
• Official URL: https://www.entuuin.or.jp/

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