[Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture] Entsuin Temple in Miyagi Prefecture, with a Beautiful Garden Created by Kobori Enshu

A temple in Matsushima associated with the Date clan

located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi PrefectureEntsuin Templewas restored byZuiganji, a temple that

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Zuiganji Temple, a temple rebuilt by Date Masamune, located in Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Viewed Sites (Miyagi Prefecture)

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Zuiganji Temple is a Rinzai sect temple located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi County, Miyagi Prefecture. Its official name, including the mountain name, is Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji (Shoto Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji). It occupies a corner of the scenic Matsushima landscape, known as one of the "Three Views of Japan." The temple's Godaido Hall towers over the rocky outcrop in front of the temple gate, and the pier for sightseeing boats to tour the island is visible, making it a popular tourist destination. Founded by Ennin, the Tendai sect temple, Zuiganji's origins are recorded in the Tendai-ki, a book believed to have been established during the Nanboku-cho 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 renowned for his virtuous rule, and was a cousin of Tokugawa Iemitsu. However, he died at the young age of 19, carrying the expectations of being the third lord of the domain

The shrine of Mitsumune, a nationally important cultural property, featuresHasekura Tsunenaga, and daffodils, the representative flower of Florence. These roses are painted with verdigris and coral to prevent fading, and the shrine's patterns are decorated in a Western style with playing card motifs such as hearts and spades.

A beautiful garden known as the "Moss Temple" or the "Rose Temple"

While Zuiganji Temple has a majestic impression, Entsuin Temple is a temple that soothes the soul

Immediately after passing through the temple gate, you will find the dry landscape garden "Ungai Tenchi no Niwa" (Ungai Tenchi Garden), which depicts Matsushima Bay, and further in you will find a pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu 360 years ago

This garden is said to have been relocated and recreated from the Date family's residence in Edo. The beautiful moss surrounding the Shinji Pond and Mount Fudaraku is impressive, and"Moss Temple."this is why Entsuin Temple is known as the

because the head priest planted roses in the 6,000 square meter Western-style garden at Hakukaho and opened it to visitorsthe "Rose Temple"is also known as

A garden that changes with the seasons

In spring, single white Yamabuki flowers bloom, the approach to the temple is lit by candlelight during the Obon festival, and in autumn the bright red leaves, the white rock garden, and the green carpet of moss create a brocade effect that is lit up, while in winter the snowy scenery is as tranquil as a sumi-e painting, making it a place that is relaxing no matter when you visit

To the left of the temple gate is the Matchmaking Kannon statue riding a dragon. It is popular for its blessings of finding a good match, and adorable Matchmaking Kokeshi dolls with wishes and names written on them are neatly placed on both sides of the Kannon

You can also try making your own rosary in the main hall. You will be given an explanation of the position of the beads, and you can choose the beads that resonate with you to create your own original rosary

The beads range from large natural stones to small natural stones, glass, and plastic. If you choose a natural stone, you will receive an explanation about the stone after you have completed it. Once the beads are completed, a prayer offering will be made to the principal image of worship. It is popular with parents and children as it is easy for even children to make

Entsuin Temple <Information>

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

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