Entsu-in, a moss temple in Miyagi with a beautiful garden created by Enshu Kobori

A temple related to the Date family in Matsushima

Entsu-in Temple, located in Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture, is the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune. The principal image is Sho Kanzeon Bodhisattva, and it is a temple of the Myoshinji sect of the Rinzai sect, located on the west side of the main approach to Zuiganji.

Photo by yamakidoms – entsuuin080402_004(2008) / Size-adapted.

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, and daffodils, the representative flower of Florence. This rose is painted with patina and coral to keep it from fading, and the pattern on the zushi is decorated in a Western style with playing card patterns such as hearts and spades.

While Zuigan-ji Temple has a solemn impression, Entsu-in Temple is a temple that soothes the soul. There is a garden created by Kobori Enshu that was created 360 years ago, and it is also called ``Moss Temple'' due to the beautiful moss around Shinji Pond and Mt. Fudaraku. It is also known as the ``Rose Temple'' because the chief priest planted roses in the 6,000 square meter Western White Garden and opened it to worshipers.

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 woven with bright red autumn leaves, the white of the rock garden, and the green of the moss carpet is illuminated, 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.
On the left side of the Sanmon gate, there 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.

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