This temple is said to have been opened as a Tendai Sect in the 9th century. The official name including the name of the mountain is Shoto Seiryuzan Zuiganenpukuzenji. Today, it is a zen temple belonging to Rinzai Sect Myoshin-ji School. The current architecture was completed by Date Masamune. Since it is a valuable property that preserves Momoyama-period art, the main hall and Temple kitchen were designated as national treasures. The paper doors with gold and deep color paintings in the main hall are must-see. The decoration in the Peacock Room is outstanding with three panels depicting changing seasons.
On the temple grounds, there are red and white plum trees, (Garyubai, resembling a lying dragon) believed to have been planted by Date Masamune - to the right of the main hall, the red plum, and to the left, the white plum. They are both double-petaled and bear clusters of 7-8 berries, thus called “Garyu Eight Tassels.” Their blooms peak from late March to early April.
To the south of Zuigan-ji, Godai-do by the coast was also built by Date Masamune. This hall is almost the symbol of Matsushima, which is the oldest remaining Momoyama-Period architecture in Tohoku Region. The frog-leg-struts under the eaves have carvings of zodiac animals in the corresponding directions.
Highlights
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National treasures and many cultural properties are curated.
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The main hall has paper doors with impressive gold and deep color paintings.
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Carvings at the Godai-do, away from the temple grounds and over the bridge along the coast, are worth a look.
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Godai-do offers a sweeping view over the sea of Matsushima.
