Sendai Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as a god. To distinguish from other Toshogu in Japan, it is called as Sendai Toshogu, which was built by Sendai Domain’s 2nd lord, Date Tadamune. The location of the shrine is the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu took some rest at a suggestion from Date Masamune. This is a guardian shrine for Date Family and the town around Sendai Castle.

The main hall, a Chinese-style gate, see-through wall, stone gate and zuijinmon gate are designated as important cultural properties. On the bay of the festival on April 17, the Chinese-style gate is opened. The main hall is decorated with cloisonné metal fittings. Sendai Toshogu is believed to impart blessings of safety in voyage and at home, excellence in education and business, etc. Some come for these blessings, and others to enjoy the scenery of the grounds.

Toshogu grounds are known for cherry blossoms. Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry trees at the west side of the main hall, mountain cherries on the north side of the grounds - nearly 80 cherry trees are planted. Although the number of the trees are fewer, visitors enjoy the combined beauty of the cherry blossoms and the refined shrine architecture.