Zuiganji

Zuiganji, located in Matsushima, is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji branch, founded in 828 by Jikaku Daishi Ennin and rebuilt by Date Masamune over five years. Both the main hall and storehouse, which embody the finest of Momoyama architecture, are designated as National Treasures, and the painted sliding doors and transom carvings within the main hall are simply magnificent. There are cave groups flanking the approach path, bearing traces of monks' former ascetic practices. At the adjacent Entuoin Temple, the illumination of autumn foliage is famous. As a central attraction in Matsushima tourism, it is customary to visit alongside a sightseeing boat tour of Matsushima Bay.