Zuihoden Temple

Zuihoden is the mausoleum (reiya) built over the burial site of Date Masamune, founder of the Sendai Domain. Masamune died in 1636 at age 70, and by his will, the mausoleum was built the following year. Its magnificent Momoyama-style ornamentation is breathtaking. The original was lost to war, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1979, but it remains splendid and conveys Masamune’s presence. The grounds also include Kansenden (for the 2nd lord Tadamune), Zen’oden (for the 3rd lord Tsunamune), and the Zuihoden Museum. The museum displays grave goods, facial reconstructions of the three lords, and videos of excavation research. Access: about 10 minutes by car from JR/Subway “Sendai Station.” On foot, about 15 minutes from Subway Tozai Line “Omachi Nishi-koen Station,” or use city buses / the loop sightseeing bus “Loople Sendai.” The cedar-lined grounds feel refreshing and are great for a seasonal walk. Free guides are stationed on weekends.