Zuigan-ji

Zuigan-ji Review

Matsu-shima's main temple dates from 828, but the present structure was rebuilt to meet Masamune Date's tastes in 1609. Zuigan-ji is perhaps the most representative Zen temple in the Tohoku region. The main hall is a large wooden structure with elaborately carved wood panels and paintings (now faded) of some of Date's favorite totems: flowers, birds, and trees. Except during holidays, when the crowds are heavy, the relaxing temple grounds are full of trees, including two plum trees brought back from Korea in 1592 by Masamune Date after a failed military venture. The natural caves surrounding the temple are filled with Buddhist statues that novices carved from the rock face as part of their training. Zuigan-ji is down the street from Godai-do, across Route 45 and the central park.