Main Hall
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Construction Notice: Zuiganji is currently being renovated until March 2018. The grounds remain open, however the main hall will be closed from September 2009 through March 2016 during which time you can visit alternate buildings that are not normally open to the public.
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Zuiganji is one of the Tohoku Region's most famous and prominent Zen temples, and is well known for its beautifully gilded and painted sliding doors (fusuma). The temple was originally founded in 828 as part of the Tendai sect, and was converted into a Zen temple during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). After years of decline, Zuiganji was restored to prominence by the feudal lord Date Masamune who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609.
Zuiganji is a reflection of the natural beauty of Matsushima, and upon entering the temple grounds, the approach to the main hall proceeds along a long, straight path flanked on both sides by cedar trees. An alternate path detours off to the right of the entrance and by a number of caves that were used in the past for meditation, and today contain statues.
Approach to the temple
The Main Hall of the temple emerges at the end of the wooded path, and is an impressive building built by the Edo Period's best craftsmen, brought in from Kyoto and Wakayama, using lumber from the spiritually important Kumano Region of Japan. Attached is the Kuri, the Zen kitchen where all the meals of the temple were cooked. The main hall and kitchen are both designated national treasures.
Across from the Kuri is the Seiryuden, also known as Zuiganji Art Museum. The museum exhibits some of the temple's treasures, including its golden fusuma sliding doors, and artifacts of the Date Clan, such as a life sized wooden stature of Date Masamune clothed in his armor.
During the renovation works from September 2009 through March 2016, Zuiganji's main hall will be closed to visitors. Alternatively, the Zen kitchen and Otamaya, the mausoleum of Date Masamune's wife, which are normally off limits, will be open to the public for a special viewing. The Zuiganji Art Museum remains open as usual.
Kuri, the Zen kitchen
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Caves along the approach
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