Zuihoden

Zuihoden was built in 1637 on Kyogamine as the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain. This splendid, ornate mausoleum architecture strongly reflects the legacy of Momoyama culture, and is characterized by metalwork, maki-e lacquer decoration, and richly vivid colors. It was designated an Old National Treasure in 1931, but was destroyed in the air raids of 1945. After excavations beginning in 1974, it was reconstructed in 1979 on the basis of its original scale and decoration. In 2001, major restoration work was carried out to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Sendai, and carved lion heads on the pillars and dragon-head roof tiles were restored, reviving the magnificent appearance of the time of its original construction.

The grounds are surrounded by old cedar trees and enveloped in a solemn atmosphere. Alongside Masamune’s Zuihoden stand Kansenden, the mausoleum of the second lord, Date Tadamune, and Zennoden, the mausoleum of the third lord, Date Tsunamune; all boast the beauty of vivid polychrome decoration. Visitors cross Otabibashi Bridge over the Hirose River and pass through the front-facing Nehanmon Gate on the approach. Decorated with carvings of qilin, peonies, and Chinese guardian lions, this gate conveys the luxurious design of the past. The worship hall is a facility for paying respects and has been simplified today so that the main hall of Zuihoden can be seen clearly.

Within the grounds, there are also a number of stone monuments that convey the site’s history. These include the memorial stupa for retainers and vassals who followed Masamune in death, the grave of Kumagai Sainaokiyo, a purported follower on the Zennoden side, a cast-iron memorial monument for the war dead of the Boshin War and the Hakodate War (erected in 1877), and the memorial stone for Mankaishonin, rebuilt in 1989. Also maintained here are the Myounkaibyō, the burial site of the ninth lord, Date Munemune, and his wife, and the Okosama Gobyo, which enshrines the clan family members of the lords from the fifth generation onward.

The museum on the grounds was reconstructed from the former Gokosho, and displays grave goods unearthed in excavations, research materials from the study of the remains, and restored facial reconstructions of the three lords. A video introducing the highlights of the grounds is also shown, allowing visitors to appreciate Zuihoden not only for its architectural beauty but also from an academic perspective (photography is not permitted inside).

Zuihoden presents different faces with each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and snowy winter scenery. Free guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, providing a deeper understanding of its history and architectural design. Harmonizing the history of its former designation as an Old National Treasure with the resplendent architectural beauty revived through reconstruction, Zuihoden is one of Sendai’s most important cultural properties and continues to fascinate countless worshippers and tourists alike.