Zuihōden
瑞鳳殿 · Sendai, Miyagi
The mausoleum of Date Masamune, the 'One-Eyed Dragon': colourful Momoyama-style buildings deep in a cedar forest.
Know before you go
- Don't make noise in the mausoleum area
- don't climb the stone lanterns or railings
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Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The One-Eyed Dragon's last wishes
Date Masamune lost his right eye to smallpox as a child and later became known as the 'One-Eyed Dragon of Ōshū'. In 1604 he moved with more than 50,000 retainers and their families to Sendai, then still a small fishing village, and built a castle town. Before his death in 1636 Masamune left instructions for building his mausoleum, the origin of Zuihōden; it was destroyed in an air raid in 1945 and rebuilt to its original design in 1979.
Legend
Where did that eye go?
Masamune's right eye was blinded by smallpox, but exactly how he lost it is not reliably recorded. One widely told story is that, so that the dead eye would not become a weakness, Masamune had his most trusted retainer, Katakura Kojūrō, gouge it out with his own hands.
Source: Wikipedia: Date Masamune
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Zuihōden is the mausoleum complex of Date Masamune, founder of the Sendai domain, and his descendants. Masamune died in 1636, leaving instructions for his tomb. Zuihōden was designated a National Treasure in 1931, destroyed in an air raid in 1945, rebuilt in its original Momoyama style in 1979 and restored again in 2001, closer to its original appearance.
Local customs
- Climb the stone steps up the cedar-lined approach
- keep quiet and put your palms together in front of the mausoleum
Religion & beliefs
Mausoleum of the Date family, with Buddhist elements.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't make noise in the mausoleum area
- don't climb the stone lanterns or railings
Locals appreciate DO
Sendai people are proud of Date Masamune and appreciate visitors who know this history and go on to see his equestrian statue at the Sendai Castle site.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Time needed | 1 hour |
|---|
Travel tips
- The 'Loople' sightseeing bus stops nearby
- there are a lot of stone steps on the approach, so wear comfortable shoes
Photos
Photos
663highland · CC BY 2.5
掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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