🗺️ Ryoan-ji瑞巌寺

The Zuiganji Temple is said to have been established in the early 9th century and is a temple of the Tendai sect. Its full official name, including the mountain title, is "Matsushima Seiryu Mountain Zuigan Enpuku Zen Temple." Today, it belongs to the Rinzai sect Myoshinji school of Zen Buddhism. The existing buildings were completed by Date Masamune and are valuable structures that convey Momoyama art; the main hall and storehouse are designated national treasures. The richly colored fusuma paintings inside the main hall are a must-see highlight. Among them, the decoration in the "Shitsuchu" (Peacock Room) is particularly outstanding, depicting scenes of seasonal changes across three walls. Within the temple grounds, there are red and white plum trees (Waryu plum) that are said to have been personally planted by Date Masamune. The red plum tree faces the right side of the main hall, while the white plum tree is on the left. Because the shape of the tree trunk resembles a reclining dragon, it is called "Waryu plum." Both the red and white petals are of the yae type and produce seven to eight bell-shaped berries, hence the nickname "Waryu Hachibo." The best time to view the blossoms is from late March to early April. The "Godai Hall," located next to the southern coast of Zuiganji Temple, was also built by Date Masamune and serves as a symbol of Matsushima. It is the oldest existing Momoyama architecture in the Tohoku region, with carvings of the twelve zodiac signs arranged according to their directions along the edges of the eaves.

It has multiple cultural properties, including national treasures. The colorful fusuma paintings inside the main hall are not to be missed. The Godaido, located by the coastline outside Zuiganji Temple, also features exquisite carvings worth seeing. From the Godaido, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Matsushima's sea.