🗺️ Zuihoden瑞鳳殿

Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai domain. In the 13th year of the Kan'ei era (1636), it was completed the following year by the second lord of the domain, Date Tadamune, in accordance with Masamune's will. Surrounding Zuihoden are the spirit halls of the Date family, including "Kansenden," the spirit hall of Date Tadamune, and "Zen'ōden," the spirit hall of Date Tsunamune, as well as an affiliated museum. As the "Gravesite of the Date Family," the entire area has been designated as a historical site by Sendai City. Zuihoden, designated as a national treasure in 1931, was tragically destroyed in the air raid on Sendai in 1945. The current structure, rebuilt in 1979, is based on the original architecture and features splendid decorations that convey the style of the time, with colors as vibrant as the autumn foliage in the surrounding area. The bracket system supporting the pillars has a heavy and robust structure. During the excavation investigation conducted during the reconstruction, the remains of Masamune and accompanying burial goods were discovered. Some of the unearthed artifacts are displayed in the Zuihoden Museum.

The shrine of Date Masamune and the Date family. The colorful decorations are definitely worth seeing. Displays in the museum include reconstructions of appearances based on excavated remains.