Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 to pray for the soul of DATE Mitsumune, who was a grandson of DATE Masamune, the first feudal lord of the Sendai Area and a son of DATE Tadamune, the second feudal lord. DATE Mitsumune was expected to be the third feudal lord, but he suddenly passed away in 1645, when he was 19 years old.

Entsuin Temple is located to the south of Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima. The main gate of Entsuin Temple is simple in style, but has traditional architecture with a thatched roof.

You will see a stone garden on your left, after passing through the main gate.

The garden provides you a very calm atmosphere. It expresses a philosophical concept of the heaven and the earth. In Entsuin Temple, there is also a rosary and a pond garden.

The main hall will be seen on your left, after passing the stone garden.

The 350 year old main hall with a thatched roof is also of simple architecture. The main hall was originally a DATE Mitsumune's villa in Edo (current Tokyo) for him to enjoy the cool of the evenings.

Finally, at the end of the temple precinct, the imperial mausoleum of DATE Mitsumune, "Sankeiden Hall", is located. "Sankeiden Hall" is one of the most outstanding buildings of feudal lords of the DATE Family, and it is designated as an important property of Japan.

It was in October, when I visited Entsuin Temple. Colored leaves surrounding "Sankeiden Hall" were shinning in the sunlight and reflected the sunlight in "Sankeiden Hall". This scenery was very impressive.
I was in heaven on earth.

How to get there
You can visit Matsushima by the Senseki Line from Sendai Station. It takes approximately 40 minutes to Matsushima-Kaigan Station. The train fare is 410 yen. Entsuin Temple is to the north of the station. It takes just five minutes on foot.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Sendai Castle
Matsushima Islands
Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima
Cruise in Matsushima Bay