Zuiganji Temple was the family temple of the DATE family, who were feudal lords of "Rikuzen" in the Edo Age. "Rikuzen" corresponds to the area of the current Miyagi Prefecture.

Zuiganji Temple was built in 828 by ENNIN, known as JIKAKU Daishi.
ENNIN studied Buddhism under SAICHO at Enryakuji Temple in Shiga, and he was one of eight priests who travelled o Tang Dynasty China in the ninth century. ENNIN founded several famous temples in Japan, such as "Senso-ji" Temple in Tokyo and "Risshaku-Ji" Temple, known as "Yamadera" in Yamagata.
It is said that he founded more than 500 temples.

The main gate, shown in the above picture, was built in 1609 by DATE Masamune, who united the south-east Tohoku Area at the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama Age in the late 16th century.

After passing through the main gate, you will find caves under a cliff. These caves were made from the Kamakura Age to the EDO Age in order to hold memorial services for ancestors.

The scenery of Matsushima Islands is very beautiful, and Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. In addition, Matsushima was a scared place in the past.

After visiting the cave remains, you will find the "Chumon" Gate, the middle gate. All the buildings of Zuiganji Temple are located beyond "Chumon" Gate.

A monk came to the main area through "Chumon" Gate.

Zuiganji Temple, originally named "Enfuku-Zenji" temple, was closed in the middle of the Kamakura Age (13th century). The priest HOSHIN re-opened the temple as the name of "Enfukuji" Temple in the Kamakura Age, but this temple was also closed by the end of the Muromachi Age.

Finally, DATE Masamune rebuilt the temple from 1604 to 1609.

The Main Hall was built in 1609 and is designated as a national treasure of Japan.

To the right of the Main Hall, a "Kuri" is located. A "Kuri" is a building consisting of a priest's kitchen and a living house. The "Kuri" is also designated as a national treasure of Japan. Also, the Kuri in Zuiganji is said to be one of the three major "Kuris" in Japan.

On the left side of the Main Hall, "Onari-Genkan" was built. "Onari-Genkan" was the special entrance prepared for Emperors and Feudal lords. The "Onarimon" Gate was also prepared for novelists.

The "Onari-Genkan" is the part of the Main Hall and is designated as a national treasure of Japan. The "Onarimon" Gate is designated as an important property of Japan.

Currently, the buildings of Zuiganji Temple are under repair. This will be completed by March, 2018.

How to get there
You can visit Zuiganji Temple by the Senseki Line from Sendai Station. It takes you approximately 40 minutes to Matsushima-Kaigan Station. The train fare is 410 yen. Zuiganji Temple is an approximately five minute walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station.

English Website:
http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/

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