"Zuiho-Den" is the imperial mausoleum of DATE Masamune and is located to the southeast of Sendai Castle. DATE Masamune was the first feudal lord of the Sendai clan, whose territory is currently Miyagi, the southern part of Iwate and the northern part of Fukushima Prefectures. The Sendai clan was the third largest clan during the Edo Age.

One year after DATE Masamune died in 1636, his imperial mausoleum was built according to the Masamune's will. It was built by his son DATE Tadamune, the second feudal lord of the Sendai clan.

"Zuiho-Den" is located on the hill named "Kyogamine" toward the west, which is the direction toward Sendai Castle. The Hirose River is flowing with a shape of a Horseshoe Bend. "Kyogamine" is just in the middle of the Horseshoe Bend portion.

From the foot of "Kyogamine" to "Zuiho-Den", you will go up the stone steps on your left.

Colored leaves surrounding "Zuiho-Den" were beautiful, when I visited "Zuiho-Den" in October.

At the foot of "Zuiho-Den", "Nehan-Mon" Gate is located. The chrysanthemum crest was used on the roof of the gate. The crest was presented by TOYOYTOMI Hideyoshi, who governed Japan during the Azuchi and Momoyama Age, to DATE Masamune at the end of the 16th century.

These gates were very impressive and gave the impression how "Zuiho-Den" is dignity. After passing through the middle gate, "Zuiho-Den" will appear in front of you. "Zuiho-Den" is very brilliant and gorgeous.

On both sides of "Zuiho-Den", you will see the graves of fifteen vassals who followed DATE Masamune to the grave when Masamune died.

Near to "Zuiho-Den", the imperial mausoleums of DATE Tadamune and DATE Tsunamune are located. DATE Tdamune was a son of DATE Masamun and DATE Tsunamune was a grandson of DATE Masamune.

First, you will see "Kansen-Den", the imperial mausoleum of DATE Tadamune. "Zenou-Den", the imperial mausoleum of DATE Tsunamune, is located to the left of "Kansen-Den".

The style of architecture of "Kansen-Den" and "Zenou-Den" is the same as "Zuiho-Den"and they were also very impressive.

"Zenou-Den", the imperial mausoleum of DATE Tsunamune

"Zuiho-Den" as seen today was rebuilt in 1979. "Kansen-Den" and "Zenou-Den" were rebuilt in 1985. The original buildings were destroyed during World War II, while "Zuiho-Den" and "Kansen-Den" were designated as national treasures of Japan.

How to get there
Take a "Loople Bus" at the #16 bus stop to the west side of Sendai Station. You can get off a bus at the "Zuiho-Den Mae" bus stop.

Official English Website: http://www.zuihoden.com/en/
The English website of "Loople Sendai": http://loople-sendai.jp/en/

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Sendai Castle
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Sendai Downtown Area
Matsushima Islands