AreaSendai
Zuihoden, Date Family Mausoleum
瑞鳳殿 | Zuihoden
Ornate samurai mausoleums and a serene forest walk
Photo by Roger Smith
AreaSendai
瑞鳳殿 | Zuihoden
Ornate samurai mausoleums and a serene forest walk
Photo by Roger Smith
Photo by Wesley Keppel-Henry
Photo by Roger Smith
Photo by Roger Smith
Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Masamune Date, the founder of Sendai and one of the most interesting and charismatic feudal lords of the turbulent sixteenth century. It is one of the must-sees of Sendai, and deservedly so—Zuihoden’s intricate woodwork, contrast of bold colors and black lacquer, and location in the midst of a thick protected forest is absolutely stunning.
The place is quiet, just as a cemetery should be. Large reconstructed mausoleums for Masamune Date, his son Tadamune, and grandson Tsunamune are the main points of interest. After you take in these generously ornamented buildings decorated with flowers, birds, dragons and heavenly beings, look closely at the surrounding stone stupas. Each serves as a tombstone for a warrior who committed ritual suicide upon the death of their lord.
Not far from the mausoleums, there is a small and rarely visited cemetery. Here, the children of Date family are buried. Linger in its serene and peaceful beauty.
Zuihoden is a very nice place to step into the world of Masamune Date, his descendants and the people associated with the Date family. Visit the on-site museum to see artifacts from the Zuihoden tombs. I also recommend you dedicate some time to enjoying some of the cafes nearby!
WEBSITEhttps://www.zuihoden.com
ADDRESS
23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken 980-0814
ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
By subway: 20-minute walk from Omachi Nishi-Koen Station (Sendai Subway Tozai Line).
By Loople Bus: 15 minutes from Sendai Station. Board Sendai Loople Bus at Sendai Station, alight at bus stop #4 Zuihoden Mausoleum. Bus info here (English).
ADMISSION
¥550 adults, ¥400 high school students, ¥200 children
CREDIT CARDS
Accepted
LANGUAGES
English
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE
No
HOURS
Feb–Nov 9:00–16:50 (last entry 16:30), Dec & Jan 9:00–16:20 (last entry 16:00)
CLOSED DAYS
December 31 (On January 1, only the main hall is open.)
PHONE
022-262-6250