Sendai

Zuihoden, Date Family Mausoleum

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

  • Aliise Eisho Donnere

    Writer

    Last Update
    November 22, 2022

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  • 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/en/

  • Sendai

    Tags

    Do & See History Sendai

Details

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 Sendai bus: 15 minutes from Sendai Station. Board Loople Sendai bus at Sendai Station, alight at bus stop #4 Zuihoden Mausoleum. Bus info here (English).

ADMISSION

¥570 adults, ¥410 high school students, ¥210 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

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