This tour will start at Sendai Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the stained glass window (“Morinosanka”) near the west side exit of the main concourse (2F). Please look for the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS sign. There are coin lockers available at the station if you wish to leave any belongings behind, but we ask that you show up a bit earlier to the meet-up spot if this is the case.
Our first few locations in the Kitayama Gozan pilgrimage include a close-look at a Niōmon gate, an impressive traditional Japanese garden, and a temple known for its lush hydrangea blooms.
Of particular note is Rinnoji Temple. Rinnoji was not part of the original Kitayama Gozan, five zen temples, but was later added to it – at least in name only – once one of the original temples was moved to a new location. Rinnoji houses an impressive traditional Japanese strolling garden, a gorgeous pagoda, and even has entombed an important historical warrior figure. Your guide will provide you with historic context and offer some interesting tidbits about Zen Buddhism in general while you stroll the garden.
Our next locations include Kakuhanji Temple and Aoba Shrine. Both of which are strongly connected to Sendai’s founder, Date Masamune.
Kakuhanji has entombed Hoshunin, or Yoshihime, Masamune’s problematic mother known as the Demon Princess of the Ouu. Your guide will give you some interesting information about her life and her tumultuous relationship with the Date Clan, especially with Masamune, despite being its matriarch.
Aoba Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Date Masamune, enshrining him as a deity here. Most notably there are six structures on the grounds that are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Sendai.
Should it be deemed necessary by participants of the tour, we will take a short rest at a nearby park to recharge and hydrate before continuing our pilgrimage.
Our next stops and final temples of the Kitayama Gozan include Toshoji and Komyoji. Here your guide will provide you with information about Date Masamune and his influence on culture and religion during a time where Christianity was persecuted by the Tokugawa shogunate.
We will then head to our grand finale in this Zen Buddhism pilgrimage via public bus.
Welcome to Sendai’s Big Buddha! Reaching 100 meters (330 feet) into the sky, Sendai’s Daikannon Statue looks over the city with a watchful, protective eye. Daikannon is the representation of the Japanese Buddhist Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy. This particular statue is the tallest Kannon in Japan and the tenth-tallest statue in the world. You will tour outside and inside the statue.
We’ll wrap up our day by returning to Sendai Station, where your guide will say their goodbyes. The tour will conclude around 3:00 PM or later depending on traffic and crowding. Feel free to ask your guide for lunch or dinner recommendations!