Half Day Tour in Sendai: Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue

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Half Day Tour in Sendai: Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue

By Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
6h
Mobile voucher
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Overview

Visit the Five Zen Temples of Kitayama, prominently connected to the historic Date clan, and witness the grandiose majesty of the Sendai Daikannon Statue.

Kitayama Gozan, or Five Zen Temples, refers to the line of Buddhist temples built in the Kitayama area of Sendai. This walking tour of these historically significant temples offers you a detailed look into Sendai’s strong Zen Buddhist ties and the legacy of the Date Clan. Though not many tourists visit the area, its history and natural beauty are certainly worthwhile. From the sound of a soft breeze throughout the Zen gardens and flowering plants, to the subtle tranquility of temples, by visiting these residential temples paired with a breathtaking spiritual pilgrimage spot of Sendai Daikannon Statue, you will not just see Japan, but feel how it is experienced.

Activity location

Shurinji Temple
- 1 3
- 981-0931, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Morinosanka
- 1
- 980-0021, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Check availability

Join from Sendai Station

6h
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

£76.66 x 1 Adult£76.66

Total

Until Wed, 22 Apr

What's included, what's not

Transport to and from destinations during tour
Admission fees at all attractions during tour
Lunch

Know before you book

Service animals allowed
Public transport options are available nearby
Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Shurinji Temple

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.

Rinnoji Temple

30m
Admission ticket included

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 titbits about Zen Buddhism in general while you stroll the garden.

Shifuku-ji Temple

One of the 5 Zen Temples of Kitayama with an impressive hydrangea garden in summer.

Kakuhanji Parking Lot

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

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. This shrine is strongly connected to a giant, ornamented festival in May called the Aoba Matsuri. The festival was revived to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Masamune’s death in 1985 and has ever since then offered a colourful and ornate display of reverence for Masamune and the “Date Aesthetic.” 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.

Tosho-ji Temple

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.

Komyo-ji Temple

Entombed at Komyoji is an important historical figurehead named Hasekura Tsunenaga. Your guide will explain how influential and important he was to Masamune, and how his embassy was one of, if not the first, successful grand expedition sponsored by any feudal lord.

Sendai Daikannon Statue

1h
Admission ticket included

Welcome to Sendai’s Big Buddha! Reaching 100 metres (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. She is officially knowns as Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon (仙台天道白衣大観音), gaining her name from her white-robbed bodhisattva form. She holds a wish-fulfilling gem in her right hand and in her left, a water flask pours the water of wisdom. You will get a good chance to appreciate her magnitude and presence.

Location

Activity location

Shurinji Temple
- 1 3
- 981-0931, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Morinosanka
- 1
- 980-0021, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

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