【English】All About Hiraizumi#31 Pilgrimage to Four Temples – Part 1
Broadcasted on November 12th, 2014
We will introduce you ‘Pilgrimage to Four Temples – the journey to visit ancient temples in Michinoku’. The great priest Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) founded the four temples in Heian Era and renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited them in his journey called ‘the Narrow Road to the Deep North’ in Edo Era.
Chuson-ji
Shunwa Yamada, Chief Abbot
The four temples consist of Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Zuigan-ji in Matsushima and Rissyaku-ji, a mountain temple in Yamagata. Four temples have been cooperating to welcome the worshippers under the name of ‘Pilgrimage to Four Temples’. We believe that the worshippers will gain many blessings by visiting the temples one by one, taking enough time, and thinking of the olden days respectfully
You can start ‘Pilgrimage to Four Temples’ with any temples and can take any order.
Please purchase a Goshuin-cho (a notebook to stamp red seals on when visiting sacred places) at the first temple you visit and travel on your own pace.
Zuigan-ji in Miyagi Prefecture is the most historic temple among the four.
It is also famous as the family temple of Date clan.
Zuigan-ji
Mr.Youichi Chiba
Although the temples are located in different prefectures, Miyagi, Iwate and Yamagata and their sects vary, the four temples have been collaborating in ‘Pilgrimage to Four Temple’. By all means, I would like everyone to visit the temples and think nostalgically upon the history such as Jikaku Daishi and Matsuo Basho.
There is a plum tree named ‘Garyubai’ in Zuigan-ji.
All the red seals for ‘Pilgrimage to Four Temples’ are made with Garyubai and very prestigious.
We received two red seals on this day.
Part 2 of ‘Pilgrimage to Four Temples’ will feature Rissyaku-ji in Yamagata and Motsu-ji in Hiraizumi.
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Statue, Meditation, Statues, Zen, Shrines, Matsushima, Japan
Statues, Zen, Shrines, Matsushima, Japan
Shrines, Japan
Japanese Gardens, Ponds, fish, flowers, Sakura, Shrines, Japan
Entsū-in, Entsuin, 円通院, Mastushima, Japanese Gardens, Ponds, fish, flowers, Sakura, Japan, 心, karesansui garden, Miyagi, Zuigan-ji, Japanese Gardens, Ponds, fish, flowers, Sakura, Japan
Entsū-in (円通院) is a famous Myōshin-ji-branch Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It was founded next to Zuigan-ji in honour of the grandson of Date Masamune. His mausoleum of 1647 is decorated with Namban art, with |motifs inspired by contact with the West and has been designated an Important Cultural Property. There is also a Japanese garden attributed to Kobori Enshū.
The Main Hall has a thatched hip roof and is known as the Daihitei (大悲亭 lit. Great Sadness Cottage?). It was dismantled and moved from Edo. Inside is enshrined a Muromachi period statue of Kannon seated on a lotus throne. Made of Japanese cypress using the yoseki-zukuri technique, it is gilded over lacquer.
Mausoleum
The three-bay Tamaya (霊屋?) or mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, grandson of Date Masamune, was built in 1647 and is an Important Cultural Property. Inside, the shrine of Date Mitsumune is decorated with motifs including spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs, roses and other western flowers. The Tamaya was damaged by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
Gardens
karesansui garden
The gardens of Entsū-in are divided into four areas: a karesansui garden; a moss garden around a pond shaped like the character for heart (心), attributed to Kobori Enshū; a rose garden inspired by the Date encounter with the Christian west; and a natural stand of cryptomeria. In autumn the temple is celebrated for its momiji.
Temple, Shrine, Island, Ocean, Mastushima, Miyagi, Japan
Matsushima Bay, famous for some 260 tiny islands (島 - shima) covered in pines (松 - matsu) — hence the name -- and ranked as one of Japan's Three Great Views.
In 1689, Haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited Matsushima on the trip recorded in Narrow Road to the Deep North. A well-known poem often attributed to Basho claims to record his reaction, signifying that nothing more could be said:
Matsushima ah!
A-ah, Matsushima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
Today's Matsushima is perhaps a little less inspiring, but still a worthwhile day trip if in the region.
The town did not suffer significant damange due to the Great East Japan Earthquake; the tsunami damage was minimal. The temples, shrines, and sight seeing destinations are still there and still worth the trip.
The Senseki train from Sendai is currently functional and travel to Matsushima-kaigan station is possible.
Get in
The town is only a short distance from prefectural capital Sendai.
By train
Most visitors arrive on the JR Senseki Line (仙石線) connecting Sendai (25 minutes by express train or 40 minutes by local) and Ishinomaki. The most convenient station is Matsushima-Kaigan (松島海岸). The Matsushima station on the JR Tohoku Main Line is located a fair distance away from the seashore.
From Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train runs to Sendai for connection to the Senseki Line. The total one-way fare is ¥10,900 using the fastest, all-reserved shinkansen service, and the journey to Matsushima-Kaigan lasts around 2 3/4 hours. There is no charge if you use the Japan Rail Pass.
By boat
Another popular choice is to take the JR Senseki line train to Hon-Shiogama (don't mistake it with JR Tohuku line train to Shiogama station), connect to a sightseeing boat to Matsushima (viewing some of the famous islands along the way), then return by train.
Get around
Related videos:
【English】All About Hiraizumi ＃15 ~ Old Eastern Lookout
There is a stone monument engraved with a poem by the famous Heian-era poet Saigyo Hoshi at the Old Eastern Lookout, half-way up Tsukimizaka (Moon-Viewing Slope). His poem reads:
How marvelous,
The cherry blossom of Mount Tabashine.
I had never heard of
Another place as beautiful
As Yoshino
When he was in his late twenties, Saigyo made his first visit to Hiraizumi, at the time of the second Fujiwara lord Motohira. It is said that at that time, Mount Tabashine was planted with over 10,000 cherry trees. Saigyo, who loved cherry blossom, was very moved by the sight of these trees that emulated the renowned cherries of Yoshino in Nara. None of the cherries from that time have survived but many different cherries have now been planted in the Saigyo Cherry Forest and you can enjoy them in full bloom in Spring.
In 1689, Matsuo Basho, Japan's most famous haiku poet also visited Hiraizumi and composed two haiku there.
the summer grass
'tis all that's left
of ancient warriors' dreams
This haiku was composed in Hiraizumi, the goal of his journey. Matsuo Basho wrote in his travelogue, 'Oku no Hosomichi' (The Narrow Road to the Deep North) that he wept for a while when looking down from the Takadachi, thinking of the past glory of Hiraizumi and the tragedy of Yoshitsune and his retainers.
Many literary people have visited Hiraizumi and composed works, some of which you can see engraved on stone monuments around the town. Why don't you explore Hiraizumi by following in their footsteps?
Tourism and Commerce Division, Hiraizumi Town Hall
kankou@town.hiraizumi.iwate.jp
Hiraizumi Tourism Association Facebook
Temple, Shrine, Island, Ocean, Matsushima, Japan
Temple, Shrine, Island, Ocean, Mastushima, Miyagi, Japan
Matsushima Bay, famous for some 260 tiny islands (島 - shima) covered in pines (松 - matsu) — hence the name -- and ranked as one of Japan's Three Great Views.
In 1689, Haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited Matsushima on the trip recorded in Narrow Road to the Deep North. A well-known poem often attributed to Basho claims to record his reaction, signifying that nothing more could be said:
Matsushima ah!
A-ah, Matsushima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
Today's Matsushima is perhaps a little less inspiring, but still a worthwhile day trip if in the region.
The town did not suffer significant damange due to the Great East Japan Earthquake; the tsunami damage was minimal. The temples, shrines, and sight seeing destinations are still there and still worth the trip.
The Senseki train from Sendai is currently functional and travel to Matsushima-kaigan station is possible.
Get in
The town is only a short distance from prefectural capital Sendai.
By train
Most visitors arrive on the JR Senseki Line (仙石線) connecting Sendai (25 minutes by express train or 40 minutes by local) and Ishinomaki. The most convenient station is Matsushima-Kaigan (松島海岸). The Matsushima station on the JR Tohoku Main Line is located a fair distance away from the seashore.
From Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train runs to Sendai for connection to the Senseki Line. The total one-way fare is ¥10,900 using the fastest, all-reserved shinkansen service, and the journey to Matsushima-Kaigan lasts around 2 3/4 hours. There is no charge if you use the Japan Rail Pass.
By boat
Another popular choice is to take the JR Senseki line train to Hon-Shiogama (don't mistake it with JR Tohuku line train to Shiogama station), connect to a sightseeing boat to Matsushima (viewing some of the famous islands along the way), then return by train.
Get around
Matsushima's seaside attractions are within walking distance of the train station and ferry pier, but the best views are from mountaintops not so easy to reach on foot. The most spectacular views are from Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, a ¥660 cab ride up from the station. It is covered with cherry blossoms in the spring, but the food available there is nothing special. Other overlooks are Sōkanzan, a promontory that juts out into the bay, and Ōgitani, a hill across the coastal highway from Sokanzan.
See
Zuigan-ji Temple (瑞巌寺), [2]. 8AM-3:30PM (sometimes later). Matsushima's top Zen temple with over a thousand years of history, but not a top choice for relaxation: tickets are sold from vending machines and guides shouting into megaphones herd tour groups through the temple, which has been turning into a museum with everything of interest partitioned off and/or packaged in glass cases. The approach with its moss-covered Kannon statues is atmospheric though. Repairs on the main temple roof started in 2009 and are projected to last 5 or more years. ¥700. edit
Kanran-tei Pavilion (観覧亭). Originally built in Kyoto by famed Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this was eventually moved to Matsushima by Date Tadamune in 1645 and is the largest Momoyama-style tea house in Japan. An excellent place to stop for a ¥200 cup of tea (traditional Japanese sweets included) and a view of the Matsushima coastline.
Fukuura Island (福浦島; Fukuura-jima). Connected to the mainland by a long bridge, the island is crisscrossed in all directions by paths small and large, paved and muddy, well-trod and overgrown. A circuit of the island won't take more than an hour and there are some very sparsely beautiful spots to be seen. An interesting anecdote, there is a local superstition that crossing the bridge with a girlfriend/boyfriend will cause a breakup.
Do
Ōtakamori (大高森). One of The 4 Famous Places to view Matsushima Bay and a good place to catch the sunset over the island. The start of the 1-km trail to the top is some 3 kilometers from the Pila Youth Hostel in Oku-Matsushima.
How to take Jr Rail Train to Matsushima Kaiten Japan from Sendai Train Station
How to take Jr Rail Train to Matsushima Kaiten Japan from Sendai Train Station
Direction video. How to take Jr train from Sendai to Matsushima Kaiten, Go south, take east, exit Sendai tohoku train, up escalator, turn right, go 100 yards, down escalator turn left go down another escalator to Senseki line, 仙石線, Sendai airport to Sendai station to Mastushima, Sendai to Matushima Kaigan, Ishinomaki, Japan
Matsushima Bay, famous for some 260 tiny islands (島 - shima) covered in pines (松 - matsu) — hence the name -- and ranked as one of Japan's Three Great Views.
In 1689, Haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited Matsushima on the trip recorded in Narrow Road to the Deep North. A well-known poem often attributed to Basho claims to record his reaction, signifying that nothing more could be said:
Matsushima ah!
A-ah, Matsushima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
Today's Matsushima is perhaps a little less inspiring, but still a worthwhile day trip if in the region.
The town did not suffer significant damange due to the Great East Japan Earthquake; the tsunami damage was minimal. The temples, shrines, and sight seeing destinations are still there and still worth the trip.
The Senseki train from Sendai is currently functional and travel to Matsushima-kaigan station is possible.
Get in
The town is only a short distance from prefectural capital Sendai.
By train
Most visitors arrive on the JR Senseki Line (仙石線) connecting Sendai (25 minutes by express train or 40 minutes by local) and Ishinomaki. The most convenient station is Matsushima-Kaigan (松島海岸). The Matsushima station on the JR Tohoku Main Line is located a fair distance away from the seashore.
From Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train runs to Sendai for connection to the Senseki Line. The total one-way fare is ¥10,900 using the fastest, all-reserved shinkansen service, and the journey to Matsushima-Kaigan lasts around 2 3/4 hours. There is no charge if you use the Japan Rail Pass.
By boat
Another popular choice is to take the JR Senseki line train to Hon-Shiogama (don't mistake it with JR Tohuku line train to Shiogama station), connect to a sightseeing boat to Matsushima (viewing some of the famous islands along the way), then return by train.
Get around
Matsushima's seaside attractions are within walking distance of the train station and ferry pier, but the best views are from mountaintops not so easy to reach on foot. The most spectacular views are from Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, a ¥660 cab ride up from the station. It is covered with cherry blossoms in the spring, but the food available there is nothing special. Other overlooks are Sōkanzan, a promontory that juts out into the bay, and Ōgitani, a hill across the coastal highway from Sokanzan.
See
Zuigan-ji Temple (瑞巌寺), [2]. 8AM-3:30PM (sometimes later). Matsushima's top Zen temple with over a thousand years of history, but not a top choice for relaxation: tickets are sold from vending machines and guides shouting into megaphones herd tour groups through the temple, which has been turning into a museum with everything of interest partitioned off and/or packaged in glass cases. The approach with its moss-covered Kannon statues is atmospheric though. Repairs on the main temple roof started in 2009 and are projected to last 5 or more years. ¥700. edit
Kanran-tei Pavilion (観覧亭). Originally built in Kyoto by famed Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this was eventually moved to Matsushima by Date Tadamune in 1645 and is the largest Momoyama-style tea house in Japan. An excellent place to stop for a ¥200 cup of tea (traditional Japanese sweets included) and a view of the Matsushima coastline. edit
Fukuura Island (福浦島; Fukuura-jima). Connected to the mainland by a long bridge, the island is crisscrossed in all directions by paths small and large, paved and muddy, well-trod and overgrown. A circuit of the island won't take more than an hour and there are some very sparsely beautiful spots to be seen. An interesting anecdote, there is a local superstition that crossing the bridge with a girlfriend/boyfriend will cause a breakup.
Ōtakamori (大高森). One of The 4 Famous Places to view Matsushima Bay and a good place to catch the sunset over the island. The start of the 1-km trail to the top is some 3 kilometers from the Pila Youth Hostel in Oku-Matsushima.
Matsushima, 松島, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Temple, Shrine, Island, Ocean, Mastushima, Miyagi, Japan
大高森
Matsushima Bay, famous for some 260 tiny islands (島 - shima) covered in pines (松 - matsu) — hence the name -- and ranked as one of Japan's Three Great Views.
In 1689, Haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited Matsushima on the trip recorded in Narrow Road to the Deep North. A well-known poem often attributed to Basho claims to record his reaction, signifying that nothing more could be said:
Matsushima ah!
A-ah, Matsushima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
Today's Matsushima is perhaps a little less inspiring, but still a worthwhile day trip if in the region.
The town did not suffer significant damange due to the Great East Japan Earthquake; the tsunami damage was minimal. The temples, shrines, and sight seeing destinations are still there and still worth the trip.
The Senseki train from Sendai is currently functional and travel to Matsushima-kaigan station is possible.
Get in
The town is only a short distance from prefectural capital Sendai.
By train
Most visitors arrive on the JR Senseki Line (仙石線) connecting Sendai (25 minutes by express train or 40 minutes by local) and Ishinomaki. The most convenient station is Matsushima-Kaigan (松島海岸). The Matsushima station on the JR Tohoku Main Line is located a fair distance away from the seashore.
From Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train runs to Sendai for connection to the Senseki Line. The total one-way fare is ¥10,900 using the fastest, all-reserved shinkansen service, and the journey to Matsushima-Kaigan lasts around 2 3/4 hours. There is no charge if you use the Japan Rail Pass.
By boat
Another popular choice is to take the JR Senseki line train to Hon-Shiogama (don't mistake it with JR Tohuku line train to Shiogama station), connect to a sightseeing boat to Matsushima (viewing some of the famous islands along the way), then return by train.
Get around
Matsushima's seaside attractions are within walking distance of the train station and ferry pier, but the best views are from mountaintops not so easy to reach on foot. The most spectacular views are from Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, a ¥660 cab ride up from the station. It is covered with cherry blossoms in the spring, but the food available there is nothing special. Other overlooks are Sōkanzan, a promontory that juts out into the bay, and Ōgitani, a hill across the coastal highway from Sokanzan.
See
Zuigan-ji Temple (瑞巌寺), [2]. 8AM-3:30PM (sometimes later). Matsushima's top Zen temple with over a thousand years of history, but not a top choice for relaxation: tickets are sold from vending machines and guides shouting into megaphones herd tour groups through the temple, which has been turning into a museum with everything of interest partitioned off and/or packaged in glass cases. The approach with its moss-covered Kannon statues is atmospheric though. Repairs on the main temple roof started in 2009 and are projected to last 5 or more years. ¥700. edit
Kanran-tei Pavilion (観覧亭). Originally built in Kyoto by famed Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this was eventually moved to Matsushima by Date Tadamune in 1645 and is the largest Momoyama-style tea house in Japan. An excellent place to stop for a ¥200 cup of tea (traditional Japanese sweets included) and a view of the Matsushima coastline.
Fukuura Island (福浦島; Fukuura-jima). Connected to the mainland by a long bridge, the island is crisscrossed in all directions by paths small and large, paved and muddy, well-trod and overgrown. A circuit of the island won't take more than an hour and there are some very sparsely beautiful spots to be seen. An interesting anecdote, there is a local superstition that crossing the bridge with a girlfriend/boyfriend will cause a breakup.
Do
Ōtakamori (大高森). One of The 4 Famous Places to view Matsushima Bay and a good place to catch the sunset over the island. The start of the 1-km trail to the top is some 3 kilometers from the Pila Youth Hostel in Oku-Matsushima.