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Half Day Tour in Sendai Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue
Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
$103
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
The Five Zen Temples of Kitayama in Sendai are deeply intertwined with the historic Date clan and offer a unique glimpse into Japan's Zen Buddhist heritage. This walking tour immerses you in the tranquil beauty of these temples and the impressive Sendai Daikannon Statue.
- 🗺️ Begin your journey from Sendai Station, guided by an expert who speaks English and shares fascinating insights about the temples.
- 🌳 Discover the Niōmon gate and an exquisite traditional Japanese garden, along with a temple renowned for its vibrant hydrangea blooms.
- 🏯 Visit Rinnoji Temple, featuring a stunning strolling garden and a pagoda, while learning about its historical significance and Zen Buddhism.
- 🌸 Experience the beauty of Shifuku-ji Temple, known for its impressive hydrangea garden that flourishes during summer months.
- ⚔️ At Kakuhanji Temple, hear intriguing stories about Hoshunin, the mother of Date Masamune, and her complex relationship with the Date Clan.
- ⛩️ Explore Aoba Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Date Masamune, which houses six structures recognized as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
- 🎉 Learn about the Aoba Matsuri festival, celebrated in May to honor Masamune, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Sendai.
- 🌿 Enjoy a brief rest at a nearby park to recharge and hydrate before continuing your spiritual pilgrimage.
- 🕊️ Gain insights into Date Masamune's influence on culture and religion at Tosho-ji Temple, where the historical context of the era is revealed.
- 🙏 Marvel at the Sendai Daikannon Statue, standing 100 meters tall and representing the Goddess of Mercy, offering a breathtaking view of the city.
Choosing Tinggly for this experience allows you to share the journey of cultural exploration sustainably, with instant e-delivery of your gift vouchers, no expiration dates, and the freedom to choose from a wide range of global adventures.
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Join from Sendai Station
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 6 hours
- Admission fees at all attractions during tour
- Transportation to and from destinations during tour
- Lunch
Meeting point
Morinosanka Stained Glass located on the main concourse (2F) inside Sendai Station. Look for your guide holding the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS sign.
Return details
Morinosanka Stained Glass located on the main concourse (2F) inside Sendai Station. Look for your guide holding the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS sign.
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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.
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Rinnoji TempleOf 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.
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Shifuku-ji TempleOne of the 5 Zen Temples of Kitayama with an impressive hydrangea garden in summer.
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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.
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Aoba ShrineAoba 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 colorful 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.
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Tosho-ji TempleHere 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.
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Komyo-ji TempleEntombed 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.
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Sendai Daikannon StatueWelcome 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. 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.
How it works?
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You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
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We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
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Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
Half Day Tour in Sendai Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue
Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
$103
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!