History:

is a temple located in the city of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture. It is a Buddhist temple of the Soto sect and is dedicated to the protective deity of the Date family which ruled the region between the 15th and the 19th centuries. The temple consists of a main hall, a five-storied pagoda and a waterfall garden. The main hall, which was built in 1608, has been designated as a national treasure. The temple is also known for its beautiful gardens and sculptures. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Zuigan-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in the city of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. 2. It was founded by the famous warrior and monk Date Masamune in 1609. 3. It is part of the Matsushima 33 Kannon pilgrimage, a group of 33 temples in the area that are believed to grant wishes and special favor to pilgrims who visit. 4. Zuigan-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in northeast Japan. 5. The temple is a National Treasure of Japan, as it houses several national treasures and important cultural artifacts. 6. The main hall of the temple, the Kannon-do, was constructed in 1611. 7. The temple is also known for its complex wooden structures, such as the sanmon (the main gate) and the hondo (the main temple hall). 8. In the past, pilgrims have come from various parts of the country to visit the temple. 9. Inside the grounds is a small museum, displaying ancient artifacts and religious items related to the temple. 10. The temple is part of the Tohoku-Rihga, a larger complex of temples and shrines around Mt. Ryouzen and Matsushima Bay. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

Zuigan-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Sendai, Japan. This temple has a long history, and its first building was constructed sometime between 1186 and 1192. It houses the amida Buddha, a hibutsu (a secret Buddha statue) enshrined in the center of its Main Hall. In modern times, Zuigan-ji is mainly known for its Zen Buddhist practice of zazen (meditation). It has become a popular pilgrimage site for both Japanese and international practitioners. Visitors usually begin with a round of incense offerings in the main hall before sitting down in one of the traditional postures to meditate. The main method of worship practiced at Zuigan-ji is known as shugyō, which refers to a practitioner’s daily practice of cultivating and deepening their Buddhist virtues. This innermost practice is typically facilitated through zazen, kyōhō (precepts and regulations of the Zen school), and reciting Buddhist sutras. Zuigan-ji also conducts various ceremonies throughout the year. Some ceremonies honor Amida Buddha in the Main Hall, while others focus on other Buddhist deities. Laypeople often join temple staff in long preparations for these ceremonies, and the temple’s halls are often enriched with offerings of flowers and incense. Finally, traditional devotional practices such as offering incense or food to monks, priests, or the Amida Buddha are also common worship methods used at Zuigan-ji. These practices provide an additional opportunity for devotees to express their respect and gratitude to their Buddhist guardians. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Zuigan-ji in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan is ordinarily open between June–September from 8:00am – 5:00pm, and October–May from 8:00am – 4:30pm. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Zuigan-ji is a temple in the town of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Japan. It can be reached by car, train, or bus. By Car: Zuigan-ji is approximately 30 minutes from Sendai Station. Take the Sendai-Matsushima Expressway from Sendai Station in the direction of Matsushimashi Esashi. By Train: Take the Tohoku Honsen Line from Sendai Station and get off at Matsushimashi Station (about 40 minutes). From there, take the local bus for 15 minutes (bus to Zuigan-ji). By Bus: Take the sightseeing bus "Matsushima Bus" or "U-Go" from Sendai Station Bus Teriminal (about 1 hour). famous temples in Japan