Zuihoden Mausoleum
瑞鳳殿
Date Masamune's mausoleum, a Momoyama-style building with black lacquer decorated in gold and polychrome carvings, hidden among the cedars of Kyōgamine.
Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Date Masamune. Built in 1637 as he had wished, on Kyōgamine across the Hirose River south of Sendai Castle, it follows the luxurious mausoleum style of the Momoyama period. Black lacquer ground is covered with gold leaf and polychrome carvings, and the peony, lion and dragon motifs beneath the eaves are exquisitely crafted. It was once designated a National Treasure but was destroyed in the Sendai air raids of 1945, and it was rebuilt in its original form in 1979. Excavations before the 1974 reconstruction unearthed Masamune's remains and grave goods; a reconstructed portrait and the excavated artifacts are displayed in the exhibition hall beside the mausoleum. The same area also contains the Kansen-den for Date Tadamune, the second lord, and the Zen'ō-den for Date Tsunamune, the third lord. The approach from the entrance climbs a stone staircase flanked by towering cedars, creating a solemn atmosphere. Admission for adults is about ¥570. Hours are usually 9:00 to 16:50 (until 16:20 in December and January). Access: take the Loople Sendai bus to the Zuihoden Entrance stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
09:00–16:50 (until 16:20 in December–January)
Nearby sights
- Ichibancho & Clis Road Arcades
- Sendai Castle Ruins
- Sendai City Museum
- Jozenji-dori Avenue
- Sendai Asaichi Market
- Miyagi Museum of Art
- Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
- Sendai Daikannon