Matsushima Bay - Zuiganji Temple

Founded in 828, Zuiganji Temple later became a center of the Rinzai sect (Myoshinji school). On either side of the avenue are caves, used by the monks as places for meditation. In one of the larger caves Abbot Hosshin, who studied the new teachings in China, is said to have meditated after his return. The present buildings were erected by Date Masamune in 1609. Particularly notable are the Middle Gate (Haka-mon), the Imperial Gate (Onari-mon), the living apartments (Kuri), the gallery (Kairo) and the Main Hall (Hondo), with sliding doors painted by artists of the Kano school. In the interesting Peacock Room is a wooden statue of Date Masamune, known as the "one-eyed Shogun" (dokuganryu Shogun), in full armor. There is also an interesting statue of Makabe Heishiro (the secular name of Abbot Hosshin).