Zuihoden
Zuihoden, The Gilded Mausoleum Of Date Masamune, The One Eyed Dragon, The Feudal Lord Who Founded Sendai, On A Wooded Hill In The City, Rebuilt In 1979 In Bright Momoyama Colours After A Wartime Fire. A Quiet Hour Away From The Station. · Sendai, Miyagi
Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the first lord of Sendai, who lived from 1567 to 1636 - confirm - and is often remembered as the one-eyed dragon, since he lost an eye in childhood. It sits on a wooded hill above the Hirose River, reached by stone steps through tall cedars. The original hall, built in 1637, burned in the air raid of 1945 and was rebuilt in 1979 - confirm - in black lacquer and gold in the Momoyama style, bright against the trees. When the site was excavated in 1974 - confirm - Masamune's remains and personal items were found. The mausoleums of his heirs, Kanbuden and Zennoden, stand next door, and a small museum shows finds. It suits history readers and visitors with an hour to spare in Sendai. It is worth the trip for the colour and the story, less so if you only want the big sights. Allow an hour, wear shoes with grip for the steps, and keep your voice low, since these are graves.
23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, a short walk or loop-bus ride from Sendai Station on a wooded hill above the Hirose River, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Zuihoden is open daily in the daytime, commonly from about 9:00 to 16:30 or 17:00, with last entry shortly before closing and a shorter day in winter - confirm times. It closes on December 31 - confirm - and may close for maintenance on a few other days. The Loople Sendai tourist loop bus stops nearby and is the easiest way from Sendai Station; confirm the stop and the timetable. A taxi works too. IC cards work on the city bus, but bring cash for the ticket office and the shops. Nothing needs booking.