Entsuin mausoleum [円通院]
Main entrance of Entsuin
Main Hall of Entsuin
Entsuin is a mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, a son of 2nd lord Date Tadamune.
It is located next to Zuiganji temple.
A vowel "u" in the word is pronounced long, so it is read as "Entsûin" in Japanese.
And the first kanji character is a new form in Japan, so it was originally written as "圓通院".
Mitsumune was both a good warrior and a good scholar.
But he died in Edo at only 19 years old in 1645.
One theory holds that he was killed with poison by then government.
This mausoleum was built in 1647.
The site is the same as a Buddist temple, and there is a main hall and the mausoleum Sankeiden (三慧殿).
Sankeiden in Entsuin
Photo by photolibrary
Miniature shrine in Sankeiden
Photo Temple by TANAKA Juuyoh
A miniature shrine enshrining Mitsumune is put inside Sankeiden.
It is very unique that some pictures of Western roses have been painted on the shrine.
Date Clan dispatched missions to Spain and Rome in the 1610s, so it was influenced by Western culture.
A Japanese garden in Entsuin
Photo by photolibrary
View from Main Hall
Photo by photolibrary
In the site, there are a few Japanese gardens.
In addition, there is a rose garden adding the essence of European style.
Kannon statue and many Kokeshis
Photo by photolibrary
Making your Juzu in Entsuin
Photo by Miyagi Prefecture
Near the main gate, there is a statue of Kannon goddess.
If you write your wish for good match on a small Kokeshi doll (500 yen) and worship the Kannon, the goddess will make your wish come true.
In this temple, you can make your Juzu (Rosery for Buddhism).
The staff teaches you how to make a Juzu for about 20 minutes.
Of course, it use several beads of beautuful stone or glass, so the price is some thousand yen.
How to get here
About 500 meters walk from JR Matsushima-kaigan station.
About 500 meters walk from Godaidou.
