Zuiganji Temple (Matsushima)
瑞巌寺
Zuiganji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Matsushima, built as the family temple of the Date clan. The present buildings date from 1609, when Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai, ordered the temple built. Its main hall was named a National Treasure in 1953. Visitors can see halls decorated with golden paintings and old meditation caves carved in the rock around the grounds.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
April–September 8:30–17:00; March and October 8:30–16:30; February and November 8:30–16:00; January and December 8:30–15:30.
- Closed
No closing days are listed.
- Admission
Adults 700 yen; children (15 and under) 400 yen.
- Getting there
About a 10-minute walk from Matsushimakaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- The temple is not wheelchair accessible; only the museum is.
- Credit cards are not accepted.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- A visit to Zuiganji takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Wheelchairs can only be used in the treasure museum; the main hall and the kuri (priests' quarters) are not wheelchair accessible.
- Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
- Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
- Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Miyagi and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Miyagi
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:26
- Sunrise06:06
- Dhuhr11:22
- Asr14:11
- Maghrib16:33
- Isha18:03
Times are calculated for Sendai. Times may differ elsewhere in Miyagi.
Places to pray near Zuiganji Temple (Matsushima)
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Zuiganji Temple (Matsushima)
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: Jack Soma, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): visitmiyagi.com, zuiganji.or.jp