Half-Day Tour in Sendai: Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue – Day of Zen

Visit the Five Zen Temples of Kitayama, prominently connected to the historic Date clan, and witness the grandiose majesty of the Sendai Daikannon Statue.

Kitayama Gozan, or Five Zen Temples, refers to the line of Buddhist temples built in the Kitayama area of Sendai. This walking tour of these historically significant temples offers you a detailed look into Sendai’s strong Zen Buddhist ties and the legacy of the Date Clan. Though not many tourists visit the area, its history and natural beauty are certainly worthwhile. From the sound of a soft breeze throughout the Zen gardens and flowering plants, to the subtle tranquility of temples, by visiting these residential temples paired with a breathtaking spiritual pilgrimage spot of Sendai Daikannon Statue, you will not just see Japan, but feel how it is experienced.

Highlights

• Walk through historic Five Zen Temples of Sendai, their gardens, and grounds
• Discover the spiritual pilgrimages of Sendai dating back to the 12th century
• Witness the impressive colossal statue of Daikannon and the spiritual significance within it
• Learn the detailed history of Sendai’s Date Clan and its influence on culture, arts, and religion of the Tohoku region

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Sendai Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the stained glass window (“Morinosanka”) near the west side exit of the main concourse (2F). There are coin lockers available at the station if you wish to leave any belongings behind, but we ask that you show up a bit earlier to the meet-up spot if this is the case.

We will then head off to the site of the Kitayama Gozan, Five Zen Temples, via train.

Our first few locations in the Kitayama Gozan pilgrimage include a close-look at a Niōmon gate, an impressive traditional Japanese garden, and a temple known for its lush hydrangea blooms.

Of particular note is Rinnoji Temple. Rinnoji was not part of the original Kitayama Gozan, five zen temples, but was later added to it – at least in name only – once one of the original temples was moved to a new location. Rinnoji houses an impressive traditional Japanese strolling garden, a gorgeous pagoda, and even has entombed an important historical warrior figure. Your guide will provide you with historic context and offer some interesting tidbits about Zen Buddhism in general while you stroll the garden.

Our next locations include Kakuhanji Temple and Aoba Shrine. Both of which are strongly connected to Sendai’s founder, Date Masamune.

Kakuhanji has entombed Hoshunin, or Yoshihime, Masamune’s problematic mother known as the Demon Princess of the Ouu. Your guide will give you some interesting information about her life and her tumultuous relationship with the Date Clan, especially with Masamune, despite being its matriarch. 

Aoba Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Date Masamune, enshrining him as a deity here. Most notably there are six structures on the grounds that are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Sendai. 

This shrine is strongly connected to a giant, ornamented festival in May called the Aoba Matsuri. The festival was revived to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Masamune’s death in 1985 and has ever since then offered a colorful and ornate display of reverence for Masamune and the “Date Aesthetic.”

Should it be deemed necessary by participants of the tour, we will take a short rest at a nearby park to recharge and hydrate before continuing our pilgrimage.

Our next stops and final temples of the Kitayama Gozan include Toshoji and Komyoji. Here your guide will provide you with information about Date Masamune and his influence on culture and religion during a time where Christianity was persecuted by the Tokugawa shogunate. 

Entombed at Komyoji is an important historical figurehead named Hasekura Tsunenaga. Your guide will explain how influential and important he was to Masamune, and how his embassy was one of, if not the first, successful grand expedition sponsored by any feudal lord.

We will then head to our grand finale in this Zen Buddhism pilgrimage via public bus.

Welcome to Sendai’s Big Buddha! Reaching 100 meters (330) feet into the sky, Sendai’s Daikannon Statue looks over the city with a watchful, protective eye. Daikannon is the representation of the Japanese Buddhist Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy. This particular statue is the tallest Kannon in Japan and the tenth-tallest statue in the world. 

She is officially knowns as Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon (仙台天道白衣大観音), gaining her name from her white-robbed bodhisattva form. She holds a wish-fulfilling gem in her right hand and in her left, a water flask pours the water of wisdom. You will get a good chance to appreciate her magnitude and presence.

After taking some time to take in the breathtaking size of Daikannon, we will head inside to the "womb." This is where you can witness the 33 different manifestations of Kannon, represented on the ground floor by 33 different sculptures. It is said that through these various forms Kannon addresses an individual's specific afflictions.

Sitting adjacent from these 33 unique sculptures, you will find a row of 12 beastly creatures. These are the 12 Divine Generals and each represent a different month of the Chinese zodiac. Make sure you bring some coins should you want to donate to your specific zodiac statue!

Once at the top, you will descend the inside of Daikannon and witness the 108 Buddhas divided amongst 12 floors. Each statue reflects a specific earthly desire that keeps one from reaching satori, enlightenment. Visitors of this place of worship are encouraged to pray to these buddhas one by one to reject earthly desires and corruption. Selfishness, greed, bad health…The list is profound, but those who choose to come and reflect upon each of these 108 Buddhas are said to bring about good fortune and peace within themselves.

We’ll wrap up our day by returning to Sendai Station, where your guide will say their goodbyes. The tour will conclude around 3:00 PM or later depending on traffic and crowding. Feel free to ask your guide for lunch or dinner recommendations!

TOUR MEETUP POINT

SENDAI STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the giant stained glass window called Morisnosanka (杜の讃歌), located near the west exit of the main concourse (2F). 

If you are arriving via JR lines, the stained glass should be located directly in front of you as you exit the central gates.

If you are arriving via a Shinkansen, please look for signs directing you towards the main concourse on the 2nd floor. If you go down the escalators you will see the stained glass window ahead of you.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the west exit. In this case, enter through doors near to the giant SENDAI letters outside the station and the stained glass window will be to your right or left.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We recommend arriving early as Sendai station can be quite crowded due to local train and shinkansen crowds. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Train and Bus fares during the tour
• Entry fee at all locations

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Sendai Station before/after the tour

Other Information

• Please note that this tour uses public transport, not a private vehicle. Due to this tour using public transport, timings are subject to some change if traffic is poor or the day of travel is particularly busy. 
• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• It is recommended that you do not bring any luggage or large bags with you on the tour. It is advised that you check if your hotel can store your luggage for you or store your luggage at or near Sendai Station.

Tour Availability Disclaimer

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.