[2025 Matsushima Attraction] Travel Guide for Godaido of Zuiganji Temple (Updated Jul)

Godaido of Zuiganji Temple may be modest in size, but it holds immense historical and cultural significance—and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Matsushima itinerary. Originally built in 1604 by Date Masamune to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, Godaido stands as the oldest existing example of Momoyama-period architecture in the Tohoku region. It’s more than just a temple—it’s a living piece of history, now protected as a National Important Cultural Property. The temple sits proudly on a small islet, accessible by a red footbridge, and the panoramic views of the bay from the site are absolutely stunning. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to pause and take in the beauty and serenity of Matsushima. While it’s relatively small and simple compared to grander temples, the craftsmanship and setting make a deep impression. Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or just looking to soak up the tranquil vibe of Matsushima Bay, Godaido is well worth a visit. It’s one of those places where the surroundings and the story behind it come together beautifully. #summervacay #GodaidoTemple #ZuiganjiTemple #MatsushimaViews #DateMasamuneLegacy #TohokuHeritage #MomoyamaArchitecture #CulturalJapan #HiddenGemsJapan #HistoricTemples #MatsushimaBay #japan #japantrip #tohoku #tohokutrip #travel

To travel from Osaka or Nagoya to Matsushima, you can take a flight or train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. From "Sendai Station," take the JR Senseki Line for about 40 minutes to "Matsushima-Kaigan Station," and then walk for about 6 minutes to reach the Matsushima sightseeing boat boarding area. Matsushima offers numerous tourist attractions, and the first recommendation is "Godaido." This temple hall, standing on a small island, is considered the symbol of Matsushima and is quite famous! Another highlight is "Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu," a new landmark that opened in 2020. It features an observation deck, shops, restaurants, and workshops, catering to diverse entertainment needs. Additionally, "Entsuin Temple," known for its four beautiful gardens and its reputation as the "Temple of Connections," is also a must-visit spot in Matsushima.

Zuiganji Temple, Godaido Hall, and Date Masamune Historical Museum Take the JR 🚃 from Sendai, and in just 40 minutes, you'll arrive at Matsushima-Kaigan Station! Plan for 3–4 hours to leisurely explore this charming town that combines stunning bay views with Sengoku-era history. 📍First Stop: Matsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise Hop on a 50-minute cruise to admire the breathtaking scenery of hundreds of pine-covered islands floating on the sea 🌿🌊 📍Not into cruising? Stroll through Teramachi Alley! Take a walk through quaint alleys leading to Zuiganji Temple, a serene temple rebuilt by Date Masamune, exuding Zen vibes 🧘♂️ 📍Godaido Hall A small wooden hall by the sea, connected by a red bridge to a spiritual realm, offering panoramic views of Matsushima Bay ✨ 📍Date Masamune Historical Museum Step into the world of the "One-Eyed Dragon"! Discover his life story from childhood to later years through lifelike wax exhibits that are perfect for photos 📷 🍴Don't forget Matsushima's famous oysters, fish markets, and other local delicacies. 🧭 A half-day itinerary that covers attractions, sightseeing, and food all in one! Matsushima is truly worth a visit ❤️ Zuiganji Temple 📍Address: 91 Matsushima Town, Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture Date Masamune Historical Museum 📍Address: 13-13 Fukujendo, Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture ⏰ Hours: 09:00 - 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)

📍 Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Great Views 🚩 Itinerary ① Sendai Station (Senseki Line) ② Matsushima-Kaigan Station ③ Zuiganji Temple ④ Entsuin Temple ⑤ Godaido Hall at Zuiganji Temple ⑥ Fukuurabashi Bridge ⑦ Fukuurajima Island ⑧ Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park (named after the Heian-era poet Saigyo Hoshi) 📷 Recommended Spots Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park is a famous cherry blossom spot during sakura season. This year, the peak bloom was in mid-April, but I visited a week late... 🚇 Transportation JR Senseki Line Sendai Station → Matsushima-Kaigan Station (15 stops, about 40 minutes) Operates twice an hour. While most places can be explored on foot, taking a taxi to Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park is more convenient 🚕 🍜 Must-Try Local Delicacies 🥐 Oyster Curry Bread 🥐 Zunda (sweet edamame paste) Melon Bread 🍮 Pudding Set 🥞 Doraboko (a local pancake-like treat) 🥐 Zunda Ribbon

#AutumnTravel #100TravelTips 🌈Godaido of Zuiganji Temple, which is a 1,200-year-old temple, has a red bridge that spans to a small island. This temple stands tall as a view of Matsushima. It is also a beautiful viewpoint that overlooks Matsushima Bay. In autumn, wherever you look, it looks warm. You will see trees changing colors to a beautiful red. This is another popular tourist attraction for tourists. 📍Location: Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi, Japan #FollowTheLifeOfLittleGirls #LifeAddictedToTripReviews

Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views💖 The beef tongue croquettes and oysters were delicious͟͟͞♡̩͙ It was cloudy, but the scenery in Matsushima was beautiful and overwhelming! An oasis in Tohoku with delicious food and a spectacular view✨ #100TravelStyle

#2024 Travel Wishes Matsushima in Yamagata Prefecture has many national treasure-level temple attractions, the larger of which is the Zuiyanji Five Hall. This Zen temple is dedicated to Date Masamune I want to go to Japan in 2024 Ruiyan Temple Chonai-91 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213

This attraction should be 2 minutes walk from the dock of the cruise ship and is right next to the Japanese Three Views Stone Monument The seat is a convenient attraction for tourists the highlight is free It is one of Japan's cultural treasures. The scenery walking over is really beautiful. It takes less than five minutes to walk through this attraction. It is highly recommended to come Heading to the fifth lobby will pass a small red bridge next to this also have souvenir stalls with the shopkeeper can do a little shopping The front to the fifth hall will pass a bridge but be aware that there are large seams in the planks on the ground floor of the bridge body You can even see the sea water directly. Some people call it "Through the Bridge". The reason for this design is cute because this is the place of the gods I hope everyone can focus so I hope visitors pay attention to their perspective There is also a saying that when couples visit this attraction together because they are afraid of holding hands so it is also known as the "bonding bridge" and because the five halls are a bit like pulling out to a separate island View the view of the entire Pine Island Bay with no blind spots at all and really super beautiful when the weather is good It's a very chill place

One of the highlights of Matsushima, one of the Three Views of Japan, is the Godaido Hall on the sea. Name: Zuiganji Godaido Address: 111 Matsushimacho, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Access: About 8 minutes on foot from Matsushima-kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line Admission fee: Free *The gate closes in the evening. Please note that this varies depending on the season. Sakanoue no Tamuramaro built Bishamon-do, Jikaku Daishi Ennin placed the Five Great Kings statues, which is why it is called Godaido, and the current building was rebuilt by Date Masamune. The Godaido statues are open to the public once every 33 years, and the next time will be in 2039. To get to Godaido, you have to go over the Toubashi Bridge, which has gaps between the bridge girders. It was quite a thrill for someone who doesn't like heights😊 #Domestic travel #Matsushima #Matsushima sightseeing #Matsushima Bay #Godai-do #Miyagi Prefecture #Tourism #Historical sites #Travel to experience history and culture #Breathtaking views #Scenic beauty

I went to Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, which is a must-visit spot when traveling to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture♪ It can be reached from Sendai in about 40 minutes by train. Among the tourist spots, the most famous one is the Godaido, as shown in the photo. Date Masamune restored this area, which had fallen into decline after the Sengoku period. The symbol of this is a temple called Zuiganji, and in one corner of Zuiganji is the Godaido. It juts out a little from the land, so the sea is right in front of you and you can enjoy a wonderful view of Matsushima Bay♪ You can also enjoy grilled oysters at a nearby restaurant called Genzo😋 I think it would be great to plan a first shrine visit and first sunrise here on New Year's Day✨ #Photogenic spot #Seaside view #Breathtaking view #Matsushima

The five halls on a small island in Songdo Bay were built in 807. When they were rebuilt by Ida Masamune in 1604, they were named after the five kings of the king. They are only opened every 33 years. Next to the Ruiyan Temple is the Bodhi Temple of the Ida family, and is also the premier Buddhist temple in the Northeast. In 828, it was first built by Master Cui Jue. The current building was rebuilt by the 1609 Yi Dazheng. It seems that there was no entrance to the overhaul. The outside is the thirty-three Guanyin worship center of the West. By the way, Matsushima's oysters are very famous. This grilled oyster is three hundred yen. In addition, Miyagi Prefecture has a lot of beans (edamame), such as milkshakes. Lunch is recommended for the restaurant in Songdo, with coffee, western food and Japanese restaurants. The staple food has eaten Philippine and beef tongue~

The fifth lobby is an island next to Songdo Island. It is basically in the most central place. Because it is dedicated to the Five Kings, it is called the Five Lobby. It is said that it will be opened to the public every 33 years. Since it can be signed here, I turned to a sign and got a good luck. It seems that luck is good. If it is murderous, it will be fine. It will be tied to the rope next to it. words, Songdo's squid rice is also good, it is one of the top Japanese ingredients, you can try it!