Zuihoden
瑞鳳殿
The mausoleum of Date Masamune, the warlord who founded Sendai. Climb stone steps through cedars to gilded, richly coloured Momoyama-style halls.
A mausoleum for Date Masamune
Zuihoden is the otamaya (a building where the dead are enshrined) of Date Masamune, who founded the Sendai domain. Masamune died in 1636 at the age of 70, and the following year this mausoleum was built on Kyogamine hill in Aoba Ward, Sendai. It faces the direction of Sendai Castle across the Hirose River.
The building was designated a National Treasure in 1931 but was burnt down in the war in 1945. Today's Zuihoden was rebuilt in 1979, and in 2001 it was extensively restored to mark the 400th anniversary of Sendai's founding.
Vivid architecture and three generations of lords
Zuihoden follows the lavish architecture of the Momoyama culture. It is decorated with gokusaishiki (painting that uses bright colours generously) carvings and ornaments, and details such as mythical beasts and peonies have been restored based on how they originally looked.
The same grounds hold Kansenden, for the second lord, Tadamune, and Zennoden, for the third lord, Tsunamune, both rebuilt in 1985, so you can visit all three mausoleums together.
An excavation in 1974, before the rebuilding, found Masamune's remains and grave goods. Study of the remains showed, among other things, that he was 159.4 cm tall. The museum in the grounds displays the finds from the excavation, along with reconstructed faces of the three lords based on their remains.
Getting there and your visit
From the bus pool at the West Exit of Sendai Station, take the Loople Sendai sightseeing loop bus and get off at Zuihoden-mae. It takes around 15 minutes from Sendai Station, and the mausoleum is a few minutes' walk from the stop. A taxi from Sendai Station takes about 10 minutes.
The approach is lined with old cedar trees, with stone-paved slopes and steps. Allow about 30 minutes to an hour. In autumn there are sometimes events with autumn leaves and illuminations. Check the official website for opening hours and fees.
Tips
- The approach is all stone paving and stone steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Everything is closed on 31 December, and on 1 January only Zuihoden itself is open. If you are going over New Year, check the official website.
- Special openings and exhibitions are held at certain times. Look at the event information on the official website before you go to get more out of your visit.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
