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.

One of the 5 Zen Temples of Kitayama with an impressive hydrangea garden in summer.

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.

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.

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.