You can enter the garden from the entrance next to the main hall. The well-kept garden and the three-story pagoda are truly spectacular.

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Rinnoji Temple (Miyagi Prefecture)
One of the best Japanese Garden in Tohoku region.
Rinnoji Temple, also known as Kongo Hozan, is a Soto Zen temple founded in 1441 by Date Mochimune. It has one of Tohoku's most beautiful Japanese gardens, with a pond in the center and a three-story pagoda rising in the northwest. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the temple and nature throughout the four seasons. The seated statue of Shaka Nyorai is displayed in the three-story pagoda on the first and 15th of every month.
The teaching of the Soto Zen school is Shikantaza, which means to devote oneself to the practice of sitting. Rinnoji Temple holds a zazen session every Saturday evening that is open to all worshippers (see official website for details). Make sure to dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes.
Kiyoshi Shiga, who developed chemotherapy alongside the discovery of Shigella dysenteriae, and Sadao Iinuma, the Byakkotai's sole survivor, are buried in the grounds' cemetery.
Highlights
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The temple is nestled among the trees.
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Every season brings a different beauty to the garden.
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A zazen session is held every Saturday.
Photos
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The pond with lotus flowers and the three-story pagoda
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The weeping cherry blossoms in spring
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The azaleas are at their peak in early summer.
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Autumn foliage season is vibrant and beautiful.
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Snow creates a beautiful silent scenery.
Reviews
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With the three-story pagoda and the garden, I think this is the most beautiful temple in Sendai.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 輪王寺(宮城県)
- Postal Code
- 981-0931
- Address
- 1-14-1 Kitayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi
- Telephone
- 022-234-5327
- Holiday
- Open every day
- Business Hours
- 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Admission
- 300 yen (Elementary school students and up)
- Directions
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1) About a 15-minute walk from JR Kitasendai Station
2) From JR Sendai Station, take a municipal bus to “Rinnoji Mae”
3) Approximately 20 minutes by car from Sendai-Miyagi I.C. of the Tohoku Expressway. - Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)