Kanrantei

This single-story wooden building was built in the Azuchi-Momoyama period and faces Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. Date Masamune received a teahouse that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had built in the garden of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle and relocated it to the clan residence in Shinagawa, Edo. It is said that later, the second lord, Date Tadamune, transported it by boat to its current seaside location without changing a single piece of wood or stone.

After that, it was used as a place for moon viewing and sightseeing in Matsushima by successive lords of the Date clan and their concubines, and for entertaining envoys from the shogunate. The “Goza-no-Ma,” which still conveys the lavish Momoyama style today, features a glittering interior with gold leaf applied to the tokonoma alcove and shoji screens, and it is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The space decorated with wall and sliding-door paintings by Kano school artists is magnificent. *To protect the cultural property, replicas are currently on display at Kanrantei.

Matcha and sweets are also served, so you can relax while taking in Matsushima’s beautiful scenery. On the grounds is the “Matsushima Museum,” where you can view items connected to the Date clan.