Outline

This shrine was founded by Date Masamune in 1607 and was designated as a National treasure in 1952. The shrine embodies the Gonngen-zukuri (Ishinoma-zukuri) style and the main shrine, Ishino-ma, and front shrine are all built in a row. The style is Irimoya-zukuri and Kokera-buki, and the front shrine bears Chidori-hahu gables Ko-hai and fine Nokikara-hahu gables. The coffered ceilings of Ishino-ma are decorated with paintings of many plants and herbs. Both the inside and outside are painted with lacquer and paris white on which the coloring is set. They are decorated with sculptures and metal fittings, thus creating a gorgeous atmosphere, which is a masterpiece of Momoyama architectural style. The long floor is designated as an important cultural asset of the nation and Ishi-torii (the stone gateway) is designated as an important cultural asset of the prefecture. During the "Dontosai Festival" (an intangible folk cultural asset of Sendai City) on January 14, Matsukazari (New Year's pine tree decorations) and amulets are burnt to pray for the health and prosperity in the New Year. A well known nation-wide event that also takes place is "Hadaka-mairi", the naked festival. During September, big ceremonies are also held on the evening of September 14-15. On the evening of September 14, No-Kagura (an intangible folk cultural asset of the prefecture) is played and on September 15, a giant portable shrine parades all around the neighborhoods and Yabusame-shinji (the Shinto ritual of horseback archery) is performed within the precincts.

Highlights

Five years of repair work was completed in 2004. As a result the shrine has been restored to its original state.

Information

[Telephone] 022-234-3606
[Address] 4-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan 980-0871
[Access] From JR Sendai Sta.Take the West entrance, go to Bus pool #10, #15 for Oritate/Sakunami, Kunimigaoka, Minami-yoshinari. Get off at Oosaki Hachiman-gu
[Fare estimate] \220 From JR Sendai Sta. by bus
[Parking] free, up to 40 cars (buses also acceptable)
[Home page] http://www.okos.co.jp/oosaki/

【Nearby Tourist Spots】
Hirose-gawa River green zone: 5 min. on foot, Miyagi-ken Art Museum: 20 min. on foot, Sankyozawa Power Plant and Electricity 100 years Pavilion: 10 min. walk