Autumn color video introduction of “Entsunomori” in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture

This video, titled "Entsuin Temple｜Autumn Leaves Illumination｜Matsushima, Miyagi｜2019｜Panasonic FZ1000" (円通院　紅葉ライトアップ　松島　宮城　2019　Panasonic FZ1000), was uploaded by "JMF Japan Miyagi Film."
It introduces the breathtakingly beautiful autumn foliage illumination event at Entsuin Temple.

A Closer Look at Entsuin Temple – Its History and What Makes It Unique

Photo：The garden and mausoleum of Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple is a temple associated with the Date clan, the feudal lords of Sendai, located in Matsushima, Miyagi, in Japan's Tohoku region, a place known as one of the "Three Views of Japan." Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 by Date Tadamune as the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune.

Located in the inner part of the temple grounds is a mausoleum from the early Edo period (~1603-1700 AD) which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Within the grounds of Entsuin Temple, visitors can enjoy several gardens, including a dry landscape garden that depicts Matsushima, a garden designated as a Cultural Property by the Town of Matsushima, a moss garden that takes advantage of the natural beauty of the inner mausoleum, and a garden mainly featuring roses, created by the temple's head priest.

Entsuin temple is located just a few minutes' walk from Zuiganji Temple, and as you pass through the temple gate, you'll see many kokeshi dolls that have been used in marriage ceremonies, and enshrined on the back side of the gate is Enmusubi Kannon. Enmusubi Kannon (the Buddhist goddess Avalokiteshvara depicted as a matchmaker) is said to bring together men and women or those who have never had a chance to be together, and is famous as a power spot for marriage. Thus, Entsuin Temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Matsushima, together with Zuiganji Temple, a National Treasure.

When to See the Autumn Illumination Event at Entsuin Temple + Highlights of the Event

Photo：Shinji Pond at Entsuji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi

Entsuin Temple is also known for its beautiful autumn foliage. Every year from late October to late November, when the autumn leaves are at their best, an autumn illumination event takes place. The event is held in the historic Matsushima Rikyu, which is planted with ancient maple trees.

The autumn illumination event is held every year from early November to mid-November, when the autumn foliage is at its best.

[Autumn Foliage Illumination in 2023].
Period: October 28 - November 19, 2023
Venue: Zuiganji, Entonji, Zuiganji approach, and Sanseido, Matsushima
Fee: Zuiganji and Entsuji [common admission ticket] 2,000 yen
　　　 Zuiganji and Entsuji [single ticket] 1,300 yen each

In 2023, a special tour with the Date Busyoutai and a mini-concert will be held on the Entsuji temple grounds. In addition, a "Matsushima Bay Twilight Cruise" by Matsushima Island Tour Boat will be available during the festival period.
We hope you have a chance to visit Entsuin Temple and enjoy the fantastic autumn leaves as shown in the video.

The Rose Garden at Entsuin Temple

Photo：The garden of Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple is famous not only for its autumn foliage but also for its roses, and is also known as "Bara-ji" or "Rose Temple."
The origin of this name is that the oldest Western roses in Japan were brought back by Hasekura Tsunenaga of the Date Clan, who traveled to Europe as an envoy during the Keicho Mission to Europe. As a symbol of his achievement, Entsuin Temple created a garden mainly composed of roses. In addition, roses are painted on the zushi (minature shrine) of the inner mausoleum, which is also designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Entsuin Temple is a baroque garden born from a fusion of Buddhism and Christianity. The best time to see the roses is in early June, when the roses in the rose garden are in full bloom. However, bloom times vary according to the variety of rose.

Traditional Prayer Bead Making Experiences and More!

At Entsuin Temple, which is famous for its matchmaking activities, visitors can try their hand at making their own original Buddhist prayer beads. Buddhist prayer beads, called Juzu (数珠) in Japanese, are important Buddhist ritual objects that are worn during funerals, memorial services, visits to graves, and other occasions when one prays to Buddha. It's said that just by holding them, one can rid themself of misfortune and gain peace and tranquility.

In the bead making experience, participants can choose their favorite beads and make their own unique prayer beads. The beads are made of natural stone, plastic, and glass, all of which are used to pray and express gratitude to the deity of Entsuin Temple. The process takes 20 minutes, is relatively simple, and does not require an appointment.

Entsuin Temple also has its own original shuin stamp books. All of these books are also used to pray and make offerings of gratitude to the main deity of Entsuin temple. By depositing your shuin stamp book at the entrance before visiting the temple, you can receive a shuin stamp when visiting.

Summary of Autumn at Entsuin Temple

Photo：Entsuin Temple, Matsushima, Miyagi

Entsuin Temple is a place where visitors can enjoy various gardens, autumn leaves, Buddhism, and bead-making workshops in a relaxing atmosphere with lots of nature and rich history. It's a sightseeing spot with many attractions. In particular, the beautiful autumn foliage illumination, which can be viewed for a limited time only, is great for taking photos, and looks great on Instagram too! Come and see it for yourself!

◆Entsuin Temple◆
【Address】Entsuin, Chonai-67 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213
【Telephone】022-354-3206
【Hours】(Open all year round) Weekdays 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Weekends & Holidays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
【Admission Fee】Adults 300 yen, High school students 150 yen, Children (junior high and elementary school students) 100 yen
※The bead-making experience has a separate fee
【Access】
Train: A 5-minute walk from JR Matsushima-kaigan Station on the Senseki Line. A 20-minute walk from JR Matsushima Station on the Tohoku Line
Car: A 5-minute drive from the Matsushima-kaigan IC on the Sanriku Expressway via Route 45
【Parking】Please use the prefectural parking lot on National Route 45.

【TripAdvisor】Entsuin Temple
https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g319095-d319868-Reviews-Entsu_in_Temple-Matsushima_machi_Miyagi_gun_Miyagi_Prefecture_Tohoku.html