Entsū-in (Matsushima)

Entsū-in is a Buddhist temple located in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Formally known as Enzu-in, it belongs to the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. It is particularly renowned for its connection to Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune, a prominent feudal lord of the Sendai Domain.

Mitsumune died at the young age of 19, and Entsū-in was constructed in 1646 as his mausoleum. The temple is noted for its beautiful gardens, which include a rock garden, a rose garden (uncommon for a traditional Japanese temple), and moss gardens. The rose garden commemorates the historical trade relations between the Date clan and European countries.

Within the temple grounds is the Saizengama, a cave believed to have been used for meditation and ascetic practices by Buddhist monks. The main hall, the Reizenden, houses statues of Date Mitsumune and his retainers. The temple also contains significant cultural properties, including statues and paintings.

Entsū-in is a popular tourist destination, especially during the autumn foliage season when the maple trees surrounding the temple turn vibrant shades of red and gold. The temple offers various activities such as zazen meditation and sutra copying.