Guide
Shi on Fuku-ji is a historic Buddhist temple located in Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyarea Prefecture. It is renowned as the third station of the Sendai Sanjusankannon pilgrimage and holds a deep historical connection to the legendary daimyo, Date Masamune. The temple grounds are a sanctuary of tranquility, where the changing seasons bring new beauty to the flora and the weight of history is felt through its venerable structures.
The history of Shi on Fuku-ji stretches back to the Tensho era. A significant historical record from 1585 includes a letter from Date Masamune to the priest Kousai, illustrating the intimate relationship between the powerful lord and this temple. Originally located in the Yachi Kokojo area, the temple was later moved to its current location in Kitayama. The temple also served as a mausoleum for Date Mitsuhiro, the third generation of the Date clan, playing a crucial role during pivotal historical shifts. Although some buildings were lost to fire following the Meiji Restoration, the temple remains a vital and protected cultural heritage of the region.
The temple grounds offer a seamless blend of history and nature. The most significant site is the Shi on Fuku-ji Kannon-do Hall, the third station of the Sendai Sanjusankannon. This sacred hall enshrines the Sho Kanon (Sacred Avalokitesvara), which is said to be the guardian deity of Izumi Saburo Tadayoshi, a son of Fujiwara no Hidehira. Visitors can also enjoy the lush greenery, including the