Motsuji Iris Garden

Motsuji Pure Land Garden [World Heritage Site]

The Motsuji Pure Land Garden, which is centered around Oizumi Pond, has been designated by the national government as a special historical site and a special place of scenic beauty. The Motsuji Pure Land Garden has Mt. Toyama in the background, and the stonework of Suhama, Tsukiyama, Dejima, and Tobijima are placed around Oizumigaike. Gardening techniques that incorporate natural landscapes are shown throughout.

Ennen dance

It is dedicated to the gods and Buddha during the festival of Matara God on the 20th day of the new year (20th night festival) following the regular ritual of the Sanmiku. It is also intended to praise the guardian deity of the world. Ennen means to extend one's age, or live a long life, and it came to be used as a general term for the songs and dances performed by monks after Buddhist services at major temples, and became popular from the Heian period to the Muromachi period. It was held on. The Ennen dance at Motsuji Temple has been designated as a national important cultural property because it conveys the elegant atmosphere and old style of the Heian period. In addition to the 20th Night Festival, parts of it are also open to the public during the spring and autumn Fujiwara Festival, Ayame Festival, and Hagi Festival. Dates: January 20th, May 5th, November 3rd

Jogyodo

This hall was rebuilt in 1732 by Date Yoshimura, the feudal lord of Sendai. The hall is built in a treasure-shaped structure, with the principal image of Amitabha Tathagata in the center, the four bodhisattvas on both sides, and Matarajin, who is revered as a secret Buddha, in the inner hall. Matara-jin is a god that Jikaku Daishi came to know on the ship returning from China, and is said to be the incarnation of Amida Nyorai. The door to the inner hall is usually tightly closed, but is opened to the public once every 33 years. On the 20th day of the New Year, the festival is dedicated to ancient rituals and the Ennen Dance dance.