Last additions - MIYAGI 宮城県 |
Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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I was too late for the Somei Yoshino trees.Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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A nice long row of weeping cherry trees at Tsutsujigaoka Park, Sendai.Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Folk History Museum. Didn't have time to enter.Jan 22, 2013
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Grassy lawn in the center of the park.Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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The varieties of cherry blossoms in the park.Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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Jan 22, 2013
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These photos were taken in early May 2012.Jan 22, 2013
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It's also possible to walk to the park from Sendai Station, about 20 min.Jan 22, 2013
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Entrance to Tsutsujigaoka Park in Sendai, Miyagi. The park is near Tsutsujigaoka Station on the JR Senseki Line, one stop from Sendai Station.Jan 22, 2013
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Matsushima from his "Famous Views of the 60 Provinces" series.Apr 24, 2011
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My YouTube video of Sendai Tanabata featuring the festival eve on Aug. 5, 2009 when they had fireworks and the morning of Aug. 6 when they were setting up the Tanabata decorations. Jun 06, 2010
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My YouTube video of Sendai Tanabata featuring Tanabata decorations and seeing the evening entertainment (Awa Odori, Tanabata dancers, etc.) on Jozenji-dori during 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Jun 06, 2010
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Street lampSep 08, 2009
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City of trees on a main road in Sendai.Sep 08, 2009
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Hirose River, teeming with wildlife.Sep 08, 2009
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Lucky Alex...Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai International CenterSep 08, 2009
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Small museum in Honmaru showing results of excavation work and stone wall reconstruction. Sep 08, 2009
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Miyagi-ken Gokoku Shrine in Sendai Castle. Emperor Hirohito as well as Crown Prince Akihito (current emperor) visited this shrine to pay their respects. 宮城縣護國神社Sep 08, 2009
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Sep 08, 2009
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Votive tablets for sale at Gokoku Shrine. Special tanabata ones during early Aug.Sep 08, 2009
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Kamikaze suicide fighter pilot memorial next to a war museum within the shrine.Sep 08, 2009
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Miyagi-ken Gokoku Shrine enshrines Miyagi Prefecture's war dead since 1868. There are over 56,000 war dead.Sep 08, 2009
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Monument for Doi (Tsuchii) Bansui who created the song, "Kōjō no tsuki" (荒城の月 lit. "Moonlit castle ruins") which is about Sendai Castle. 土井 晩翠Sep 08, 2009
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Monument for the war dead.Sep 08, 2009
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Also in the Honmaru area is Gokoku Shrine decorated here during the Tanabata Star Festival in early Aug. 宮城縣護國神社Sep 08, 2009
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About the sample stone walls.Sep 08, 2009
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Triangular stones are used.Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai Castle markerSep 08, 2009
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Sample stone work on a castle wall.Sep 08, 2009
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These are original Edo Period stones removed when the stone wall was renovated. These stones could not be reused.Sep 08, 2009
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Sample stone work on a castle wall.Sep 08, 2009
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Statue of Lord Date Masamune at Sendai Castle's Honmaru. Sep 08, 2009
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If you look closely, you can that see one of his eyes is blind.Sep 08, 2009
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Waki-yagura as seen from afar.Sep 08, 2009
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From the city, this is what the castle site looks like on Aobayama. You can see the lookout deck.Sep 08, 2009
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Statue of Lord Date Masamune at Sendai Castle's Honmaru. One of the most popular and famous samurai of all time.Sep 08, 2009
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Statue of Lord Date Masamune at Sendai Castle's Honmaru. Very popular for picture-taking.Sep 08, 2009
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View from Sendai Castle's Honmaru.Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai Castle's Honmaru.Sep 08, 2009
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View from Sendai Castle's Honmaru.Sep 08, 2009
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Lookout point on Sendai Castle's Honmaru.Sep 08, 2009
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Honmaru is a large flat area overlooking central Sendai. This was where the castle palace was, the castle lord's actual residence.Sep 08, 2009
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View from Sendai Castle's Honmaru. Sendai has over a million people. On clear days, you can also see the Pacific Ocean.Sep 08, 2009
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Map of the original Sendai Castle also called Aobajo or Aoba Castle since the castle is on Aobayama or Mt. Aoba. Sumo fans might know the name Aobajo, a sumo wrestler from Sendai active in the 1980s.Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai Castle site's torii. The torii is here because there's a Shinto shrine in Honmaru.Sep 08, 2009
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About the Honmaru northern stone wall.Sep 08, 2009
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Next to the Honmaru northern stone wall is this large torii gate and steps going up to the Honmaru, the castle's central keep. This place in front of the torii was a parking lot before. Glad that parking is no longer allowed here.Sep 08, 2009
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Honmaru northern stone wall.Sep 08, 2009
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The area has these nice multi-lingual plaques explaining the points of interest with a map included.Sep 08, 2009
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Sep 08, 2009
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Climb further and you'll reach large stone walls, called the Honmaru northern stone wall. Sep 08, 2009
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As you climb up the Aobayama, you pass through the sites of former gates. This one was Nakanomon Gate. 中門Sep 08, 2009
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Corner of Honmaru northern stone wall.Sep 08, 2009
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Statue of Hasekura Tsunenaga, a samurai retainer of Date Masamune who sent him to the Vatican in 1613. 支倉常長Sep 08, 2009
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Statue of Hasekura Tsunenaga acros the road from the Waki-yagura.Sep 08, 2009
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Sep 08, 2009
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Waki-yagura turret at Sendai Castle.Sep 08, 2009
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About the Otemon Gate.Sep 08, 2009
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The original Otemon Gate was here, between the Waki-yagura on the right and stone wall on the left.Sep 08, 2009
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About the Waki-yagura turret.Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai Castle's Waki-yagura turret at the site of Otemon Gate. Reconstructed in 1965. We cannot enter it. 脇櫓Sep 08, 2009
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Waki-yagura turret at the site of Otemon Gate.Sep 08, 2009
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Sculpture in Sannomaru.Sep 08, 2009
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Stone wall at the site of Otemon Gate.Sep 08, 2009
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Site of Nenomon Gate. This leads to Sendai City Museum in the castle area called Sannomaru. 子門Sep 08, 2009
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Goshikunuma Swamp is a moat of Sannomaru.Sep 08, 2009
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Route of the Sendai Loop bus. Get off at Sendai-joshi to see Sendai Castle. The bus will take you all the way to the top of the hill where the castle is. Much easier than walking up.Sep 08, 2009
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Map of Sendai Castle site. It's quite a large site, with museums and other facilities occupying the former castle site. The Honmaru (partially hidden) is on the right of the map.Sep 08, 2009
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Bus stop outside Sendai Station.Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai City Loop bus goes to the major tourist spots in Sendai. Most convenient to get to Sendai Castle. 250 yen per ride or 600 yen for a day pass.Sep 08, 2009
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On escalators in Sendai, they stand on the right side. (Not on the left side as in Tokyo.)Sep 08, 2009
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Sendai subway stationSep 08, 2009
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Inside Sendai subway train.Sep 08, 2009
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Subway train in Sendai.Sep 08, 2009
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Kotodai Koen subway station in Sendai. Modern and clean subway.Sep 08, 2009
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Subway stations on the existing subway line in Sendai.Sep 08, 2009
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Poster for the new Tozai subway line in Sendai to open in 2015.Sep 08, 2009
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Outside Sendai Station, they are constructing the Tozai subway line due to open in 2015.Sep 08, 2009
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Morning rush hour at Sendai Station. People heading for the exit inside Sendai Station.Sep 08, 2009
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Trains in Tohoku have a door open/close button to save on air-conditioning or heating.Sep 08, 2009
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Sep 08, 2009
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JR Sendai Station on the west side (Nishi-guchi). This is the main side. There is a tourist information office inside the station where you can pick up maps and pamphlets, maybe in English too.Sep 08, 2009
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Inside Sendai Station, heading to train platforms.Sep 08, 2009
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Even the pointer markings where the train doors will open have a photo.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Kaigan StationAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Torii to a shrine on Ojima island, MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
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Shrine on OjimaAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Lookout pointAug 19, 2009
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MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
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Nice walking path on OjimaAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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View from OjimaAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Haiku poem by Basho. No doubt that he visited this island too.Aug 19, 2009
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View from Ojima.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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This island is actually part of Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Monuments and stonesAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima cavesAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima is dotted with numerous little caves and stone carvings of Kannon. Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima is a small island, but larger than Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima island at MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
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Ojima island is accessible by a red bridge.Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima island is the third island worth visiting in Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Green Hiroba is a waterfront park.Aug 19, 2009
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Sanseido hall for three saints. 三聖堂Aug 19, 2009
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EntsuinAug 19, 2009
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It was early AUg. and hydrangea was still in bloom in Entsuin.Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Entsuin's Hondo hall called Daihitei. It used to be the summer home of Mitsumune. Dedicated to Kannon, Goddess of Mercy.Aug 19, 2009
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Rose Garden and Daihitei.Aug 19, 2009
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Entsuin's Rose Garden バラの庭Aug 19, 2009
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Daihitei hondo main hall of Entsuin. 大悲亭Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Entsuin"s cavesAug 19, 2009
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Altar inside Sankeiden with a statue of Mitsumune.Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Sankeiden hall which also has a painting of a rose.Aug 19, 2009
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Way to Sankeiden at Entsuin temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Sankeiden hall at Entsuin temple is an Important Cultural Property. This is a mausoleum for Date Mitsumine. 三慧殿Aug 19, 2009
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Entsuin is most noted for its Japanese-style garden designed by Kobori Enshu. The garden is said to have been moved here from Date's Edo residence.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Map of Entsuin built in 1646 by Date Tadamune, second lord of Sendai (after Masamune). He built it for his deceased son Mitsumune.Aug 19, 2009
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Next to Zuiganji is Entsuin, another noted temple in Matsushima even though it is not a National Treasure. A Zen (Rinzai school) Buddhist temple. Small admission charged.Aug 19, 2009
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Date Mitsumune died at age 19 in Edo Castle, rumored to have been poisoned. His talents and abilities were feared by the Tokugawa.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Room built into the rock.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Zuiganji Art Museum is right acros the Kuri.Aug 19, 2009
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Near the Hondo hall is this building called the Kuri.Aug 19, 2009
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Kawara roof tiles.Aug 19, 2009
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Kuri was the Zen kitchen. You can go inside, but only in the entrance way. Nothing much to see.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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The building will be disassembled and reassembled. They expect to find some hidden historical artifacts during the process.Aug 19, 2009
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I got to see the main hall before it was to be closed for several years for renovation. The Hondo will be renovated for the first time since it was built 400 years ago.Aug 19, 2009
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Zuiganji temple's Hondo main hall. This building is a National Treasure. No photography allowed inside. Zuiganji is a Zen temple built in 828. This building was rebuilt in 1609 by Date Masamune.Aug 19, 2009
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Renovations have already begun with adjacent buildings. I visited in Aug. 2009.Aug 19, 2009
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From Sept. 2009, Zuiganji's Hondo main hall will be closed for major renovation. The construction offices are on the left.Aug 19, 2009
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Zuiganji lanternAug 19, 2009
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Path to Zuiganji's main hall. Admission charged.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Cave of graves.Aug 19, 2009
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Graves inside a cave near the temple entrance.Aug 19, 2009
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At the Zuiganji temple entrance is a statue of Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.Aug 19, 2009
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About Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.Aug 19, 2009
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Entrnce to Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Monument for railroad workers.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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This cave is marred by graffiti. Hope the offenders get cursed by the deceased.Aug 19, 2009
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Notice the steps on the left.Aug 19, 2009
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About Zuiganji temple caves.Aug 19, 2009
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On the right side toward Zuiganji are these huge caves.Aug 19, 2009
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Wooded path to Zuiganji.Aug 19, 2009
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These Zuiganji temple caves were used to store the ashes of the deceased. THere are numerous Kannon statues and carvings. You see these caves, large and small, all over Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Gate to Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Bridge from Fukuura island back to mainland.Aug 19, 2009
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Lookout point on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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Way to Zuiganji temple. Matsushima also has a number of notable temples, and Zuiganji is the most famous, being a National Treasure. A short walk from the boat pier.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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View from Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Map of Fukuura island. Points 3 and 5 are worth seeing. You have to leave the island by 5 pm or (4:30 pm during winter months).Aug 19, 2009
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Fukuura island offers nice walking trails and a few lookout points from where you can see other islands.Aug 19, 2009
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Fukuura islandAug 19, 2009
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Unless you want to swim to the island, you have to pay 200 yen to cross the bridge to Fukuura. Walk through the gift shop/restaurant and pay the toll to access the bridge.Aug 19, 2009
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Bridge to Fukuura island is named Deai Hashi. 出会い橋Aug 19, 2009
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Fukuura island is larger than the other islands, and can take a good 30 min. to walk around it. If you don't feel like walking anymore, you may want to skip Fukuura. Most tourists don't go there, but I thought it was worth a visit.Aug 19, 2009
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The second island to visit is Fukuurajima, a short walk from the boat pier. The island with the long red bridge is Fukuura island. You can't miss it. 福浦島Aug 19, 2009
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This odd-loking building calls itself Matsushima Castle. I saw nobody there so decided not to enter.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Near Godaido is this onument for Japan's Scenic Trio (Nihon Sankei) which are Matsushima, Amanohashidate (northern Kyoto), and Miyajima (Hiroshima). 日本三景Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Monument near GodaidoAug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Original letter written by Lord Date Masamune from a battlefield.Aug 19, 2009
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Samurai armor and the Date crestAug 19, 2009
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Folding screensAug 19, 2009
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Folding screen with a painting of Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Museum at Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Matsushima MuseumAug 19, 2009
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View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
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View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. The boat pier is straight ahead.Aug 19, 2009
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KanranteiAug 19, 2009
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Inside Kanrantei where you can relax and have tea for a fee.Aug 19, 2009
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About KanranteiAug 19, 2009
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Entrance to Kanrantei.Aug 19, 2009
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Original buildings and layout of Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
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Another noted building in Matsushima is Kanrantei, perched on a low hill. Now it is a rest place where they serve tea.Aug 19, 2009
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KanranteiAug 19, 2009
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BoarAug 19, 2009
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MonkeyAug 19, 2009
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About GodaidoAug 19, 2009
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Godaido is also noted for wooden carvings of Eto zodiac animals. Cock.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido was first erected in 807 called Bishamondo. We cannot go inside. Important Cultural Property.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido temple in Matsushima. This building was built in 1604 by Lord Date Masamune.Aug 19, 2009
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Second bridge to Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
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way to GodaidoAug 19, 2009
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The first bridge to Godaidojima island.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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Way to Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido 五大堂Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido 五大堂Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido enshrines five statues representing the Mikkyo teachings of Shingon Buddhism.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido is another famous and storied icon of Matsushima. In any painting or depiction of Matsushima, Godaido is always there.Aug 19, 2009
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Chuo Hiroba, where tour groups meet.Aug 19, 2009
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Nearby is Godaido temple on a small island close to shore. Aug 19, 2009
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Near the boat pier is this a large park called Chuo Hiroba.Aug 19, 2009
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Route 45 running parallel to the shore. Busy road with shops and restaurants.Aug 19, 2009
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