Miyagi Prefecture, renowned as the land of Date Masamune, the one-eyed dragon and celebrated warlord, is home to historic temples and shrines steeped in tradition. These sacred places are said to be places where one can sense an invisible and mysterious power—commonly referred to as "power spots."
Across Miyagi, countless power spots are known for granting profound blessings, attracting visitors from all over Japan who seek to have their prayers answered. Among the many spiritual sites in the prefecture, we have carefully selected four must-visit temples and shrines that stand out for their deep historical and spiritual significance.
1. Zuihoden: The Power Spot Guarding the Spirits of the Date Clan, Where Date Masamune Rests
Date Masamune, a renowned warlord often depicted in dramas and movies, lost his right eye to smallpox during childhood, earning him the nickname “One-Eyed Dragon.” As the first lord of the Sendai Domain, he wielded immense power. Zuihoden is the temple where Date Masamune's spirit rests and also serves as the ancestral temple of the Date family.
Visiting here is said to bring motivation and boost work luck, making it a highly sought-after power spot! Overlooking Sendai City, Zuihoden, which includes Kansenden and Zennoden, is one of the most popular spiritual spots in Miyagi Prefecture.
Name: Zuihoden
Address: 23-2, Goshinyashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.zuihoden.com/
2. Zuiganji: The Power Spot for Luck That Also Appears in the Folk Song "Saitarou Bushi"
The temple Zuiganji, which features in Miyagi Prefecture’s folk song “Saitarou Bushi” with the lyrics, “In Matsushima, there is no temple like Zuiganji,” was founded in 828 (Tenchou 5) and belongs to the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. The main hall and temple kitchen are designated National Treasures, and many other buildings are Important Cultural Properties. It is one of the Tohoku region's premier Zen temples, attracting countless visitors daily.
Zuiganji is also deeply connected to the Date family. Every New Year, the Date clan and its retainers traditionally hold a poetry gathering at the temple. Even Matsuo Basho, the famous poet, visited Zuiganji during his journey through Miyagi to pray for safe travels.
The natural caves, featuring statues of Kannon and memorial stones, are must-see spiritual grounds. These caves offer blessings ranging from traffic safety and prosperous business to safe childbirth. If you hear “Saitarou Bushi” while traveling in Miyagi, be sure to visit this power spot.
Name: Zuiganji Temple
Address: 91, Matsushima Aza-Machinai, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://zuiganji.or.jp/
3. A Power Spot for Wishes Related to the Sea – The Salt Deity "Shiogama Jinja"
One of the most renowned power spots in Miyagi Prefecture is Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City. This shrine is the highest-ranked shrine in Mutsu Province and serves as the head shrine for all Shiogama Shrines across Japan. The grounds are home to the "Shiogama Sakura," a double-petaled cherry blossom designated as a national natural monument. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the preservation society, over 50 of these cherry trees bloom magnificently each year.
As its name suggests, the shrine is known as the "Salt Deity" and is a power spot particularly associated with wishes related to the sea, such as safe sea voyages. Shiogama City is a prominent port town, representing both Miyagi Prefecture and Japan, making maritime safety essential. The shrine is also said to bring blessings for success and romantic connections. If you're looking to improve your luck or find good relationships, why not pray at this top power spot in Miyagi Prefecture?
Name: Shiogama Shrine
Address: 1-1 Ichimoriyama, Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://www.shiogamajinja.jp/
4. A Power Spot for Financial Blessings – The "Koganeyama Shrine" on Kinkasan, One of Oshu’s Three Great Sacred Sites
If you're seeking a power spot for financial prosperity, "Koganeyama Shrine" is highly recommended. This shrine is located on Kinkasan, an island off the coast of Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture. Kinkasan consists of a 445-meter-high mountain with little flat land. The entire island is considered sacred ground for Koganeyama Shrine, and the deer that inhabit the island are treated with great care as divine messengers.
Kinkasan is one of Oshu’s Three Great Sacred Sites, alongside Osorezan in Aomori Prefecture and Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture. As its name suggests, Kinkasan and Koganeyama Shrine are among the top spots for financial fortune in Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine is believed to grant blessings for business prosperity and good fortune, as well as safe voyages and abundant catches due to its island location. Why not take advantage of these blessings?
Name: Koganeyama Shrine
Address: 5 Kinkasan Ayukawahama, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: https://kinkasan.jp/
◎Summary
The four destinations introduced here are some of Miyagi Prefecture's top power spots that are well worth a visit. Beyond these, Miyagi is home to many other spiritually enriching and historically significant temples and shrines, such as Miyagi Gokoku Shrine, Takekoma Shrine, Futahashira Shrine, and Osaki Hachiman Shrine. However, power spots are not confined to temples and shrines alone. Nature itself often becomes a source of spiritual energy, as seen in places like Sankai Falls in Zao Town, Akiu Otaki Falls in Sendai City, and the massive rock at Tsurishi Shrine in Ishinomaki City.
Many areas in Miyagi Prefecture still bear the scars of the earthquake disaster, and visiting these power spots could also contribute to the region's recovery. Let’s embark on a journey to not only receive blessings but also to bring energy and support to the Tohoku region.