Complete Guide to Komyoji Temple (Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture) | The Tomb of Hasekura Tsunenaga and the History of the Kitayama Five Mountains
Located in Aoba-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Komyoji Temple is a historic Rinzai Zen temple of the Tofuku-ji school, founded as a family temple to enshrine the wife of the first head of the Date family. It is one of the Kitayama Five Mountains and is also known for housing the tomb of Hasekura Tsunenaga. This article provides a detailed explanation of Komyoji Temple’s history, highlights, access methods, and surrounding area information.
Basic Information about Komyoji Temple
Location and Access
Address: 3-1 Aoba-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone Number: 022-234-6660
Access from Nearest Station:
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot (320m) from Exit 1 South of Kita-Sendai Station on the Sendai City Subway Namboku Line and JR Senzan Line
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kita-Yonbancho Station on the Sendai City Subway Namboku Line
The temple is conveniently located within walking distance of Kita-Sendai Station. The path from the station passes through a residential area. Stone steps lead to the entrance of the temple grounds, welcoming visitors to the main gate.
Basic Temple Data
Mountain Name: Shōinzan
Sect: Rinzai Zen, Tōfuku-ji School
Principal Image: Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva
Founded: 1604 (Keichō 9) *Year of relocation to Sendai*
Founder: Lady of Date Tomomune (Kōmyōji-dono)
History and Origins of Kōmyōji Temple
Circumstances of Founding and Connection to the Date Family
Kōmyōji Temple was founded as the family temple of Lady Kōmyōji, the wife of Date Tomomune, the first head of the Date family. Initially built in Date County, Fukushima Prefecture (present-day Date City, Fukushima Prefecture), it was relocated in 1604 (Keichō 9) to its current location in Kitayama, Aoba Ward, Sendai City (then Aoba-machi) following the founding of Sendai by Date Masamune.
As a temple with deep ties to the Date family, it has played a significant role in the history of the Sendai Domain. Its special position is evident from the fact that it bears the name of Lady Komyoji.
Status as one of the Kitayama Five Temples
Komyoji Temple is counted as one of the Kitayama Five Temples, which were gathered in the Kitayama district of Sendai. The Kitayama Five Temples are a collective term for five Rinzai Zen temples established by Date Masamune in the Kitayama district as part of the development of the Sendai castle town.
The Kitayama Five Temples include the following temples:
- Toshoji Temple
- Manshoji Temple
- Komyoji Temple
- Kakuganji Temple
- Shifukuji Temple
These temples also served as a defense for the northern side of Sendai Castle and functioned as the religious and cultural center of the castle town. Among them, Komyoji Temple holds a special position due to its connection to the wife of the first head of the Date family.
Hasekura Tsunenaga and Komyoji Temple
About Hasekura Tsunenaga’s Grave
One of the most famous sights at Komyoji Temple is the grave of Hasekura Tsunenaga. Hasekura Tsunenaga is known as a samurai from the Sendai Domain who traveled to Europe in 1613 as the chief envoy of the Keichō Embassy to Europe.
Interestingly, it is said that there are three graves of Hasekura Tsunenaga within Miyagi Prefecture:
- Komyoji Temple (Aoba-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City)
- Enpukuji Temple (Kitayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai City)
- Hasekura Family Temple (Kawasaki-cho)
This indicates that memorial services were held in multiple locations after Hasekura Tsunenaga’s death. The grave at Komyoji Temple is one of the most easily accessible in Sendai City and is visited by many history enthusiasts.
Historical Significance of the Keichō Embassy to Europe
The Keichō Embassy to Europe, led by Hasekura Tsunenaga, is an extremely important event in Japanese history. During its voyage of approximately seven years, from 1613 to 1620, Hasekura Tsunenaga visited Spain and Italy (where he had an audience with the Pope), seeking trade negotiations and permission for Christian missionary work.
This embassy, commissioned by Date Masamune, crossed the Pacific Ocean, passed through Mexico, and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe. Hasekura Tsunenaga’s achievements as a global diplomatic envoy, as a Japanese person of that time, are remembered as a groundbreaking event in the history of Japanese international exchange.
At Kōmyōji Temple, along with Hasekura Tsunenaga’s grave, a memorial monument to the Keichō Embassy to Europe has been erected, commemorating this historical achievement.
Memorial Monument to Missionary Sotelo
Kōmyōji Temple also houses a memorial monument to Luis Sotelo, a Spanish missionary who accompanied Hasekura Tsunenaga on the Keichō Embassy to Europe. Sotelo supported Hasekura Tsunenaga’s visit to Europe and played a key role in bridging the gap between Japan and Europe in Christian missionary work.
Sotelo later returned to Japan, but was martyred in Nagasaki in 1624 due to the Edo Shogunate’s ban on Christianity. The memorial monument at Komyoji Temple is a valuable historical site symbolizing the historical exchange between Japan and Europe.
Komyoji Temple Grounds and Highlights
Temple Gate and Approach
A magnificent temple gate stands at the entrance to Komyoji Temple. Stone steps lead to the approach, and despite being located in a quiet residential area, stepping inside evokes a solemn atmosphere.
As you climb the stone steps, you can enjoy the surrounding trees and seasonal flowers, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season. The temple gate, while simple, is dignified in the style of a Rinzai Zen temple, welcoming visitors.
Main Hall
Upon passing through the temple gate, the Main Hall comes into view. The Main Hall is a magnificent wooden structure, enshrining the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. Visitors can quietly offer their prayers inside the hall.
The Main Hall’s architectural style is characteristic of Zen Buddhist temples, creating a simple yet highly spiritual space. The garden in front of the Main Hall is also beautifully maintained, displaying different expressions throughout the seasons.
Atmosphere of the Temple Grounds
Despite being located in an urban area, the grounds of Komyoji Temple are enveloped in tranquility. Surrounded by trees and filled with the sound of birdsong, the peaceful environment allows one to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Within the grounds, there are graves of Hasekura Tsunenaga, as well as graves of successive chief priests and stone Buddha statues, creating a space steeped in history. While not many people visit, it is a precious place for quiet worship.
Goshuin (Temple Seal) Information
About the Issuance of Goshuin
Goshuin (temple seals) are available at Komyoji Temple. A Goshuin is a commemorative item given by a temple as proof of worship, featuring calligraphy and a red seal.
The Goshuin at Komyoji Temple bears the temple’s name, “Komyoji,” and its mountain name, “Shoinzan,” along with a seal related to the principal image, the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva. The calligraphy and placement of the seal may vary slightly depending on the time of year and the calligrapher, each offering its own unique charm.
Etiquette for Receiving a Goshuin
When receiving a Goshuin, please observe the following etiquette:
- Always pray before receiving the Goshuin
- Bring a Goshuincho (a dedicated Goshuincho is preferable to a notebook or scrap of paper)
- Prepare a Hatsuhoryo (usually around 300-500 yen)
- Don’t forget to express your gratitude to the temple staff.
At Komyoji Temple, the time when Goshuin can be written may be limited, so it is recommended to check by phone in advance.
Attractions Around Komyoji Temple
Pilgrimage to the Five Temples of Kitayama
If you visit Komyoji Temple, be sure to also visit the other temples of the Five Temples of Kitayama. Several historical temples are clustered within walking distance of each other in the Kitayama area, and can be visited in about half a day.
In particular, Shifukuji Temple is known for housing the tomb of Megohime, the principal wife of Date Masamune, and Toshoji Temple is famous as the family temple of Date Masamune’s fifth son, Munetsuna. Each temple has its own unique history and attractions, making it ideal for a historical stroll.
Access to Sendai City Center
From Kita-Sendai Station, you can reach Sendai Station in about 10 minutes using the Sendai City Subway Namboku Line. Visiting tourist spots in Sendai city center after visiting Komyoji Temple is also a good idea.
Main Nearby Tourist Attractions:
- Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Site)
- Zuihoden (Mausoleum of Date Masamune)
- Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
- Sendai City Museum
Combining these spots will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Date family and Sendai.
Nearby Services
The area around Komyoji Temple is a quiet residential area, and the area around Kita-Sendai Station has a variety of amenities such as restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets. You can easily have a meal or do some shopping before or after your visit.
Points and Manners for Visiting
Suitable Time for Visiting
While Komyoji Temple is generally open for visits during the daytime, the period between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM is recommended. Visiting during daylight hours is safer as the temple grounds become dark after sunset.
Attire and Belongings
There are no specific dress code requirements, but please keep the following points in mind when visiting the temple:
- Clean and understated attire is preferable.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are stone steps.
- Insect repellent is useful in the summer.
- If you wish to receive a Goshuin (temple stamp), please bring a Goshuincho (stamp book) and small change.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the temple grounds, but please observe the following manners:
- Permission may be required to photograph inside the main hall.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
- Please refrain from taking photographs in the cemetery.
- Avoid flash photography.
If you have any questions, we recommend checking with the temple staff.
Annual Events at Komyoji Temple
Main Ceremonies and Events
As a Rinzai Zen temple, Komyoji Temple holds various ceremonies throughout the year. The main events at typical Rinzai Zen temples include the following:
- New Year’s Day Service (January 1st)
- Spring Equinox Service (March)
- Flower Festival (April 8th, Buddha’s Birthday)
- Obon Festival (August)
- Autumn Equinox Service (September)
- Founder’s Memorial Service (Throughout the year)
For specific event dates and whether general participation is permitted, it is recommended to inquire with the temple in advance.
Significance of Visiting Komyoji Temple
As a Place for Historical Learning
Komyoji Temple is an excellent place to learn about the history of the Date family, Hasekura Tsunenaga’s Keicho Embassy to Europe, and the history of exchange between Japan and Europe. Experiencing history learned in textbooks at actual historical sites provides a deeper understanding.
In particular, Hasekura Tsunenaga’s grave is a valuable historical site that tells the story of international exchange in the early Edo period, and is a place full of insights for us living in today’s global society.
A Place to Find Peace of Mind
Despite being in an urban area, the grounds of Komyoji Temple are enveloped in tranquility, offering a valuable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a place to calm the mind. The simple yet highly spiritual space, characteristic of a Zen temple, provides peace to visitors.
A Hidden Gem in Sendai
While Sendai Castle Ruins and Zuihoden Mausoleum are well-known tourist spots in Sendai, Komyoji Temple is a relatively unknown hidden gem. Because there are fewer tourists, you can visit at your own pace and quietly reflect on history.
For those interested in history, those seeking a peaceful place, and those collecting temple stamps, Komyoji Temple is a temple worth visiting.
Summary
Located in Aoba-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Komyoji Temple was founded as a family temple dedicated to the wife of the first head of the Date family. It is a historic Rinzai Zen temple of the Tofukuji school, and one of the five major temples of Kitayama.
Key Features of Komyoji Temple:
- The family temple of “Komyoji-dono,” wife of Date Tomomune
- One of the Five Temples of Kitayama
- Contains the grave of Hasekura Tsunenaga (one of three in the prefecture)
- Monument to the Keicho Embassy to Europe and a memorial to missionary Sotelo
- Conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Kita-Sendai Station
- Quiet and peaceful temple grounds
- Offers Goshuin (temple stamps)
When visiting Sendai, be sure to stop by Komyoji Temple and reflect on the history of the Date family and the achievements of Hasekura Tsunenaga. Despite being in an urban area, the space, enveloped in history and tranquility, will offer visitors a special experience.
Its convenient location, just a 5-minute walk from Kita-Sendai Station, is another attractive feature. Please consider adding a visit to Komyoji Temple as part of your Sendai city sightseeing or as part of your Kitayama Five Temples tour.
