Tennou Temple

Tennou Temple is a wooden temple with traditional architectural elements, including a main hall and a distinctive gate dating from the Edo period. The grounds contain multiple historic buildings that together form the layout of a classical Japanese temple.

The temple moved to its current location in 1616 following the relocation of the Iizaka clan under Date Munekiyo's leadership. This move connected the temple's development closely with the region's changing circumstances.

The temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Buddhism and serves as an active place where visitors can observe traditional ceremonies and practices of the local community. The spaces and gardens reflect how Buddhist faith is lived here in daily practice.

The temple sits about five minutes from Yamato Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway and welcomes visitors to the grounds. Interior spaces require advance arrangements to enter, so it is worth planning ahead before visiting.

The temple's kitchen and residence building is the second oldest surviving structure of its type in Miyagi Prefecture, dating to around 1660. This ancient building provides visitors with a glimpse into how monks lived across several centuries.