Five reasons to visit the national treasure, Osaki Hachiman Shrine, Sendai 🇯🇵✈️🌎

Do you think it's worth going all the way to Sendai to see just one shrine?

If you answered "no," you may not yet know about the national treasure Osaki Hachimangu Shrine. With its gorgeous shrine buildings, traditions that have been preserved for over 400 years, and a wealth of interesting facts that will make you go "wow" and want to tell someone, this shrine is more than just a tourist attraction. Here are five reasons why you should make the effort to visit Osaki Hachimangu Shrine.

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①The only surviving shrine built by Date Masamune in "Momoyama architecture"

Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was built in 1607 by Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai domain. In fact, it is designated as a national treasure as the only surviving "Momoyama-style shrine architecture." The intricate carvings and coloring of the pillars and roofs are impressive.

② The beautiful contrast of black and gold, the pinnacle of “Gongen-zukuri”
The gorgeous appearance of the heavy black lacquer and vivid gold decorations makes it more of a work of art than a shrine. In particular, the curved roof, called “karahafu”, is breathtakingly beautiful even for those who are not fond of architecture.

③ A valuable experience of “touching a national treasure”
The amazing thing about Osaki Hachiman Shrine is that, even though it is a national treasure, you can get close to it as a general visitor. There are surprisingly few spots where you can touch real history without any sense of distance.

④ The cultural center of Sendai, famous for the “Donto Festival”
The “Donto Festival”, held every year on January 14th, is one of the largest fire festivals in the Tohoku region. This event, in which New Year's decorations are burned, is a truly experiential traditional event in which people parade naked through Sendai in the middle of winter.

⑤ A “national treasure” with excellent access, just 15 minutes by bus from the station
It is not located deep in the mountains, but is conveniently located just 15 minutes by bus from Sendai Station. The great attraction of Tohoku tourism is the "national treasure-class extraordinary experience" that you can drop in to during your trip.

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A place that combines the "convenience" of a tourist destination with the "depth" of a historical heritage.

That is Osaki Hachiman Shrine. When you stand in this quiet and magnificent space, you will surely think "I'm glad I came." Why not add a little bit of the weight of history to your next travel destination? #Sendai #DomesticTravel

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