Jul 16, 2014 - 1 min read

Banzan Daibaiji Zen Temple Hike

Hike the trail of a Zen Buddhist Saint in Sendai

By Yuri Sasano

Community writer

Stone figures of Rakan, Buddha's disciples, along the stone steps to the temple

Two statues of "Hudo" are standing on the way to ward off evil spirits. Take nice photos with them and ask for their pardon to tread on the trail

The main hall of Banzan Daibaiji  Zen Temple

A roughly 320 year old Japanese cypress rests in the temple's garden

A stone figure with a baby deer in his arms

The outcome of this game has not been decided for a very long time

Mizuko-kuyodo, a temple of a guardian deity for the spirits of miscarried children

Stone step trail going though a green forest

Several stone figures of Jizo Bosatsu, a guardian for travelers, are seen along the trail side

The mountain trail is surrounded by greenery and serenity

This small hall is the resting-place of Ungo-Zenji, a prominent Zen Buddhist and a mentor of the Date clan in the early 17th century

Banzan Daibaiji Zen temple is located on the foot of Banzan mountain, where the prominent Zen monk Ungo-zenji settled down after he had worked as a master of Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima. The trail starts from the temple's site, where unique figures of Rakan, Buddhist diciples, are seen. A three kilometer trail takes less than one hour to reach the mountain top (alt. 376 m). There is a small hall, Kaizando, a resting-place of Ungo-zenji. Banzan is considered a sacred place, and it is loved by locals as an accessible hiking destination.

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By Yuri Sasano

Community writer

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Justin Velgus 10 years ago

I highly recommend a trip in the autumn! There is also a lovely view from the top.

Jennifer Nakajima 10 years ago

Interesting! Sometimes I went to temples and felt something unexplainable experienced. It's hard for a person who has a third eye.

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

It seems to be labled Banzan Taibaiji on some websites, though I have seen incorrect English before. This place comes up when searching the Chinese characters: 大梅寺 (literally "big plum temple"). I hope to check it out soon!!

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