Aug 18, 2014 - 1 min read

Shindera Dori: Temple Road

All the temples you could ever ask for in one place

Community writer

Visiting a temple is a wonderful experience that starts at the carefully tended entranceway

Some feature gardens, as crafted as any sculpture

Surrounded by bushes and trees, the noises of modern life fall into the background and allow you to relax in a quiet atmosphere at Zendouji

Stone lanterns are simple yet detailed

Rinkouin also has fairly large grounds, and stone lanterns

In the forecourt are small statues of Buddhas, each with one of the twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac

This is the entrance to Dairinji

This statute, one of a pair, looks like it's guarding Dairinji temple

The color red is thought to expel demons and illness. This may be a Jizo Statue, a very common sight in Japan.

These statues appear to be monks

This stone lantern is very ornate. Dragons have a long history both in Japan and in Buddhism.

Myoshinin has a resident dog, who likes people and being stroked. Just don't touch his tail!

Running behind some of the temples is a green walkway, which is shady and peaceful

Koushouji has a small pagoda. Each level displays a Japanese character which stands for a different concept, such as dharma (cosmic law and order).

Many Buddhist temples in Japan have a large bell, called a bonsho. They have a spiritual significance and are used in ceremonies.

In the foreground is a large incense burner, the smoke of which is thought to be healing or purifying

This purification fountain is decorated with a dragon

Part of this temple is also a shrine, indicated by these shrine gates, called torii. Also note the small stone statue of the pagoda.

The attractions of Ichibancho and its covered shopping arcades make the west side of Sendai Station the more popular. But the east side also has plenty to offer, from a museum to a whole road full of temples.

Whether you're interested in the architecture, the culture or the atmosphere, a Buddhist temple is an unmissable part of a trip to Japan. Each one is unique, and at Shindera Dori, you can see many styles and features in one area!

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Laura Welch

By Laura Welch

Community writer

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Radica Sooknarine

Radica Sooknarine 10 years ago

I am definitely going to check this out! I had no idea they were all in one street too!

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

Nice find. I knew there were a few temples back there, but not this many all on the same street. Thanks for sharing. I will be checking this out soon!

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