Joginyorai Saiho Temple

Joginyorai (also known as Jogi Nyorai) Saiho is a complex of Buddhist temples located about an hour drive from Sendai city in Miyagi Prefecture. The first temple was built just after the Genpei War (1180-1185) opposing the Taira and Minamoto clans during the late-Heian period of Japan.

At the end of the war, the Taira clan was disseminated but thanks to an intercession by the lord Utsunomiya Tomotsuna, Taira no Sadayoshi, governor of Higo and Chikugo provinces in Kyushu (South of Japan), was forced to exile in the mountains near Sendai.

Entrusted before the war by China of the holy painting Amida-Nyorai, Taira no Sadayoshi once away from the Minamoto clan and safe in the mountains decided to start a new life as a Buddhist monk and rename himself Jogi, the protector of Amida Nyorai. He began creating the temple complex known today as Joginyorai Saiho Temple.

Unfortunately too often ignored by tourists, Joginyorai Saiho Temple is by far one of the best temple complexes around Sendai. It offers so much to discover all year long. With a fantastic forest surrounding the area and magnificent five-story pagoda, Joginyorai Saiho Temple really is worth the one-hour car ride to reach this jewel of Japanese architecture and history! Finally, we highly recommend visiting Joginyorai Saiho Temple in autumn if you can, as the many maples trees around the complex create a unique, unmatched atmosphere!