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Temple · Matsushima, Miyagi
Godaido
A small Buddhist hall from 1604 on an islet in Matsushima Bay, connected to the shore by red bridges with grated planks, next to the boat pier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Godaido in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Godaido
Godaido is the small hall that became the symbol of Matsushima. It stands on a rocky islet beside the shore, a few steps from the pier, and is reached by two short red wooden bridges. According to tradition, the first hall was founded in the 9th century; the current building was erected in 1604 by Date Masamune and is designated an Important Cultural Property.
The name comes from the five statues of the Godai Myoo, the five kings of wisdom of esoteric Buddhism, kept inside. The hall is closed: the statues are shown to the public only every 33 years in a special ceremony. Under the eaves, wood carvings depict the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, arranged according to the directions.
The bridges have widely spaced planks, with gaps through which you can see the water. Tradition says they were made this way so that those who crossed would pay attention to their steps and arrive at the hall with a focused mind. The crossing is short but requires care with high-heeled shoes and children.
The visit takes only a few minutes and there is no admission fee. From the islet you can see the bay, the boats leaving the pier and the first pine-covered islets. Godaido lies on the route between the station, Zuigan-ji and the Fukuura island bridge, and is often the first stop for newcomers.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes.
Best time
Early, before tour groups arrive, or late afternoon, with the low light over the bay. The hall is also beautiful in snow on cold winter days.
How to get there
From Matsushima-Kaigan Station, about a 7-minute walk along the waterfront, passing the boat pier. Zuigan-ji is on the other side of the avenue.
Tip
Cross the bridges slowly: the gaps between the planks are wide. For a photo of the hall with the bay, go to the end of the islet and look back toward the shore.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Godaido
Can you enter Godaido?
No. The hall is closed and the statues of the five kings of wisdom are shown only every 33 years. The visit is to the islet and the exterior of the hall.
Why do Godaido’s bridges have gaps?
Tradition says the spaced planks make those who cross look at their feet and arrive at the hall with a concentrated mind. Cross with care.
Is there a fee to visit Godaido?
There is no admission fee. Godaido is beside the waterfront and open to external visits.
When was Godaido built?
The current building dates from 1604, constructed by Date Masamune. Tradition links the founding of the first hall to the 9th century.
Beyond the guide
