Soto Zen Five Peaks Mountain Shōon-ji Temple, the ancestral temple of the Date family, beautifully complemented by spring cherry blossoms.

Shōon-ji Temple, the ancestral temple of the Date family, rulers of the Sendai Domain, is home to a massive 200-year-old cherry blossom tree that harmonizes perfectly with its grand gate. This makes it one of Sendai's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Conveniently located near Renbō Station on the subway, it attracts many visitors during the cherry blossom season. The temple grounds offer different scenery throughout the year, featuring a variety of plants such as weeping cherry trees, Yoshino cherry trees, azaleas, dogwoods, and citrus trees. During the peak cherry blossom season, the temple enhances the experience by setting up red carpeted benches and illuminating the grounds at night. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese temple architecture alongside the blooming cherry blossoms, creating a truly thoughtful and picturesque experience.