Matsushima, Japan - Godaidō Temple (2019)

With its prominent location overlooking Matsushima Bay, Godaido is a must-see symbol of Matsushima. It was first founded in 807. The building we see today was reconstructed by Date Masamune in 1604. It is named for the five Buddhas of wisdom housed within. The Buddhas inside Godaido are only shown during a special ceremony once every 33 years.

Leading to the temple are unusual red bridges with spaces between the planks- if you trip, you are not yet ready to reach the temple!
The grounds of Godaido are free to enter and are closed evenings.

Matsushima (松島町 Matsushima-machi) is a town in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2017, the town had an estimated population of 14,105, and a population density of 263 persons per km². The total area of the town is 53.56 square kilometres (20.68 sq mi). It is most famous as the location of Matsushima Bay, one of the Three Views of Japan, and is also the site of the Zuigan-ji, Entsū-in and Kanrantei.