Osaki Hachimangu Shrine

Osaki Hachimangu in Sendai was commissioned by lord Date Masamune and built between 1604 and 1607 by craftsmen drawn from across Japan. The main hall, a National Treasure, is covered in gold leaf with carved tigers, phoenixes, and gilded dragons descending from the eaves, all set against black-lacquered woodwork that mirrors Masamune's signature black armor. Three torii gates line the stone stairway approach, with the first gate's kanji stylized to resemble a pair of doves, the divine messengers of Hachiman. Masamune built the shrine at the same time as Aoba Castle, establishing both as symbols of his new domain.