Mitakisan Fudoin

This temple of the Shingon Chisan school stands quietly inside the arcade of Clis Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in central Sendai. Walking along the bustling lane of shoppers, you could easily pass it by, but step into the grounds and the noise of the city suddenly fades into a curious stillness. Even among locals, the younger generation often does not know it, making it a true hidden power spot.

The principal deity is Fudo Myoo. The temple is said to have begun in 1865, when a nun named Kato Take, praying for the healing of eye disease, enshrined a small statue of Fudo. More than anything, it is famous for enshrining Sendai Shiro, the god of good fortune who brings prosperity and luck. Said to have been a real person in the Meiji era, legend holds that any shop he visited was sure to thrive.

Highlights

• A large statue of Sendai Shiro sits in the main hall. Said to call in good fortune, it draws a steady stream of worshippers who quietly press their palms together.
• Known for blessings of business prosperity, household safety, and protection from misfortune, it is revered by local shopkeepers.
• Owing to its origin in healing eye disease, many also visit to pray for the eyes.

Enjoying the Seasons

Because it sits inside the arcade, you can visit year-round without worrying about the weather. The new year period bustles with first-visit worshippers, and many who run businesses come hoping to share in the lucky gods favor. The ease of dropping by during shopping or a stroll is part of its charm.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Chuo 2-chome 5-7, Aoba Ward, Sendai (inside the Clis Road shopping arcade)
• Public transport: about a 10-minute walk from JR Sendai Station, and easy to reach from the subway stations as well.
• Admission is free. Visiting hours are generally said to be from 10:00 to 18:00, but check official information for details.
• Being inside the arcade, it is comfortable to visit even on rainy days.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time: being in an indoor arcade, it is comfortable year-round. The new year in particular bustles with first visits and lucky-god visits.
• Timing and crowds: the arcade itself gets busy during daytime on holidays with many shoppers. For a quiet visit, weekdays or just after opening are recommended.
• Time needed: about 10 to 15 minutes for the visit alone. It is easy to drop in between a stroll or shopping.
• Nearby real spots: Clis Road and the Marble Road Omachi arcade, and a short walk away Jozenji-dori and the Sendai Morning Market, gather the sights of central Sendai within walking distance.
• Budget: the visit is free. If you wish to receive a charm or goshuin, budget for those. It is efficient to plan it together with shopping or a meal nearby.

A Quick Tip

This is a perfect place to pause during a walk through Sendai. It is said that fortune comes to those who quietly press their palms together before the Sendai Shiro statue and try to spend their days smiling. Find a small sanctuary in the middle of a lively street and let it calm your mind.

📚 Sources

This article is edited from publicly available information such as guidance published by Mitakisan Fudoin, the city of Sendai, and Miyagi Prefecture, notices within the precincts and hall and at the amulet office, and public information on nearby shopping streets such as Clis Road and Marble Road Omachi. That Mitakisan Fudoin is a Fudo temple within the shopping arcades of central Sendai is based on public information. Worship hours, the handling at the amulet office, and conditions on the nearby shopping streets may change, so please confirm official information before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About 10 to 15 minutes for worship alone; easy to drop in between strolling and shopping.
• Worship manners: Pray quietly within the hall and be considerate of other visitors.
• Getting there: It sits within the covered shopping arcades of central Sendai and is easy to reach on foot.
• Suggested route: After worship, walk Clis Road and Marble Road Omachi, then head a little farther to Jozenji-dori or the Sendai Morning Market.
• Nearby together: Sights of central Sendai such as Jozenji-dori and the Sendai Morning Market gather within walking distance.