Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (Ōsaki Hachimangū) is a national treasure of Japan and one of the most important Shinto shrines located in Sendai. The history of the shrine is shrouded in mystery and legend.

For example, scientists have not yet come to a consensus about when this temple was built. Some, based on the analysis of preserved materials, are inclined to the fact that this building was erected at the beginning of the 18th century. Others, confirming the hypothesis with ancient documents, say that construction took place from 1604 to 1607. And there is also an assumption that Osaka Hachimangu is the oldest building in Japan, which was built before our era.

Of course, you can assume different options. But the most credible historical fact is that this beautiful temple was built in the early 17th century by order of the famous samurai Date Masamune, who founded the city of Sendai.

He invited the best artists and architects from around the country to create a real masterpiece: a temple devoted to the god of war, Hachiman. And they succeeded. The work of high-class craftsmen can be seen in every fragment of the building: from perfect shapes and proportions to the finest decorative carvings and beautiful paintings.

The temple is small. It consists of the main hall and a hall for prayers, which are connected by a gallery. All three rooms are united by a common roof, made of wood using a unique ancient technology that has allowed the material to remain for several centuries without the slightest damage.

By the way, there are legends that the temple protects not only people but also itself. No resident can give any other explanation for how it was able to remain completely unscathed during the military air raids in 1945 when many of Japan's beautiful buildings were destroyed.