Kansei era (1789–1801)
Donated by Tanba Tsuneo
Located on a small island in Matsushima Bay, Godaidō Temple is a symbol of Matsushima, so named for the statues of the Five Wisdom Kings installed here by the priest Ennin in 828. It was originally named Bishamondō on its completion in 807 by the general Sakanoue Tamuramaro. The present temple building was established by the feudal lord Date Masamune in 1604.