Sendai Castle
Sendai Castle is also called “Aoba Castle” for being built on Aoba Mountain in southwest Sendai City. Ordered to be built by Date Masamune (1567-1636) in 1601, it was used as the residence and political and military center of the Date clan for more than 270 years after that. Although most of the castle architecture no longer exist, you can still appreciate stone walls and the reconstructed watchtower, and hike up to overlook the entire Sendai beside the Bronze Equestrian Statue of Date Masamune, experiencing the broaden view that the feudal lord once had when looking down at his territory.
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Date Masamune - Founder of Sendai Castle
Born in 1567, Date Masamune was the daimo in Sengoku Period (1467-1615) and the early Edo Period (1603-1651), and the first lord of Sendai. He built Sendai Castle to establish the political and military center of Sendai city in northeast Japan in the early Edo period.
Sendai Castle was extremely easy to defend but hard to attack by taking advantage of its natural terrain: being built on a steep rocky mountain and surrounded by the Hirose River and natural cliffs on all sides. It was once recognized as the best castle in Japan by captain Viscaino of Spain for its terrain feature.
There are Honmaru, Ni-no-maru, San-no-maru in the castle. But to express loyalty to Tokugawa shogunate, which had supreme power in actual political, military and economic aspects back then, Date Masamune did not build a castle keep.
One of the features of Date Masamune was that he wore an eye mask all year round and hence dubbed “One-Eyed Dragon”. This is because he lost his right eye’s sight due to smallpox in his youth. But that does not affect his pursuit of beauty. The term “Date otoko” which refers to males who are handsome, dashing and loyal, originates from Date Masamune, demonstrating his personal charm. It is recorded that buildings in Sendai Castle were extremely magnificent, with the interior decoration mainly featured gold foil and exquisite paintings.
Unfortunately, most of these are not preserved. In 1871, during Meiji government’s “Abolition of the Han System”, Sendai Castle was demolished. The subsequent World War Two and Fukushima earthquake also caused damage to Sendai Castle.
Sendai Castle Ruins
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What to Do in Sendai Castle
Take Photos with The Bronze Equestrian Statue of Date Masamune
The Bronze Equestrian Statue of Date Masamune is an iconic sculpture in Sendai Castle and a landmark in Sendai City, showing the ambition and bravery of the feudal lord. From dusk until 22:00 every night, the statue will be illuminated by colorful lights, presenting magnificent scene.Overlook the Sendai City
Although little of Sendai Castle remains, it is one of the best vantage points to look down at Sendai city due to its high altitude and unobstructed terrain. Standing at the location of The Bronze Equestrian Statue of Date Masamune and on the edge of Honmaru stone walls, you can overlook the entire Sendai city. And you can even overlook the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Aerial View from Sendai Castle
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View the Restored Image of Honmaru
Sendai Castle Museum in the Honmaru area shows cultural relics like armors, swords and letters, presenting the past history and the deeds of the founder of Sendai to the visitors. In addition, it has ingeniously recreated the grand images of the core area of the Castle in the past using CG technology.Appreciate Cherry Blossoms
Now the Sendai Castle Ruins have been developed into Aoba Mountain Park, with approximately 480 cherry trees being planted around it. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom from early to mid- April every year. Visiting Sendai Castle at that time not only allows you to appreciate the imposing demeanor of Date Masamune, but also the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossoms
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Useful Tip
Sendai Castle Ruins is located on a hill, and it takes you much time to hike, so it is recommended to wear a pair of comfortable shoes. Visitors with mobility issues or those carrying the elderly and kids may choose carefully.Opening Time
Sendai Castle is open all year round, while Sendai Castle Museum is open in phases:April 1st-November 3rd: 09:00-17:00
November 4th-March 31st in the following year: 09:00-16:00
Admission Fee
The Ruins park is completely free. You can freely visit the stone walls, the Bronze Equestrian Statue of Date Masamune and enjoy the panoramic view of Sendai. However, the Sendai Castle Museum is charged 700 yen (4 USD).How to Get There
Sendai Loople Sightseeing Bus
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