At the site where Date Masamune, a warlord from the Sengoku period, once ruled, stands Sendai Castle. Today, it’s the picturesque Aoba Castle Ruins Park, boasting Masamune’s equestrian statue atop its observation deck, a beloved spot for tourists seeking the perfect photo opportunity.
Situated at an elevation of around 130 meters, the park offers sweeping views of the Hirose River below and the cityscape of Sendai. Although Sendai Castle itself no longer stands, having deliberately avoided a keep during its construction to evade the vigilance of the Tokugawa shogunate, reconstructed turrets and remnants of the stone walls transport visitors back in time.
For an immersive experience, visitors can rent VR goggles to explore a computer-generated reconstruction of the castle’s main enclosure for a fee. Additionally, within the park, the Aoba Castle Information Pavilion showcases videos introducing Masamune and his retainers, as well as the history of Sendai Castle, along with displays of historic swords—a must-see for history enthusiasts.
At the Aoba Castle Food Court, visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as gyutan (beef tongue) rice bowls, zunda-mochi (sweet rice cakes topped with sweetened green soybean paste), and beer, while also browsing for souvenirs at nearby shops.
Address: 1 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City
Admission: Free
Access:
By Bus: From Sendai Station West Exit Bus Terminal, take the Loople Sendai bus bound for “Sendai Castle Ruins” and get off immediately. (Note: There are stairs from the bus stop to the main enclosure ruins.)
By Subway and Bus: From Sendai Subway Tozai Line “Aobayama Station,” take the Sendai City Bus bound for Yagiyama Zoo or from “Yagiyama Dobutsuen Station,” take the bus bound for Aobadai and get off at “Sendai Castle Ruins South.”
Aoba Castle Information Pavilion
Website: https://honmarukaikan.com/s/index.htm
Admission Fees: Adults: 700 yen Middle and high school students: 500 yen Elementary school students: 300 yen
Group discounts available for 20 or more people
Opening Hours: April to October: 9:00 to 16:20 (Last admission 15:50)
November to March: 9:00 to 15:40 (Last admission 15:10)