Aoba Castle (青葉城, Aobajō) was built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune. Because of considerations for the castle's defense, Masamune chose to locate his fortifications on Mount Aoba, 100 meters above the town below.
In the last 400 years the castle endured the anti-feudal fervor of the Meiji Period, a giant fire in 1882 and the carpet bombing of 1945. Now all that is left of the castle are remnants of the outer stone walls and a guard tower. The location's lookout onto the city below now serves an aesthetic rather than military role, though a statue of Masamune, armor-clad and horseback, recalls the site's origins.
A museum commemorating Aoba Castle's history can be viewed on the site. It features models of the castle as it stood in the Edo Period (1603-1868), artifacts from the castle, and a theater that shows a short movie on the castle in Japanese. Also available at the museum are VR goggles with which tourists can walk around the castle grounds and get an idea of how the castle used to look when its many buildings were still standing.
The prefectural branch shrine of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, called Gokoku Shrine, is also located on the castle's former foundations. The shrine also has a museum, but does not offer any information in English. The museum focuses on Japan's modern military history.
Within walking distance from the castle are a few other sites of interest. A short walk down Mount Aoba's northern slope leads to the Sendai City Museum. The museum features relics of the Date clan and presents varying temporary exhibitions.
About a kilometer and a half walk south-west from the castle lies Sendai Yagiyama Zoo. The selection of animals at Yagiyama is impressive for a small zoo, and the tourist to Japan will appreciate the section dedicated to local animals. Unfortunately, some may consider the facilities a bit wanting. Across from the zoo is the Yagiyama Benyland amusement park.
Getting there and around
Aoba Castle can be reached in about 20 minutes from Sendai Station by the Loople Sendai bus. Get off at bus stop #5 for the Sendai City Museum or bus stop #6 for the former castle grounds. A day pass for the Loople bus costs 630 yen, otherwise one ride costs 260 yen. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk between the city museum and the castle's former grounds.
Alternatively, take the Tozai Subway Line from Sendai Station to International Center (Kokusai Center) at the base of Aoba Castle (5 minutes, 210 yen one way). From the station, it is a five minute walk to Sendai City Museum or a 20 minute uphill walk to the former castle grounds.
Sendai Yagiyama Zoo and Yagiyama Benyland are about a 20-30 minute walk from Aoba Castle or a short walk from Yagiyama Zoological Garden (Yagiyama Dobutsuen), the final station of the Tozai Subway Line (12 minutes, 310 yen one way from Sendai Station).
How to get to and around Sendai
Hours and Fees
Aoba Castle Museum
Hours
Admission ends 20 minutes before closing time
Closed
Admission
880 yen (VR goggles only)
1430 yen (set ticket for museum and VR goggles)
Loople 1-day pass holders can profit from a 110 yen discount on entry to the museum or the set ticket.
Sendai City Museum
Hours
Closed
Admission
Sendai Yagiyama Zoo
Hours
Admission ends around one hour before closing time
Closed
December 28 to January 4
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Sendai
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Sendai Guest House UMEBACHIView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Sendai Guest House UMEBACHI in Sendai offers a 1-star guest house experience with a garden and terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy private check-in and check-out, a lounge, daily housekeeping, family rooms, bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Paid on-site private parking is also provided.Local Attractions
Located 4.5 km from Sendai City Community Support Center, 13 km from Shiogama Shrine, and 20 km from Sendai Airport. Nearby attractions include Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi (3.1 km) and Sendai Station (4.9 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff and excellent service support, the host, and dinner. -
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Hotel GrandBach SendaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel GrandBach Sendai in Sendai offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a refrigerator, free toiletries, and a work desk.Dining and Leisure
Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant and unwind at the bar. The hotel provides free WiFi, a public bath, and live music. Additional facilities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping service.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Sendai Station (8-minute walk) and Sendai City Community Support Center (1.7 km). Guests appreciate the nearby public transport options and the room and bathroom comfort. -
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Hotel Metropolitan Sendai EastOffering a fitness centre free of charge, Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East has direct access to Sendai Station. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, a desk, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerator and hairdryer. The private bathroom comes with towels, slippers and free toiletries. The 24-hour front desk offers free luggage storage and currency exchange services. Guests can relax in the shared lounge area. A drinks vending machine is available on site. The on-site restaurant serves a breakfast buffet using local ingredients, lunch and dinner. There are several restaurants, cafes and convenience stores within a 5-minute walk from the property. Sendai Museum is a 15-minute train ride from Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East. Sendai Castle and Zuihoden are a 20-minute drive from the property, while Sakunami Hot Spring is located an hour away by car.View on Booking.com -
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Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot SpringView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, free toiletries, shower, carpeted floors, TV, soundproofing, electric kettle, and wardrobe. Guests appreciate the room comfort and cleanliness.Wellness and Leisure
The hotel offers a spa and wellness centre, sauna, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, and a modern restaurant serving Japanese cuisine.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is provided, complemented by a restaurant ambience. Guests can enjoy meals in a relaxed setting.Location and Attractions
Located in Sendai, the hotel is 16 km from Sendai Airport. Nearby attractions include Sendai City Community Support Center (4-minute walk), Sendai Station (800 metres), Sakuraoka Daijingu (17-minute walk), and Sendai International Centre (2.1 km). -
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Richmond Hotel Sendai - Reopened After Renovation on 28 Dec 2024This hotel is located 600 metres from Sendai JR Station and 25 minutes from Sendai Airport by train. Richmond Hotel Sendai offers free WiFi, a 24-hour reception and a family restaurant. Rooms at the Richmond Hotel are air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV with pay-per-view and satellite channels. There is a dining area with fridge and electric kettle as well as a private bathroom with a bath, shower and hairdryer. A face mask, cotton and bath powder are provided for ladies. Business guests can arrange a laptop and printer for an additional charge. Children’s amenities are available at reception. The Royal Host family restaurant on the 1st floor serves a mixed buffet of Japanese and western food. The Richmond Hotel Sendai is a 20-minute drive from the Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and a 25-minute drive from Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets.View on Booking.com -
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KOKO HOTEL Sendai Station CentralView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
KOKO HOTEL Sendai Station Central in Sendai offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, ensuring a pleasant stay. Each room includes a work desk, refrigerator, and TV, providing all necessary amenities.Dining and Services
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage, catering to various needs.Prime Location
Located less than 1 km from Sendai City Community Support Center and a 6-minute walk to Sendai Station, the hotel is also close to Sakuraoka Daijingu (1.7 km) and Sendai International Centre (2.1 km). Sendai Airport is 15 km away. -
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Hotel Keihan SendaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Keihan Sendai in Sendai offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, bath, tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floor, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Dining and Services
Guests can enjoy a restaurant serving a buffet breakfast. The hotel provides a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage. Reception staff speak English and Japanese.Local Attractions
Located 500 metres from Sendai Station and a 6-minute walk to Sendai City Community Support Center, the hotel is near Sakuraoka Daijingu (16-minute walk) and Sendai International Centre (1.9 km). Sendai Airport is 16 km away. -
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Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai EkimaeRichmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae offers a 24-hour front desk and simply decorated accommodation. This awardee of TripAdvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Exellence is located just a 3-minute walk from JR Sendai Train Station. Free WiFi is available in all areas. Air conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a Tempur-Pedic pillow. Each are fitted with a refrigerator and an electric kettle. En suite bathrooms come with a bath and a hairdryer. Sendai Ekimae Richmond Hotel Premier offers daily maid service, concierge service and room service. A coin launderette, meeting and vending machines can also be found on site. For breakfast, we offer a Japanese-Western buffet with all-you-can-eat freshly baked bread, harako rice made with Hitomebore rice grown in Miyagi Prefecture, bamboo kamaboko, and a taste of Tohoku and Sendai. Aoba Castle is a 15-minute drive away, while Osaki Hachiman Shrine is a 10-minute drive from the property. JR Sendai Station is a 3-minute walk and Hirosedori Subway Station is a 6-minute walk from the hotel. Sendai Airport is a 30-minute subway ride away on Sendai Airport access express train and Matsushima is a 40-minute train ride away.View on Booking.com -
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The Westin SendaiSet on 28-36th floors of Sendai's tallest building, The Westin Sendai offers a luxurious accommodation just a 10-minute walk from JR Sendai Station. Guests can work out in the free-use gym or receive rejuvenating massages at the on-site salon. 2 restaurants and a bar are available on site. Wi-Fi is provided at an additional charge. Fitted with chic furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms come with modern facilities like satellite LCD TV. A fridge, an electric kettle and minibar are included. The large en suite bathroom has a bath tub, a shower booth and free toiletries. Sendai Westin Hotel’s 24-hour front desk can arrange luggage storage and laundry services. The Flow Spa offers a variety of treatments, sauna and a relaxation lounge. Souvenir items can be purchased at the gift shop. Stylish Restaurant Symphony serves sophisticated Western cuisine, while traditional Japanese dishes can be savoured at Ichimuan restaurant, which is located on the top floor. Horizon Lounge & Bar offers afternoon tea, light meals and evening drinks. The Westin Hotel is a 10-minute drive to Rakuten Kobo Stadium Miyagi (formerly Kleenex Stadium Miyagi), and a 20-minute drive to Aoba Castle Park. Sendai Airport is located a 50-minute drive from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Sotetsu Fresa Inn SendaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai in Sendai offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.Dining and Facilities
Guests can enjoy a restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and a variety of dishes. The hotel provides free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a hot tub and interconnected rooms.Prime Location
Located 15 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Sendai City Community Support Center and Sendai Station. Nearby attractions include Sakuraoka Daijingu and Sendai International Centre. Guests appreciate the convenient public transport options and the breakfast provided by the property.
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