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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Hotel GrandBach SendaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel GrandBach Sendai in Sendai offers 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.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is near public transport options. Guests appreciate 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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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.Comfortable Amenities
Rooms feature air-conditioning, shared bathrooms, tatami floors, and wardrobes. Additional amenities include a lounge, dining area, and a host who provides excellent service support.Accessible Location
Located 20 km from Sendai Airport, the guest house is highly rated for its attentive staff and excellent service support. -
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Hotel Keihan SendaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Keihan Sendai in Sendai offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, baths, and free toiletries. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and wardrobe, ensuring a pleasant stay.Dining and Amenities
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel features a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is near public transport options. Guests appreciate the room size and comfort, making it a highly rated choice. -
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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, buffet breakfast, and modern restaurant serving Japanese cuisine.Convenient Location
Located in Sendai, the hotel is 16 km from Sendai Airport. Nearby attractions include Sendai Castle and Sendai Station.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its breakfast, room comfort, and cleanliness. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIERView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER in Sendai offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, shower, slippers, TV, and electric kettle.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, coffee shop, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a work desk and sofa.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast featuring local specialities is served daily. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, including a coffee shop and on-site restaurants.Prime Location
Located 15 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location and excellent public transport options. Guests appreciate the bathroom comfort and excellent service. -
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Sendai Royal Park HotelSurrounded by lush gardens, Sendai Royal Park Hotel is a resort hotel that offers elegant accommodation with European d?cor and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy rejuvenating beauty treatments at the hotel’s beauty salon. Free pick-up shuttles are available from Sendai station. The hotel is located a 15-minute drive from Izumi Chuo Station, and a 30-minute drive from JR Sendai Station. The Sendai Izumi Premium Outlet shopping mall is just a 1-minute walk, and Izumi Park Town Golf Club can be reached within a 5-minute drive. Sendai Airport is a 40-minute drive. Guests can enjoy shopping at Izumi Park Town Tapio, located a 3-minute walk away. Each room at Sendai Royal Park Hotel features warm colours and large windows, and comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a fridge. An electric kettle and tea bags are also provided. Some rooms feature a balcony and views of the garden. Activities at Sendai Royal Park Hotel include yoga in the garden and cycling. Guests can borrow bicycles to explore the local area, or relax with massages in the guest room. The 24-hour front desk can handle luggage storage and currency exchange. Guests can have breakfast on the garden terrace or enjoy a picnic breakfast in the garden. Teppanyaki restaurant Nanatsumori offers Sendai wagyu steak, while Chinese restaurant Keikaen offers Cantonese dishes with fresh ingredients. The on-site restaurants features views of the garden, which is lit up at night.View on Booking.com -
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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 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and essential amenities such as a work desk, TV, and electric kettle.Dining and Services
Guests can enjoy a restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and a variety of dishes. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage, ensuring a pleasant stay.Convenient Location
Located 15 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is situated in Aoba-ku, offering easy access to local attractions. -
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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, bidets, and free toiletries. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.Dining and Amenities
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 15 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel is near public transport options. Guests appreciate the convenient location and the breakfast provided by the property.
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