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 UMEBACHILocated just 4.5 km from Sendai City Community Support Center, Sendai Guest House UMEBACHI provides accommodation in Sendai with access to a terrace, a shared lounge, as well as luggage storage space. With a garden, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. Shiogama Shrine is 13 km from Sendai Guest House UMEBACHI, while Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi is 3.1 km away. Sendai Airport is 20 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel GrandBach SendaiSet in Sendai, 17 km from Shiogama Shrine, Hotel GrandBach Sendai features views of the city. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.7 km from Sendai City Community Support Center. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At Hotel GrandBach Sendai each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Speaking both English and Japanese, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay. Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi is 1.8 km from the accommodation, while Sendai Station is 700 metres away. Sendai Airport is 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot SpringConveniently situated in the Aoba Ward district of Sendai, Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot Spring is located 300 metres from Sendai City Community Support Center, 18 km from Shiogama Shrine and 800 metres from Sendai Station. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The accommodation provides a sauna, spa centre, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel. Sakuraoka Daijingu is 1.5 km from Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot Spring, while Sendai International Centre is 2.1 km away. Sendai Airport is 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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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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Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIERIdeally set in the Aoba Ward district of Sendai, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER is situated less than 1 km from Sendai City Community Support Center, 18 km from Shiogama Shrine and 400 metres from Sendai Station. With a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage for guests. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All rooms in Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Sakuraoka Daijingu is 1.7 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER, while Sendai International Centre is 2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sendai Airport, 15 km from the hotel.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 SendaiWell set in the Aoba Ward district of Sendai, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai is situated 18 km from Shiogama Shrine, 700 metres from Sendai Station and 1.6 km from Sakuraoka Daijingu. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 800 metres from Sendai City Community Support Center. At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Sendai International Centre is 2 km from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai, while Sendai City Museum is 2.2 km away. Sendai Airport is 15 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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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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Hotel Keihan SendaiSet in Sendai, 500 metres from Sendai City Community Support Center, Hotel Keihan Sendai offers air-conditioned accommodation and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 18 km from Shiogama Shrine. At the hotel, every room includes a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Hotel Keihan Sendai all rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Keihan Sendai include Sendai Station, Sakuraoka Daijingu and Sendai International Centre. Sendai Airport is 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Almont Hotel SendaiOpen from August 2017, Almont Hotel Sendai is nestled just a 5-minute stroll away from JR Sendai Station. The hotel features free WiFi, a restaurant and private parking is offered on site. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. All rooms include a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Sakunami Hot Spring is 24 km from Almont Hotel Sendai, while Sakuraoka Daijingu is 1.3 km away. The nearest airport is Sendai Airport, 14 km from Almont Hotel Sendai.View on Booking.com
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