What this area is like
The tree-lined avenues of Jozenji-dori, the Zuihoden mausoleum of the Date lords and the Aoba Castle site overlook the city. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is held in early August.
The Loople Sendai sightseeing bus circles the main sights from Sendai Station.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Zuihoden
The richly coloured mausoleum of Date Masamune, the one-eyed lord who founded Sendai, in a cedar forest.
- Access
- Loople Sendai loop bus from Sendai Station to Zuihoden-mae, then about 7 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- 9:00–16:50 (last entry 16:30); December–January 9:00–16:20. Closed 31 December.
- Fee
- Adults ¥570; high school ¥410; elementary and junior high ¥210.
- Address
- 23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba Ward, Sendai
The approach is a steep stone staircase through the cedars; allow 45 minutes.
Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle)
A hilltop castle site with stone walls, the famous equestrian statue of Date Masamune and a view over the city.
- Access
- Loople Sendai loop bus from Sendai Station to Sendai Castle Ruins.
- Hours
- Grounds open at all times. Exhibition hall 9:00–17:00 (to 16:00 November–March).
- Fee
- Grounds free. Exhibition hall adults ¥770.
- Address
- Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai
No castle buildings survive; come for the statue and the view, best on a clear day.
How to plan your time here
- Ride the Loople loop bus: Zuihoden in the morning, the castle ruins at midday, then back to the centre for gyutan (grilled beef tongue) for dinner.
- Sendai is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen and about 25–40 minutes from Matsushima by JR.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.