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Zuihō-den Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Date Masamune sits majestically atop the summit of a tree-covered hill by the Hirose-gawa. Built in 1637 but destroyed by Allied bombing…
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Sendai
The capital of Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai (仙台) is a lively regional city and the pick of Tōhoku's urban centers. The city's wide, tree-lined streets fill up in summer for spectacular Tanabata Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals. At other times the nightlife district is impressive for a relatively small city, and domestic visitors enjoy making this familiar entry into Tōhoku life en route to the wilder climes further north. Sendai is also a popular base for visits to the southern section of Sanriku Kaigan, as well as to Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen in nearby Yamagata Prefecture.
The samurai benefactor Date Masamune is synonymous with Sendai, and his lasting legacy is a ruined castle set in pleasant gardens.
Explore Sendai
- ZZuihō-den Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Date Masamune sits majestically atop the summit of a tree-covered hill by the Hirose-gawa. Built in 1637 but destroyed by Allied bombing…
- SSendai Castle Ruins
Built on Aoba-yama in 1602 by Date Masamune and destroyed during Allied bombing, Sendai-jō still looms large over the city. Giant moss-covered walls, as…
- SSendai Mediatheque
Housed in an award-winning structure designed by Japanese architect Itō Toyō, this cultural hub includes a library, art galleries and event spaces. Check…
- SSendai City Museum
The city museum offers a comprehensive account of samurai Masamune's epic life, as well as displaying more than 13,000 artefacts on loan from the Date…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sendai.
See
Zuihō-den Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Date Masamune sits majestically atop the summit of a tree-covered hill by the Hirose-gawa. Built in 1637 but destroyed by Allied bombing…
See
Sendai Castle Ruins
Built on Aoba-yama in 1602 by Date Masamune and destroyed during Allied bombing, Sendai-jō still looms large over the city. Giant moss-covered walls, as…
See
Sendai Mediatheque
Housed in an award-winning structure designed by Japanese architect Itō Toyō, this cultural hub includes a library, art galleries and event spaces. Check…
See
Sendai City Museum
The city museum offers a comprehensive account of samurai Masamune's epic life, as well as displaying more than 13,000 artefacts on loan from the Date…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Sendai
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.