Sendai Castle Honmaru Ruins

The climb itself from the Sendai City museum (Haikyuu picture spot here) to the top of the castle ruins is somewhat challenging, but if you take your time, it'll be fine. Hydration is key, so even if you don't have enough water or electrolytes with you, there are vending machines at the top. Once you reach the top, you climb a set of stairs to go through torii (temple gates) and here you'll eventually find the famous statue of Date Muramasa and beyond that, a shrine, souvenir shop and a few places to eat. The sendai specials at beef tongue (gyutan) and edamame shakes (zunda shake).

A great spot to view Sendai from top. Even you can see the big statue from here. Lots of people since I went there during the golden week but no need to worry cause it is a big place. I took the designated shuttle bus from Sendai city museum after taking the Loop Bus.

Beautiful, worth a visit. Do be aware that if you’re going by foot it’s quite an uphill hike. Don’t expect much from the ruins, there’s really not that much left, the view alone is worth it though.

Sendai Castle Honmaru Ruins is located on top of Aobayama Park, overlooking the city of Sendai. The castle was constructed by Date Masamune in 1600s as the base of the Sendai domain. While some structures within the castle area were eventually demolished, visitors can still appreciate the significance of this site through its remaining features. Nowadays, the castle ruin has been preserved as part of Aobayama Park, which includes the famous statue of Masamune on horseback. This location is not only a historical site but also provide visitors with a stunning view. They can enjoy the sweeping panorama of Sendai City, Sendai Bay and other famous Sendai attraction such as the Sendai Dai Kannon. Highly recommended to give it a visit no matter you are interested in history or simply want to take in the scenic beauty.

Arriving to Sendai should go as follows: get a zunda shake from Zunda Saryo, go to the Loople Sendai bus with 210 yen, take the bus to the castle ruins and admire the view. I swear just standing atop this mountain and looking out makes me feel so at peace. I think it’s a great sunset spot, and it’s free. You may have to pay for the entry to the shrine, but the view is free. You can also see the Daikannon statue in the distance, which when it was first constructed was the tallest statue in the entire world. I believe at current it sits at number 6.