The seat of the 620,000-koku Sendai domain, built by Date Masamune on the cliffs of Aobayama in 1601 and also known as Aoba Castle. Masamune is said to have deliberately omitted a main keep to avoid provoking the Tokugawa shogunate, yet the massive stone walls and grand layout proclaimed his power unmistakably. The former main citadel now hosts the equestrian statue of Masamune and commands sweepi…

Construction of Sendai Castle began in 1601 when Date Masamune chose the natural stronghold of the steep cliffs of Aobayama, and the castle was largely completed in 1602. Despite commanding a domain of 620,000 koku, Masamune is said to have deliberately omitted a main tower keep, reportedly to avoid…