Sendai City (Japanese: 仙台市, Sendai-shi) is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, located in the central region of the prefecture. It is the largest city in the Tōhoku region and the only designated city by government ordinance in the area. Facing the Pacific Ocean’s Sendai Bay to the east, it is bordered by the Matsushima Hills to the north, the Ōu Mountains to the west, and the Natori River to the south. The city stretches east to west across Miyagi Prefecture.
The name "Sendai" is believed to originate from the ancient "Aoba Castle" (Chiyo Castle), which was expanded in 1600 by the renowned warlord Date Masamune during the Azuchi–Momoyama period. He renamed it “Sendai” (仙臺), inspired by the Tang Dynasty poet Han Hong's poem “At the Xianyou Temple”. Due to its high greenery coverage, the city is also known as the “City of Trees” (杜の都, Mori no Miyako).
Date Masamune built the original castle here, laying the foundation for modern Sendai. From 1600, he oversaw large-scale construction and urban planning. In fact, Spanish envoys at the time described the bustling nature of the city as more vibrant than Edo (Tokyo).
Sendai’s streets are known for their functional and forward-thinking design, heavily influenced by Masamune’s vision. From the Sendai Castle ruins, one can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape and the Hirose River.
Keichō Embassy to Europe
In 1613, to promote overseas trade, Date Masamune invited missionaries and appointed Hasekura Tsunenaga as envoy. They boarded the western-style ship San Juan Bautista, built by the Sendai Domain, and sailed across the Pacific. The delegation arrived in Acapulco, Mexico, then crossed the Atlantic to Madrid, Spain, and finally reached Rome, Italy, where they met Pope Paul V. This became the first transatlantic voyage by Japanese envoys, lasting seven years in total.
Modern Development
Sendai was established as a city in 1889, initially covering an area of 17.45 km² with about 86,000 residents. After continuous expansion, its population surpassed 1 million in 1989, and it was promoted to a government ordinance city, the 11th in Japan.
Lu Xun, a renowned Chinese writer, studied in Sendai, making the city known in China as well.
Tourist Attractions
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Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle)
Built by Date Masamune atop a 115-meter hill. While the original turrets and gates no longer remain, the stone walls and reconstructed corner turret offer a glimpse into its former glory. Excavations revealed the castle’s stone walls were rebuilt three times. Restoration work has been completed, and further development as a historical symbol is underway. -
Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine
A major shrine within the Sendai Domain, built in 1607. Its main hall features striking black lacquer and golden metal decorations. It is designated a National Treasure. The Donto-sai fire festival is held annually on January 14, where New Year decorations are burned to pray for a safe and healthy year. -
Sendai City Museum
This museum focuses on the history and culture of the Date clan, housing approximately 75,000 items, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Around 1,200 exhibits are on permanent display, offering an in-depth look at Sendai’s historical development.
