The founder of the city of Sendai was Masamune Date (1567-1636), one of the samurai who competed to be the shogun of all Japan. Masamune, an enterprising samurai, sent a diplomatic mission to Spain and the Holy See in Rome, headed by Hasekura Tsunenaga, in order to establish trade with Spain. Although he could not achieve his dreams, he founded the base of the Date manor, the most powerful in the northeastern region ( Tohoku ) of Japan.
All tourist places in Sendai are cultural and historical heritages that come from the Date lineage . So the history of the Date lineage, especially Masamune Date, serves as a link to better understand the city of Sendai.
We will take a tour of famous places related to Masamune. Zuihoden, the mausoleum where Masamune is buried , is hidden in a cypress jungle shrine.
Aoba-jo , the former Masamune residential area, is the best place to get a panoramic view of the city.