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The former residence of Bansui Doi, a famous poet and scholar of English Literature in Japan, but generally unknown to non-Japanese. Best known for writing the lyrics to "Kōjō no Tsuki" (荒城の月, "The Moon over the Ruined Castle").
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せんだいメディアテーク
This building was designed by Toyo Ito and is an important piece of contemporary architecture. Take a look at the outstanding structure while enjoying the design shop on the ground level. On the 5th and 6th floor there are free art galleries and studio spaces with temporary exhibitions, as well as photos of the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.
This office tower has an observation deck on the 29th and 30th floors, which is open and free to the public.
瑞鳳殿
Mausoleum of Date Maasamune, first lord of Sendai Domain. Zuihoden was designed in the ornate style of the Momoyama Period. The original complex was destroyed during World War II, but has been rebuilt and is in a dense forest (which survived the war; many of the trees are over 300 years old). It features intricate woodwork and a rich variety of vivid colors. Massive cedar trees surround the paths in the area, and are meant to symbolize the long history of the Date clan. A museum beside the Zuihoden main building shows some of the personal artifacts of the Date family, and even some specimens of their bones and hair.
仙台市博物館
Houses a range of items relating to the city's history. Note that it is closed for renovations until approximately April 2024.
宮城県美術館
A reasonable collection of modern art. Special room for Juryo Sato, a local (but nationally famous) sculptor. Beautiful garden and a nice view of the river. The museum has been closed for renovations since June 2023.
仙台城跡
Often recommended by locals, though there isn't much to see beyond the old castle walls and a nice view over the modern city. There's a replica of a gate and a statue of the founder of the city, Date Masumune. However, the ruins of Sendai Castle is the theme of a famous poem written by Doi Bansui called "Kojo no Tsuki" ('The Moon over the desolate castle'). In the poem, the author touchingly invites us to reflect on the impermanence of all life, which is represented by the ruins of the once great castle caught in the light of the full moon. The poem has been put to music and is famous throughout Japan. There is a food court and a small museum on-site.