Sendai Tōshō-gū, Shinto shrine in Aoba-ku, Japan
Sendai Tōshō-gū is a Shinto shrine in Aoba-ku featuring five buildings displaying traditional East Asian hip-and-gable roof architecture. The structures date to 1654 and include a main hall, gates, and decorative walls that preserve classical building methods.
The shrine was founded in 1649 under the orders of Date Tadamune, the second daimyo of Sendai Domain. This establishment was both a tribute to Tokugawa Ieyasu's legacy and a strategic gesture recognizing the new power structure in 17th-century Japan.
The shrine serves as a memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu and draws visitors interested in understanding this place's spiritual importance to the city. Annual festivals bring people together to honor the connection between this location and the local community.
The shrine is accessible year-round and located near JR Sendai Station, making a visit convenient. The grounds are well-marked and easily reached on foot, making it ideal for a half-day stop combined with nearby attractions.
The Katakura family has overseen the shrine for generations, with its members continuing to serve as chief priests. This continuity of management by a single family is uncommon and reflects deep trust in the care of this important site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.