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Sunset

Moonlight over the Ruins

Follow the rhythm of Doi Bansui’s famous poem, 'The Moon over the desolate castle,' by timing your visit to catch the last light on the ancient walls.

Best time: 15 JanuaryAbout 70 min

Timeline

  1. 15:54

    cafe mozart theo

    Grab a late afternoon treat at cafe mozart theo. The sweet shop atmosphere is perfect for settling in before the evening chill sets in.

  2. 16:14

    Sendai (Aoba) Castle Ruins

    Walk up to Sendai (Aoba) Castle Ruins. Arrive with enough time to find a quiet spot among the old walls and the statue of Date Masumune.

  3. 16:39

    Sendai (Aoba) Castle Ruins

    Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light fades from the castle ruins, echoing the desolate beauty described in 'Kojo no Tsuki'.

  4. 17:09

    Tohoku University Botanical Gardens

    Stroll down to Tohoku University Botanical Gardens. The 9-minute walk gives you time to reflect on the poem as the sky darkens over the 800+ species of plants.

Local tip

The walk from the castle to the botanical gardens is a gentle downhill slope. Check the route if you prefer a specific path through the neighborhood.

Check before you go

  • cafe mozart theo is open Tu-Su 09:00-16:45. Since sunset is at 16:39 on 15 January, you must arrive before 16:45 to get a snack inside. If you are visiting on a Monday, this place is closed, so skip to the castle directly.

Worth knowing

  • cafe mozart theo is open at 15:54 only on Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Sendai (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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