Shiroishi Castle

Shiroishi Castle served as the southern strategic stronghold of the Sendai Domain. After the Battle of Sekigahara, it became the seat of the Katakura clan, prominent retainers of the Date family, for over 260 years until the Meiji Restoration. The castle was dismantled in 1874, but the tenshu (main keep) and the Ōte Ichinomon and Ōte Ninomon (main gates) were reconstructed in 1995 to honor the legacy of Katakura Kojūrō Kagetsuna, famed as Date Masamune’s right-hand man.
From the third-floor observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the castle town below, along with the Zao Mountain Range and the area's beautiful seasonal scenery. Inside, armor displays evoke a vivid Sengoku-period atmosphere, while explanations of the defensive mechanisms and traditional Japanese construction techniques offer fascinating insights—making the castle a must-see for history fans and casual visitors alike.