As one of largest domains in Japan, the DATE HAN was an exception to the "IKKOKU ICHIJO REI" law which limited each domain to one castle. In addition to SENDAI CASTLE, it held WAKUYA CASTLE as a fortress up to the MEIJI ERA. Overlooking the site of the former castle stands a museum which resembles a castle tower. There are seven varieties of cherry trees growing here, including the "SOMEI YOSHINO," the most common variety growing here, "YAMAZAKURA" and "SHIDAREZAKURA." There is a row of cherry trees along the banks of the river and after dark, the area is lit up so visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at night.

In 1923, KAIJIRO TAKAYAMA, native of OGAWARA TOWN, donated over 1000 cherry trees to be planted along the banks of the SHIROISHI RIVER. Since then, the view of the "HITOME SENBON ZAKURA" (1000 cherry trees at a glance) along the SHIROISHI RIVER has become famous throughout Japan and has been listed as one of the 100 most beautiful spots for cherry-blossom viewing in Japan. At night, the trees are lit up and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the cherry trees after dark.

The 4th generation leader of the SENDAI HAN, LORD TSUNAMURA DATE, ordered over 1000 cherry trees from Kyoto and planted them in the area and this is said to be the origin for these trees. At present, this park is famous for its variety of cherry trees, including the SHIDAREZAKURA (weeping cherry), SOMEI YOSHINO, YAEZAKURA (double blossomed cherry), and HIGAN ZAKURA. In the center of the park is an open space where visitors can sit, relax and enjoy the changing of the seasons. At night, the area is lighted.

When we think of spring fruits, strawberries come to mind first. The nationally-renowned "SENDAI ICHIGO" (strawberries) are grown in WATARI TOWN in southern MIYAGI PREFECTURE. WATARI is famous as the home of 　"HARAKOMESHI," a dish made with salmon roe and salmon. What is less well-known is the fact that WATARI is also Tohoku’s top producer of strawberries and during strawberry season, the area around YAMAMOTO TOWN is covered with fields of strawberries and visitors come to experience strawberry picking.