![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/15C43D71-A49E-4F8A-BC5A-3BFE08CD9782/D9K4BD.jpg)
Omikuji hang on a cherry blossom tree branch at Sendai Castle, Japan
Aoba Castle (青葉城), also known as Sendai Castle (仙台城), was the castle of the Date family. Built by Date Masamune atop Mount Aoba, it commanded a highly defensible strategic position overlooking the city of Sendai. The castle site also contains a Gokoku Shrine (護国神社), as well as a large equestrian statue of Date Masamune. The shrine is a prefectural branch of the Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine, honouring Japan's militaristic past. Come spring, the castle ground is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. Many Japanese and tourists visit the shrine and would ask for their fortune by drawing a Omikuji. When the divination is bad, they will tie the slip to a tree or pole at the shrine, hoping to advert the bad luck.
Size: 4000px × 2672px
Location: Sendai-shi, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Photo credit: © Moonie's World Photography / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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