Sendai (仙台) is the largest city in the Tohoku Region and the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. It is also one of my favourite cities in Japan, with its wealth of regional cuisines, plentiful greenery, and great access from other parts of the country.
Sendai is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the region either for the first time or as a repeat traveller. With iconic regional cuisines and dishes, including gyu-tan (beef tongue) and zundamochi (mochi with young green soybeans), as well as larger-than-life festivals such as the Sendai Tanabata Festival, and nearby tourist attractions like the world-famous Matsushima Bay, it has been gaining popularity among visitors to Japan.
But there is one aspect of Sendai that has flown under the radar of many visitors, and surprisingly, it is just a short walk away from Sendai Station (仙台駅), the gateway station to the city. They are called yokochō (横丁), otherwise known as alleyways where people mingle and relax over drinks, tucked away from the bustling city life.
Sendai’s alleyways remain a hidden gem among visitors, but if you want to find out more about them, then read on!
Explore Sendai’s alleyways after sundown
Lined with izakayas (居酒屋 Japanese bars) and stalls selling finger foods, alleyways are meant for those looking for great places to gather and enjoy a good time over cheap drinks late at night. More than just watering holes, they serve as havens for those looking to wind down and simply have a good time.
The alleyways of Sendai are located right at the heart of the city, and visitors can get there on foot from Sendai Station. The two alleyways of Sendai are named Bunka Yokochō (文化横丁) and Iroha Yokochō (いろは横丁), and the izakayas and stalls there will come to life once night falls.
Travel back in time
The magic happens when visitors step into any of the many izakayas along the narrow alleyways. Many of them have decors that harken back to the Showa Era, and visitors will feel as though they have travelled back in time to the olden days. With more than 100 shops altogether, visitors will be spoilt for choice!
Of course, after stepping inside any of the many shops along the alleyways, visitors will be greeted with a wide range of delicious delicacies prepared right before their eyes, from sizzling food skewers (焼き鳥 yakitori) to hearty ramen and oden that will warm up your body and soul. Enjoying these delicacies in a quaint, cosy setting is a nostalgic experience you can’t experience anywhere else!
And of course, the dining experience wouldn’t be complete without drinks! Visitors can choose from all the different types of beverages available, from local sakes to all-time favourite beers. It’s the perfect way to end a night of amazing conversations and unforgettable memories.
Alleyways are part of Japan’s culture, and visitors seeking more authentic experiences ought to check out the ones in Sendai. It makes for a memorable experience that I personally think all visitors should have and enjoy while exploring the city.
See you in Sendai!
Interested in exploring Sendai’s alleyways? Then you’re in the right place, as JAPAN RAIL CLUB has the right tour just for that! Together with an English-speaking guide, you will go on a walking tour to explore Sendai’s alleyways departing from Sendai Station, where the guide will regale you with stories of the city’s historical streets. The tour includes visiting two izakayas, each with a special set menu featuring a drink and a dish.
Click here and follow the steps to find out more, and this tour is best enjoyed with a friend or two. See you at Sendai soon!
Header image credit: ©Linktivity
