Sendai is the gateway to the Tohoku region. The city is only about 90 minutes away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and boasts easy access to the other prefectures in Tohoku via Shinkansen, bus or train within 1 to 2 hours. Known nationwide as a modern city in harmony with nature, Sendai is affectionately called the City of Trees for its beautiful scenery, including the Hirose River, which flows through the centre of the city and its lush zelkova tree-lined streets. Even if you are in the city centre, you can take in the natural scenery while shopping, taking a stroll, or enjoying a variety of delicious food.
Sendai flourished as a castle town starting from the construction of Sendai Castle by the Sengoku period samurai Date Masamune (伊達政宗) about 400 years ago. Today, historical sites associated with Date Masamune are famous tourist attractions, such as the Site of Sendai Castle, the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (大崎八幡宮), which was built by the foremost artisans of the time, and the Zuihoden Mausoleum, which enshrines three generations of the Date family.
These tourist spots are easily accessible using the sightseeing bus Loople Sendai and the city subway. Taking advantage of the Loople Sendai & Subway One-Day Pass, make the most of Sendai, a modern city alive with tradition and nature!
Jōzenji-dōri Avenue
Jōzenji-dōri Avenue (定禅寺通) is a tree-lined avenue that runs through the centre of Sendai from east to west. The avenue delights passers-by with its seasonal scenery: lush greens in spring and summer, hues of yellow in autumn, and snow-covered scenes in winter. Shops and restaurants line the street, and the sidewalks bustle with people on their way home from work and on weekends. The central promenade, about 700 meters long, features benches, flower beds, and sculptures. Many popular events are held along the avenue throughout the year: In September, the Jozenji Streetjazz Festival which attracts musicians performing on the sidewalks; in October, a parade of dancers, the highlight of the Michinoku Yosakoi Festival; in December, the Pageant of Starlight, which illuminates the snow-covered street with sparkling lights.
Access: Near the Loople Sendai “⑬ Jozenji-dori Ave. / Sendai City Hall” (定禅寺通市役所前) bus stop.
Zuihoden Mausoleum
As the light streams through the ancient cedar trees, climb the steps on the quiet hillside to find Zuihoden, the final resting place of Date Masamune. The extensive Zuihoden complex includes many burial sites of the Date family. The ornate mausoleums are adorned with magnificent carvings in honour of Date Masamune (1567–1636) and his successors, Tadamune (1599–1658) and Tsunamune (1640–1711). The premises feature several memorials and a museum displaying burial goods such as excavated swords and helmets.
Access: Near the Loople Sendai “④ Zuihoden Mausoleum” (瑞鳳殿前) bus stop.
Site of Sendai Castle
Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle, (青葉城), was built by Date Masamune. The stone walls have been meticulously restored, and a statue of Masamune on horseback overlooks the city.
The castle site is now called Aobayama Park, and the site of the main keep offers panoramic views of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean. The stone walls and the equestrian statue of Date Masamune are illuminated from sunset to 11pm, and visitors can enjoy the nightscape of Sendai, a city which over one million people call home.
Access: Near Loople Sendai “⑥ Site of Sendai Castle” (仙台城跡) bus stop.
Sendai Asaichi (Morning Market)
The Sendai Asaichi (Morning Market) is a shopping street located a five-minute walk from Sendai Station, where you can find a wide variety of fresh local produce from Miyagi Prefecture. In addition to affordable fresh food stores, the street is home to many destinations for foodies, where visitors can enjoy a range of dining and shopping experiences. In the winter months, specialties such as a flatfish called nametagarei (なめたがれい), oysters, and Sendai-seri (仙台せり) are in season! The fresh seafood bowls you can find here are also not to be missed.
Enjoy the very best of Sendai food at the Sendai Asaichi, surrounded by the lively atmosphere and energetic calls of vendors!
Access: In front of the Sendai Station (仙台駅).
JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama
JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama is a hands-on tourist orchard where visitors can enjoy picking seasonal fruits throughout the year, such as carefully cultivated strawberries, grapes, and apples. The orchard boasts an impressive selection of 150 varieties of 8 types of fruit! One of the fruit park’s popular activities is the 30-minute-long all-you-can-eat strawberry picking activity featuring sweet and delicious varieties of Miyagi Prefecture strawberries.
In addition to fruit-picking activities, there is also a farmers’ market selling agricultural products such as rice and vegetables produced by nearby agricultural businesses as well as fruits from the Fruit Park. There is also a café and restaurant produced by a chef from one of the premier hotels in the city, the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai, where visitors can enjoy dishes cooked using a wide range of local ingredients.
Access: 20-minute bus ride from Arai Station on the Sendai Subway Tōzai Line.
Bunka Yokocho & Iroha Yokocho
Just a step off the bustling Sunmall Ichibancho arcade in Sendai, are two famous alleys, Bunka Yokocho and Iroha Yokocho, which retain the charm of olden times. These alleys are some of Sendai’s most iconic tourist spots, and are beloved by people of all ages. These areas brim with nostalgia, and exploring them feels like you have discovered a hidden gem. Over 150 bars and restaurants line the two alleys, providing various tastes and enjoyment for visitors. Neon lights and lanterns reminiscent of the good old days of Japan will make you feel like you have travelled back in time.
These two major Sendai alleys, Bunka and Iroha Yokocho, are loved by locals and tourists alike for their unique atmosphere and delicious eateries. Come here to enjoy a fun night, and savour the nostalgic ambience and classic elegance of old Japan that lives on in these areas.
Access: Two-minute walk from the Sendai Subway Tozai Line “Aoba-dori Ichibancho” station
Make the Most of Sendai with the Unlock SENDAI Campaign!
The City of Sendai is now running a campaign for visitors with a JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area). Users of the pass will receive one Loople Sendai & Subway One-Day Pass to use on the city’s transportation services and ¥2,000 worth of Experience Sendai Activities Vouchers that can be used for activities such as experience programs in Miyagi Prefecture. Take the chance to come to Sendai and enjoy the city to the fullest!
Campaign Name: Unlock SENDAI
Period: 25 April 2024 (Thursday) – 31 December 31 2024 (Tuesday)
Distribution counter for the campaign: JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ekitabi Concierge, 2nd Floor, JR Sendai Station)
Eligible Persons: International visitors with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
Special Offer:
- One Loople Sendai & Subway One-Day Pass
- ¥2,000 worth of Experience Sendai Activities Vouchers (two ¥1,000-vouchers)
- Vouchers are limited stock. Distribution of vouchers ends when the stock runs out.
- A single One-Day Pass and ¥2,000 worth of Experience Sendai Activities Vouchers will be distributed per individual display of a JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area Pass).
- For details including businesses that accept the Experience Sendai Activities Vouchers, please visit Unlock SENDAI.
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains and Joyful Trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It is only ¥30,000 with 5 consecutive days of unlimited use, making it a great companion for your railway trip. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to 1 month in advance for free on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use this pass.
Header image credit: ©City of Sendai
