Top Activities to Experience in Sendai:
Sendai: Exploring the Heart of Tohoku
Welcome to Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan. If you've yet to explore this part of Japan, you're missing out on a hidden gem. Not only is Sendai a great base for your Tohoku adventure, but it's packed with fascinating places to visit and intriguing local specialties.
What's So Special About Sendai?
Located just 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Sendai is easily accessible and offers a rich blend of historical and modern charms. Known as the City of Trees, its streets are lined with towering green trees that transform into a golden spectacle in autumn and illuminate the city during winter.
A Brief History
Sendai was established in 1600 by Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords during the Edo period. Masamune was an impressive figure, nicknamed the One-Eyed Dragon due to a childhood illness that left him with only one eye. You can admire his famous black armor in the city museum, said to be the inspiration for Darth Vader's armor in Star Wars!
Despite being close to the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake, Sendai recovered remarkably well. The city center was spared significant damage, but you'll still notice traces of the disaster in the coastal areas.
Getting Around Sendai
The Loople sightseeing bus offers a convenient hop-on, hop-off service with multilingual announcements to help you explore the city's top spots. Start your journey at Sendai Station West Exit Bus Terminal #16. A one-day pass will cost you ¥630.
Top Attractions in Sendai
- Aoba Castle RuinsStroll through the castle grounds that once housed Date Masamune's fortress. Check out the Gokoku Shrine, a military shrine, and don't miss the famous statue of Masamune on his horse overlooking the city.
Access: Take the Loople sightseeing bus to Site of Sendai Castle (approx. 20 min).
- Tanabata FestivalEach year, Sendai celebrates Tanabata, an ancient Japanese tradition based on a star-crossed lovers' legend. Wish for good fortune as you tie your dreams to bamboo trees throughout the city.
Access: A 5-minute walk from Sendai Station.
- Pageant of StarlightDuring winter, Jozenji-dori and Aoba-dori streets are illuminated with over 600,000 lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy strolling the streets, eating delicious food, listening to concerts, or even ice-skating.
Access: From Sendai Station, take the Namboku Subway Line to Kotodai Station (3 min).
- ZuihodenThis mausoleum holds the grave of Date Masamune and features beautiful wood carvings and vivid colors. Surrounding cedar trees represent the long history of the Date clan, while the museum next to the mausoleum showcases personal artifacts of the Date family.
Admission: ¥570 (¥460 for Loople day pass holders)
Access: Take the Loople Sendai bus to bus stop #4 (approx. 15 min).
More Things to Do in Sendai
- Visit Matsushima, one of Japan's most scenic coastal areas, dotted with countless tiny islands covered in pine trees.
- Try Sendai's famous local specialties, such as Gyutan-yaki (grilled beef tongue) and Zunda-mochi (a sweet rice cake filled with edamame paste).
- Take a tour to discover other exciting destinations in the Tohoku region, like the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, or join a Whiskey distillery, Sake brewery, or Winery tour.
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- In Sendai, a captivating city in the Tohoku region of Japan, you can immerse yourself in the intriguing local history and modern charm, which serves as a perfect base for your Tohoku adventure.
- Sendai's streets are lined with towering trees, offering a golden spectacle during autumn and illuminating the city during winter, earning it the nickname, City of Trees.
- Explore the rich history of Sendai by visiting Aoba Castle Ruins, home to the fortress of Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords during the Edo period, also known as the One-Eyed Dragon.
- Bask in the enchanting atmosphere of the Pageant of Starlight during winter, where Jozenji-dori and Aoba-dori streets are illuminated with over 600,000 lights and offer various experiences, such as concerts and ice-skating.
- Take part in the Tanabata Festival, an ancient Japanese tradition based on a star-crossed lovers' legend, and tie your dreams to bamboo trees throughout the city.
- Visit Zuihoden, a mausoleum housing the grave of Date Masamune, featuring stunning wood carvings and vibrant colors, and admire the surrounding cedar trees symbolizing the long history of the Date clan.
- Enjoy local food specialties like Gyutan-yaki (grilled beef tongue) and Zunda-mochi (a sweet rice cake filled with edamame paste) or embark on tours to discover other destinations in the Tohoku region, such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant or join a Whiskey distillery, Sake brewery, or Winery tour.
- For travel tips and information on seasonal events in Sendai and other destinations, subscribe to our newsletter at happytripjapan.com.
