Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, is a lush green tourist destination, with Aobayama Park, home to a mounted statue of Date Masamune, and Aoba-dori Avenue, which symbolizes the City of Trees. If you venture to the suburbs, you can enjoy the hot springs of Akiu Onsen and Sakunami Onsen, which are nestled in the mountains. The area is also close to areas along the Pacific Ocean such as Matsushima, Shiogama, and Kesennuma, where you can enjoy fresh seafood such as oysters.
Enjoying Sightseeing in Sendai
Sendai City, a major city in the Tohoku region, is home to Aobayama Park, where a mounted statue of the hero "Date Masamune" stands, as well as Aoba-dori Avenue and Jozenji-dori Avenue, which symbolize Sendai as the City of Trees, and are visited by many people as a sightseeing spot with abundant greenery. There are also many family-friendly spots such as the Uminomori Aquarium and Sendai City Yagiyama Animal Park, as well as a variety of urban sightseeing spots such as night views from skyscrapers, which are recommended for couples.
If you go further out into the suburbs, you will find hot springs such as Akiu Onsen and Sakunami Onsen, and you can also enjoy the beauty of the valleys such as Homenaru 48 Falls, Niguchi Gorge, and Leidakyo Gorge. Sendai is also one of the most popular tourist areas in Tohoku, with events such as the Sendai Tanabata Festival and the Michinoku Yosakoi Festival attracting hundreds of thousands of people.
History of Sendai
Sendai has prospered as a defensive base for the Tohoku region since the Yamato period (710-794), but its development was accelerated by "Date Masamune," a famous general who lived through the turbulent period of the Warring States period. After the Battle of Sekigahara, he changed the name of the area from "Sendai" to "Sendai," and built a castle town of 50,000 people around his residence, Sendai Castle.
Later, through the policies of the successive generations of the Date clan, the castle town of Sendai became one of the leading cities in Japan and developed into the center of the Tohoku economy. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Sendai developed as an academic and military city with the construction of Tohoku Imperial University and the former 4th Regiment Barracks.
Later, the historical buildings built by the Sendai clan were destroyed by fire due to the ravages of war, but Sendai remained the economic center of the Tohoku region, and in 1989 it became the 11th ordinance-designated city in Japan.
Local Gourmet, Food Culture, and Specialties of Sendai
The Sendai area is home to a large number of restaurants, and many famous Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants compete with each other to serve Sendai's signature food, such as beef tongue. Recently, a number of new local delicacies have also been born, such as Sendai Aoba Gyoza, which is made with Sendai's famous snow greens, Sendai Marbo-Yakisoba, which was invented as a makanai (lunch) dish at a Chinese restaurant, and Sendai Burger. Incidentally, it is not widely known that Sendai is the birthplace of chilled chuka (cold Chinese noodles), which are eaten all over the country.
In addition, Sendai's proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its rich fishing grounds makes it possible to enjoy fresh seafood such as oysters, conger eels, ascidians, and hokki-gai (sea squirts) from Matsushima. There are also many restaurants and sushi bars that offer seafood bowls, such as harako-meshi (harako rice topped with salmon roe and salmon roe) and Sendai zuke-don (a bowl of rice topped with Sendai zuke), so you will never get tired of eating all seafood dishes during your stay.
Sasa-kamaboko and Zunda-mochi (rice cakes) are the most popular souvenirs, but recently there is also a wide selection of beef tongue and oyster-processed souvenirs, and all the souvenir stores at Sendai Station are very busy. Before you go out, check the ranking of popular souvenirs so that you do not miss the bullet train because you got carried away with your choice of souvenirs.
Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Okura, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Officially known as Gokurakuzan Saihoji Temple, it belongs to the Jodo school of Buddhism and is dedicated to an image of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). The temple was founded by Kannen...»
Akiu Otaki Falls is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the Tohoku region of Japan. Located along the upper reaches of the Natori River in Akiu Town, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, the waterfall is known for its powerful flow and beautiful natural surroundings. The wat...»
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Hachiman, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine is known for its magnificent architecture, which preserves the lavish artistic style of Japan's Momoyama period (late 16th to early 17th century). The main shrine complex, consi...»
Futakuchi Gorge is a spectacular natural area in the western part of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Located along the upper reaches of the Natori River, the gorge stretches for approximately 8 kilometers and is known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and rich forests. The upper sectio...»
Akiu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Akiu Town, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and the beautiful landscape of the Natori River valley, it has been a beloved destination for relaxation for approximately 1,500 years. One of Akiu Onsen's greatest attractions ...»
Sendai Toshogu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Higashi-Toshogu, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, the shrine was established in 1654 by Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai Domain. Although commonly calle...»
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the Tohoku region, located in Takasago Central Park in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Opened on July 1, 2015, it was created as the successor to the much-loved Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium, which had served visitors in Matsush...»
Yagiyama Zoological Park FUJISAKI no MORI is a large municipal zoo located in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Opened in 1965, it has been loved by local residents and visitors for many years as one of the leading zoos in the Tohoku region. The zoo is situated on elevated ground in Yagiyama...»
Sendai-style grilled beef tongue, known in Japanese as gyūtan-yaki, is one of the most famous local specialties of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Thickly sliced yet surprisingly tender, it has a juicy texture and rich savory flavor that has made it popular with both local residents and visitors fro...»
Yagiyama BennyLand is a popular amusement park located in Yagiyama, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Since opening in 1968, the park has welcomed generations of families, friends, and couples and has become one of the best-known amusement parks in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan. On...»
Daikan Mitsuji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism located in Izumi Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The temple is best known for the enormous Sendai Daikannon statue standing 100 meters above the ground. The official name of the statue is Sendai Tendo Byakue Daikan...»
Mutsu Kokubun-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kinoshita, Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism, one of the major traditions of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. Its formal mountain name is Gokokuzan, and its formal sub-temple na...»
Sendai Castle Ruins are the remains of the historic castle associated with Date Masamune, the founder and first lord of the Sendai Domain. Located on Mount Aoba in Aoba Ward, Sendai, the castle is also affectionately known as Aoba Castle. Today, the former castle grounds are preserved as part of Aob...»
Kongohoszan Rinnoji Temple is a historic temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism located in Kitayama, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Closely associated with the Date clan, the ruling family of the former Sendai Domain, the temple has a long history and is known for its beautiful Japanese ga...»
Homei 48 Waterfalls is a beautiful series of waterfalls located in Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The waterfalls are found along the upper reaches of the Hirose River, near National Route 48, in the scenic valley between Sakunami and Nikkawa. The waterfalls stretch across an area approximate...»
Rairaikyo Gorge is a scenic valley in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, located at the entrance to the famous Akiu Onsen hot spring resort. The gorge stretches for approximately 1 km upstream and downstream from Nozokibashi Bridge, where visitors can enjoy impressive views of the rugged lands...»
A Lavish Mausoleum Preserving the Legacy of Sendai’s Great Founder Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain during the early Edo period. Located in Otamayashita, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, it stands quietly on Mount Kyogamine, across the Hirose River f...»
A Museum Exploring the History, Art, and Culture of Sendai Sendai City Museum is a comprehensive humanities museum located in Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The museum introduces the history and culture of the Tohoku region through a wide-ranging collection of historical documents,...»
Zunda mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet originating in Miyagi Prefecture. It is made by coating freshly prepared mochi rice cakes with a sweet zunda paste made from mashed edamame soybeans, sugar, and a small amount of salt. Its vivid green color and fragrant edamame flavor make zunda mochi ins...»
Sendai Long Eggplant Pickles are a traditional preserved-food specialty associated with Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture. Made from slender, elongated Japanese eggplants, they are typically prepared by pickling the vegetables in salt or soy sauce. The finished pickles have a delicate, refreshing fl...»
A Relaxing Hot Spring Escape in the Mountains of Sendai Sakunami Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located along the Hirose River in the western part of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and flowing water, the area is known as one of Sendai’s traditional retreats for relaxation...»
Kanezaki Sohonten Sasakamakan is an interactive facility in Sendai where visitors can discover the food, culture, and traditions of Miyagi Prefecture through hands-on experiences. Its concept is centered on three ideas: “See things you can only see here, experience things you can only experience her...»
Atago Shrine stands on the summit of 75-meter-high Mount Atago in Mukaiyama, Taihaku Ward, Sendai. Known historically as the guardian shrine of Sendai, it has been an important place of worship for centuries. The shrine is dedicated primarily to Kagutsuchi-no-Kami, the Japanese deity of fire, and i...»
Tanabata Museum is a permanent exhibition facility in Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai, dedicated to the traditional Japanese festival of Tanabata. The museum is located within Kanezaki Sohonten Sasakamakan, a facility operated by Kanezaki Co., Ltd., a company known for producing Miyagi's famous sasa kamabo...»
Zunda is a traditional paste made by grinding cooked edamame (young soybeans) into a coarse or smooth mixture. It has been enjoyed for generations, particularly in Miyagi and neighboring Yamagata Prefecture, and is closely associated with the food culture of Sendai. The origin of the word “zunda” h...»
Sendai Hiyashi Chuka, or Japanese chilled Chinese-style noodles, is one of Sendai's best-known local specialties, alongside such famous foods as beef tongue and zunda. Loved by local residents and visitors alike, the dish has been enjoyed in Sendai for generations. Its history dates back to 1937, w...»
Sendai Aoba Gyoza is a distinctive local version of Japanese gyoza dumplings made with Sendai Yukina, a traditional leafy vegetable from Sendai. The dumplings are characterized by their vivid green color, inspired by the fresh green leaves associated with Sendai’s nickname, the “City of Trees.” Sen...»
Akiu Otaki Botanical Garden is a nature-rich botanical garden located in Akiu Town, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The garden stands beside Akiu Otaki Waterfall, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and one of the 100 Best Waterfalls in Japan, and is surrounded by the beautiful n...»
Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory, also known as Miyagikyo Distillery, is one of Japan's best-known whisky distilleries. Located in Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, the distillery was completed in 1969 and has played an important role in the production of Nikka Whisky. The story of the distillery be...»
Sendai Tanabata Festival is one of Japan's best-known summer festivals, held every year from August 6 to 8 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Rooted in the traditional Japanese custom of Tanabata, the festival is counted among the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku, together with the Aomori Nebuta Festival ...»
JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama is a popular fruit-picking destination in Arahama, Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The park offers visitors the opportunity to harvest fresh seasonal fruit with their own hands and enjoy it at its freshest. More than 150 varieties across eight types of...»
The Forest Beneath the Ground Museum, officially known as the Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum, is a unique archaeological museum in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It preserves and displays an archaeological site dating back approximately 20,000 years, allowing visitors to see the rem...»
Sendai City Arahama Elementary School was a historic public elementary school in Arahama, Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Founded in 1873, the school served the local community for more than 140 years before closing in 2016. On March 11, 2011, however, the school was severely dama...»
Miyagi Gokoku Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on Mount Aoba in Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine stands on the former honmaru, or main compound, of Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle. The shrine enshrines approximately 56,000 war dead and people who di...»
Miyagi Museum of Art is a prefectural art museum located in Kawauchi-Motohasakura, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The main building was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kunio Maekawa and opened in 1981. In 1990, the Churyo Sato Memorial Museum was opened next to the main building....»
Kamo Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Furuchi, Izumi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It is traditionally said to have been established by bringing the worship of Kyoto's famous Kamomioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine) and Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine) to Sendai. One of the...»
Sendai City Wild Plant Garden is a botanical garden located within Dainenji-yama Park in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The garden focuses primarily on wild plants native to the Tohoku region of northern Japan, with a wide variety of species representing different natural environments...»
Akiu Craft Village is a small community of traditional craft artisans located in a mountainous area near Akiu Onsen, one of Sendai's famous hot spring destinations. Here, skilled craftspeople live and work side by side, continuing techniques that have been passed down through generations. The villa...»
Sendai City Museum of History and Folklore is a municipal museum located in Tsutsujigaoka Park in Miyagino Ward, Sendai. Opened in 1979, the museum collects and exhibits historical materials focusing primarily on the everyday lives of ordinary people in the Sendai region from the Meiji period onward...»
Tohoku University Botanical Garden, officially known as the Botanical Garden of the Center for Academic Resources and Archives at Tohoku University, is a natural botanical garden established in 1958 for research and education. The garden is located on the eastern edge of Mount Aobayama, just west o...»
Bansui Sodo is the former residence of Bansui Doi, a renowned Japanese poet and scholar of English literature, located in the Omachi district of Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Doi spent the final years of his life here and continued his literary activities until his death at the age of 80 in...»
Koshoji Temple is a historic head temple of Nichiren Buddhism located in Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The temple's mountain name is Komeizan, and its history is traditionally traced back to 1295, when Nichiren's disciple Nichimon founded the temple. Originally known...»
Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum is a unique museum in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated entirely to the fascinating world of kaleidoscopes. With a collection of approximately 1,000 kaleidoscopes, the museum brings together works from different periods and places around the world. More than a conventi...»
Aqua Terrace Nishikigaoka is a unique private aquarium located in Nishikigaoka, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Opened on July 18, 2015, the attraction combines water, light, and a wide variety of living creatures to create an atmospheric and relaxing experience. Located on a hill within the ...»
Located within the lush Dainohara Forest Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai, the Sendai City Science Museum is an interactive place where visitors of all ages can discover the fascinating world of science. Since opening in 1968, the museum has continued to evolve with the times. Through hands-on exhibits, d...»
Sendai Mapo Yakisoba is a popular local dish from Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan. It combines crispy, pan-fried or fried Chinese noodles with a generous topping of hot and spicy mapo sauce, creating a distinctive contrast of textures and flavors. The dish is believed to have o...»
Sendai Dagashi is a traditional type of Japanese confectionery that has been made in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, for generations. These rustic sweets are made using familiar ingredients such as brown sugar, starch syrup, grains, sesame seeds, and nuts, and many varieties are still carefully prepared ...»
Sendai Long Eggplant is a traditional vegetable from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan. It is known for its slender, pointed shape, which is sometimes compared to a swallow’s beak, as well as its thin skin and firm flesh. The eggplants have a beautiful deep purple color, a distinctive ...»
Saichi’s Ohagi is a beloved local specialty sold at Shufu no Mise Saichi, a small neighborhood supermarket in the Akiu Onsen hot spring district of Sendai’s Taihaku Ward. Known for its simple, traditional flavor and an incredibly generous amount of sweet red bean paste, these handmade rice cakes att...»
Sendai Miso is one of Miyagi Prefecture’s best-known traditional fermented foods. It is a type of rice miso made from soybeans and rice koji, and is recognized for its deep yellow to reddish-brown color, rich aroma, and robust umami flavor. Compared with milder types of miso, Sendai Miso generally h...»