Sendai

Introduction

You will find Sendai serving as the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city within the Tōhoku region.

Before you go

Prepare for a stay in a comfortable, green city known as "The City of Trees," where wide, tree-lined avenues provide an atmosphere reminiscent of Europe. You will find the main shopping street, Chūō-dōri, to be a covered pedestrian zone that feels like a mall. Because of several large universities and a high standard of education, you can expect a higher quality of English in this area compared to other cities in the Tohoku region.

Plan your visit based on your preference for weather conditions:

• Experience the clear, dry, and sunny conditions of autumn, which is considered the most reliable time for pleasant weather.
• Prepare for a long rainy season characterized by cool and cloudy weather, followed by warm and humid summer days.
• Anticipate winter weather that is often rainy with snow that melts quickly.

Getting there

You can reach this city via several transport methods, including a quick shinkansen ride from Tokyo or by flying into Sendai Airport. The airport is connected to the city center by the Sendai Airport Access railway, while direct long-distance buses provide connections to nearby regions like Yamagata and Tsuruoka. For those traveling by sea, overnight car ferries offer routes to Nagoya and Tomakomai.

• The Tohoku Shinkansen offers various train options from Tokyo, including the Hayabusa, the Yamabiko, and the Hayate.
• The Joban Line provides a slower, non-high-speed alternative for traveling between Tokyo and Sendai.
• Numerous highway buses run to the city from locations across the Tohoku region, including overnight services from Shinjuku, Yokohama, Shinagawa, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a convenient subway system consisting of two lines. The Namboku Line runs on a north-south axis, connecting major shopping districts with the main train station, while the Tozai Line provides east-west travel. Key stations along the Namboku Line provide access to various landmarks, including the AER building, the Mall, and the Ichibancho covered shopping arcade.

A comprehensive bus network covers the city, though you should be aware that some routes may have long wait times or become crowded during rush hour. For sightseeing, the "Loople Sendai" bus provides a wide loop around various attractions. You can also choose to rent a bicycle through Date Bike to explore local cycling itineraries. If you prefer to stay on your feet, the compact city center is easily traversed by foot, particularly through the network of covered shopping arcades near the station.

Where to stay

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and convenience, you can find a variety of accommodations across the city. For those seeking budget options, several youth hostels provide simple stays in different areas. You might choose a location near the station or head further out to find more modest lodgings.

If you prefer mid-range comfort, several business hotels offer modern amenities and convenient locations near the train station. Some of these properties feature larger rooms with private computers and televisions, while others include access to a public spa. For a unique experience, you can stay in a hotel constructed from converted shipping containers located on the west side of Route 4, which offers a distinct aesthetic while providing standard business-sized rooms and a quality breakfast buffet. For a more luxurious stay, several high-end hotels provide premium accommodations throughout the city.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Sendai by sampling regional specialties such as grilled beef tongue (gyūtan), fish sausage known as sasakamaboko, and zundamochi, which features sweet green soybean paste with soft glutinous rice balls. You can also find traditional items like Hiyashi-Chuka, a type of cold ramen noodles that originated in the city, and Sendai-Miso. For seafood lovers, visit a renowned oyster restaurant or head to a sushi road near the station for fresh fish. If you prefer a hearty stew, oden is a popular choice, especially during the winter months.

Explore a diverse culinary landscape that includes international options such as Italian pasta, spicy Chinese dishes, and authentic Indian cuisine. For a unique experience, visit a high-rise restaurant featuring Kyoto haute cuisine with local produce or find a cozy cafe in a backstreet to enjoy coffee. The city's vibrant nightlife is centered in the Kokubuncho entertainment district, where you can find jazz bars, sports bars, and pubs offering live music performances.

• Gyūtan (grilled beef tongue)
• Sasakamaboko (fish sausage)
• Zundamochi (sweet green soybean paste with rice balls)
• Hiyashi-Chuka (cold ramen noodles)
• Sendai-Miso
• Oysters
• Oden (simmered fish stew)
• Italian cuisine
• Chinese dishes
• Indian cuisine

What to see and do

Explore the cultural and architectural landscape of this livable city, where you can find a mix of modern design and historical remnants. Visit the Sendai Mediatheque to admire its contemporary architecture and view art galleries on the upper floors, or head to the SS30 Building Observation Lounge for views from the high-rise decks. For those seeking history, the Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine features intricate metal ornaments against black lacquer woodwork, while the Zuihoden mausoleum showcases ornate Momoyama Period style set within a dense forest of ancient cedar trees. If you prefer nature and gardens, Rinno-ji offers traditional grounds with ponds that are particularly beautiful when azaleas bloom, and the Tohoku University Botanical Gardens feature a wide variety of plants.

You can also experience the city's unique landmarks and local atmosphere through these activities:

• Take part in guided tours provided by the Gozain Sendai Volunteer English Interpreter and Tour Guide Group.
• Visit the massive Statue of Kannon, which stands as a symbol of peace and harmony for the city.
• Explore the grounds of the Sendai (Aoba) Castle Ruins to see a replica gate and a statue of the founder, Date Masumune.
• Experience the local culture at the Sankyozawa Electric Centennial Museum to see a functioning century-old hydroelectric plant.
• Relax in the nearby Akiu Onsen town, an area historically frequented by samurai.
• Attend the Tanabata festival, the city's largest celebration.

When to go

You can experience mild winters in Sendai characterized by frequent melting snow and heavy rain during periods of short daylight. If you visit during the long rainy season, which spans from late spring through early summer, you should expect consistently cool and cloudy weather.

For a warmer experience, summer brings humid conditions and the potential for typhoons bringing heavy rains. Alternatively, you can enjoy reliable dry, sunny, and clear weather during the autumn months when the landscape features golden fields of rice.

Day one, you arrive in the city and settle into your surroundings. You can explore the local area to experience the atmosphere of the region before preparing for your next moves.

Day two, you travel through the Tōhoku region. You can take the Tohoku Shinkansen, including trains such as the Hayabusa, Yamabiko, or Hayate, to see the landscape and scenery surrounding the city.

Day three, you plan your departure from the area. You can utilize the local transport network to reach your next destination, whether it be a nearby city or a connection toward other parts of Japan.