Sendai, Japan: travel guide
Tohoku's regional hub, with samurai history, beef tongue and onsen nearby
Tohoku's largest city and gateway to the region's onsen and mountains. Home of the Date clan lord Masamune, famous for Tanabata Festival and excellent gyutan (beef tongue) cuisine.
About Sendai
Sendai is the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region and a green, easy base for exploring the north-east. It was founded by the warlord Date Masamune, and his legacy is visible in the mausoleum at Zuihoden and the ruins of Aoba Castle on the hill above the city.
Things to do in Sendai include walking the tree-lined avenues, visiting Osaki Hachimangu and Rinnoji, and eating gyutan, grilled beef tongue, the local speciality. The Tanabata Festival, held in summer with colourful streamers, is its best-known event. Matsushima Bay and onsen towns are within reach.
Sendai suits travellers heading further north and those wanting a less crowded city. Late spring, summer and autumn are all pleasant.
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- JPY
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Nearest airport
- SDJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Sendai
Aoba Castle Ruins
Heritage · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop ruins of Date Masamune's castle with his famous equestrian statue and panoramic city views.
Sendai Tanabata Festival Sites & Ichibancho
festival street & entertainment district · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sendai hosts Japan's largest and most elaborate Tanabata (Star Festival) every August 6–8, when 3 million visitors come to see 3,000 giant bamboo poles hung with ornate paper-streamers in the covered Ichibancho arcade. The streamers…
Zuihoden Mausoleum — Date Masamune
feudal lord mausoleum · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The elaborate mausoleum of Date Masamune (1567–1636), the one-eyed warlord who built Sendai into a great domain and nearly became the ruler of all Japan. The original 1637 mausoleum was rebuilt in 1979 after WWII bombing, faithfully…
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Temple · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
National Treasure shrine (1607) in lustrous black lacquer and gold, built by Date Masamune.
Jozenji-dori Avenue
Cultural · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Zelkova-lined boulevard at the heart of the "City of Trees", venue of the Pageant of Starlight and jazz festival.
Yagiyama Zoological Park
Wildlife · about 2.5 h · entry ¥480 (≈ ₹290)
Hilltop zoo with African animals and Zao mountain views, next to Yagiyama Benyland amusement park.
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
Wildlife · about 2.5 h · entry ¥2,400 (≈ ₹1,450)
Modern aquarium themed on the seas of Tohoku, with a large dolphin and sea-lion arena.
Akiu Great Falls
Waterfall · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
55 m wide waterfall in the Akiu hot-spring valley, one of Japan's "three great falls".
Rairaikyo Gorge
Nature · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Scenic riverside gorge near Akiu Onsen with a short walking trail past sculpted rock formations.
Rinnoji Temple Sendai
Temple · about 1 h · entry ¥300 (≈ ₹180)
Date-family temple with a celebrated Japanese garden and a three-storey pagoda.
Things to do
- Matsushima Bay Cruise Day Trip Day Trip · 7 h · from JPY 7,000 per person
- Gyutan Food Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from JPY 7,000 per person
- Zuihoden & Aoba Castle History Walk Tour · 3 h · from JPY 5,000 per person
Where to stay in Sendai
Hotels
- Westin Sendai 5-star · JPY 22,000 to JPY 55,000 per night
- Hotel Metropolitan Sendai 4-star · JPY 16,000 to JPY 34,000 per night
- Dormy Inn Sendai Ekimae 3-star · JPY 10,000 to JPY 18,000 per night
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai 3-star · JPY 11,000 to JPY 20,000 per night
Where to eat
- Rikyu Gyutan Sendai Japanese, Grilled Meat · about JPY 2,800 per person
- Aji Tasuke Gyutan, Japanese · about JPY 2,200 per person
- Kaki Toku Seafood, Oysters, Japanese · about JPY 3,500 per person
- Umino Sachi Hana Seafood, Japanese · about JPY 2,800 per person
- Zunda Saryo Sweets, Cafe · about JPY 900 per person
- Kisuke Izakaya, Japanese · about JPY 3,000 per person
Getting to Sendai
Airport: Sendai (SDJ)
Getting around
- Metro
- Transit Pass
- Walking