Things To Do
in Sendai
Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region, known as the "City of Trees" for its wide, zelkova-lined boulevards and green public spaces. It blends modern urban life with accessible nature — temples, castle ruins, coastal views and hot springs are all within easy reach. The city is famous for regional cuisine like gyūtan (grilled beef tongue) and zunda (sweet edamame paste) and hosts lively seasonal festivals such as the Sendai Tanabata.
With a big university community and a relaxed pace compared with Tokyo, Sendai makes an excellent base for exploring northeastern Japan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Sendai's iconic Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune, where you can admire the intricate woodwork and beautiful gardens. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Sendai Mediatheque, a modern architectural marvel that houses a library, gallery, and media center. Don't forget to stop by a local café to savor a traditional Sendai breakfast of grilled fish and miso soup.
In the afternoon, visit the Sendai City Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region, showcasing fascinating artifacts from the Date clan. Afterward, wander through the picturesque Jozenji-dori Avenue, lined with ginkgo trees, and enjoy the atmosphere of local shops and art installations. Cap it off with a stop at the Sendai Asaichi (morning market) to sample local delicacies like gyutan (beef tongue).
As night falls, head to the Aoba Castle ruins for a panoramic view of Sendai illuminated by city lights. Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya where you can try a variety of Japanese dishes and sip on local sake. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the Nishi Park, soaking in the serene ambiance.
If you're in Sendai during August, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Tanabata Festival. Start your day by visiting the Tanabata decorations displayed across the city, with colorful streamers and paper crafts adorning the streets. Join a local workshop to create your own Tanabata wishes to hang on bamboo branches.
Spend your afternoon enjoying the lively performances and parades that take place throughout the festival, with traditional music and dance captivating the crowds. Visit food stalls for a taste of festival treats like yakitori and sweet taiyaki. Don't miss the chance to participate in local games and activities designed for all ages.
As the sun sets, marvel at the breathtaking fireworks display that lights up the night sky, a highlight of the Tanabata Festival. Enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby yakitori restaurant to savor grilled chicken skewers while sharing stories with friends. Wrap up the night by participating in the traditional lantern-lighting ceremony, symbolizing hopes and dreams.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍣Mid-range restaurant dinner (per person) | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-150 |
| 🚆Local train/bus fare (single trip) | $1.50-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to nature (coast, mountains, onsen) while remaining a modern city
- Rich regional cuisine and distinct local specialties (gyūtan, zunda)
- Lively festivals and seasonal highlights (Tanabata, cherry blossoms, autumn leaves)
- Generally safe and well-organized public transportation
- Fewer international flight connections than Tokyo — might need transfers
- Smaller English-language signage and fewer English-speaking staff in some local businesses
- Public transit becomes crowded during peak festival times
- Weather can be changeable (typhoon season in summer, snow in winter mountains)
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)" - Thank you very much
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "お願いします (Onegaishimasu)" - Please (polite request)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Sendai
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views of Sendai skyline and the statue of Date Masamune; great for sunrise or sunset cityscapes.
A broad, tree-lined boulevard with seasonal foliage and modern architecture — excellent for street and seasonal photography.
One of Japan’s three most scenic views: rocky, pine-covered islands, boat cruises and coastal temples (Godaido) offer classic compositions.
Elaborately painted mausoleum set among trees; details and close-up architectural shots are rewarding.
A scenic waterfall surrounded by forest — accessible trails provide multiple viewpoints for long-exposure and nature photography.
Food in Sendai
Sendai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sendai’s signature dish — thinly sliced beef tongue, grilled and often served with barley rice and oxtail soup. Best found at gyūtan specialty restaurants clustered around Sendai Station (e.g., Rikyu and other local chains).
Must-Try!
Sweet paste made from mashed edamame served over mochi or as a dessert topping; try it at confectionery shops and cafés (Zunda Saryo and local sweets shops are popular).
A local processed seafood product often sold at markets and souvenir shops — good for tasting and taking home.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning markets and fish stalls near the station and in coastal towns (including Matsushima) offer fresh seafood, grilled skewers and seasonal produce — great for sampling shellfish, onigiri and snack-sized seafood.
During Tanabata (August) and other festivals, street stalls sell takoyaki, yakitori, crepes and regional skewers — an excellent chance to try street food in a festive atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the customary greeting; use a polite tone and avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering traditional ryokan, some restaurants and homes; look for genkan (entryway) and provided slippers.
Keep conversations quiet on trains and buses; set phones to silent and avoid loud phone calls.
Line up in an orderly fashion for trains, bus stops and counters. Follow signs and staff directions, especially at festivals.
Safety
Tipping in Sendai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is already included. If you want to show appreciation, a small gift or a polite thank-you is appropriate.
Cash (yen) is widely used — smaller shops, markets and older establishments may be cash-only. IC transit cards (Suica, Pasmo) and contactless payments are common in urban areas. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, department stores and restaurants, but always carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms arrive in late March to early April — parks, riversides and temple grounds fill with blossoms and hanami crowds. Mild temperatures make it ideal for walking and sightseeing.
Warm and humid, with festival season peaking in July–August (Sendai Tanabata in early August is a highlight). Expect occasional heavy rain and the possibility of typhoons later in the season.
September–November brings crisp air and vivid autumn foliage; popular spots like Akiu and Zao are beautiful for leaf colors. Comfortable temperatures for hiking.
Cold with regular snow in surrounding mountains (city sees lighter snow). Skiing and snow activities are accessible on nearby mountain ranges like Zao; dress warmly and be prepared for icy conditions.
Sendai at Night
Hiking in Sendai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A major hiking destination with trails ranging from moderate to challenging; highlights include the emerald Okama crater lake and winter 'snow monsters' formed by rime ice.
Short, accessible trails around the waterfall and riverside paths ideal for a relaxed nature walk and autumn foliage viewing.
Scenic shoreline routes and island viewpoints allow leisurely walks with coastal vistas and temple stops (Godaido).
Airports
How to reach Sendai by plane.
The main local airport about 25–40 minutes from central Sendai by the Sendai Airport Access Line or limousine bus. Handles domestic flights and some international routes; convenient for quick access to the city.
Major international airport serving most global routes; reachable from Sendai by shinkansen (≈1.5–2.5 hours depending on service) or a short domestic flight — useful for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Tohoku University and other institutions bring a large student population, contributing to a youthful and international vibe in parts of the city.
A sizable population of working families and daily commuters who live in suburban neighborhoods and commute to the city center.
Like much of Japan, Sendai has a growing proportion of older adults; community services and quieter daytime rhythms reflect an aging demographic in some districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Professional baseball is very popular — the Rakuten Eagles play at Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi and games are a major local draw.
Local professional soccer team with a dedicated fanbase; matches bring lively stadium atmospheres in season.
Skiing and snowboarding on nearby mountains like Zao are popular in winter, including unique attractions such as the Zao 'snow monsters' (frosted trees).
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sendai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Pure vegetarian meals are less common but tofu, vegetable tempura, rice dishes and zunda-based sweets are available. Use translation cards or apps to explain no fish/broth; larger cafés and vegan-friendly restaurants in Sendai can accommodate requests.
Vegan options exist but are limited — look for specialty cafés or order simple vegetable dishes; be wary of dashi (fish stock) used in many dishes and ask staff when possible.
Soy sauce and wheat are common; gluten-free options require diligence. Point out dietary needs in Japanese and consider bringing snacks if you have strict requirements.