Sendai

Sendai, the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region, has a rich samurai history and many parks. You can visit Zuihoden Mausoleum, walk down Jozenji Street with its zelkova trees, or eat grilled beef tongue. From Sendai, you can easily reach scenic areas like Matsushima Bay.

Getting Around Sendai

You can explore Sendai's compact city center on foot or by bicycle. For longer trips, use the two subway lines or extensive bus network. The Loople Sendai bus connects many main sights in a circular route. If you plan to use public transport often, consider buying a one-day pass for unlimited bus and subway rides.

Culinary Experiences in Sendai

Try gyutan, or grilled beef tongue, in Sendai. Many restaurants specialize in this dish, often served with barley rice and oxtail soup. For a sweet treat, look for zunda, a paste made from edamame beans. Zunda mochi, where the paste tops chewy rice cakes, is a popular snack. Visit the Sendai Morning Market near the station for fresh seafood from the nearby Pacific coast.

Parks and Green Areas

Jozenji Street and Aoba Street have rows of tall zelkova trees, creating green paths through the city center. In autumn, these trees turn golden, and in winter, they're lit up for the Pageant of Starlight festival. Nishi Park, once the site of samurai homes, is now a popular place to view cherry blossoms in spring.

Festivals and Events

In August, the Sendai Tanabata Festival fills shopping arcades and streets with colorful streamers and decorations, attracting over 2 million visitors. The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival in September features hundreds of performers on outdoor stages throughout the city. During winter, the Pageant of Starlight adorns the zelkova trees along Jozenji Street with thousands of lights.

Exploring Sendai's History

Date Masamune, a powerful feudal lord, founded Sendai in 1600. Visit Zuihoden, Masamune's mausoleum in a cedar forest, to see intricate Momoyama period architecture. At the ruins of Sendai Castle on Aoba Hill, you'll find a statue of Masamune on horseback and a museum about the castle's history.

Day Trips from Sendai

Sendai's location makes it a good base for exploring the Tohoku region. Take a short train ride to Matsushima, known for its bay view. You can take a boat tour around the bay's islands covered in pine trees or visit Zuiganji, an important Zen temple. For a more challenging trip, go to Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture. This mountain temple complex offers good views if you climb its 1,000 stone steps.