Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Praveen PA, Pexels
Sendai, known as the "City of Trees," is a vibrant destination in Japan's Tohoku region, offering a blend of rich history, abundant nature, and a distinctive culinary scene. It serves as an ideal base for exploring historical landmarks, enjoying scenic landscapes, and experiencing local culture.
For those seeking social interactions, Kokubuncho stands out as Tohoku's largest nightlife district, bustling with numerous restaurants and bars that become particularly lively on weekends. Additionally, the downtown area around Sendai Station and the shopping arcades, such as Sunmall Ichibancho and Aoba-dori Avenue, provide active environments with various dining and cafe options, where visitors can stroll and immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.
Top 6 Things to do in Sendai
Exploring Sendai involves a rich mix of historical site visits, tranquil strolls through green spaces, and indulging in its unique local cuisine.
1. Zuihoden Mausoleum
Stepping into Zuihoden Mausoleum provides a tranquil journey into Sendai's past. This ornately decorated mausoleum serves as the final resting place for Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai, and other members of the Date clan. Its vibrant Momoyama-style architecture, intricate carvings, and serene forested grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. While beautiful year-round, visiting in autumn offers stunning fall foliage.
Cost: Admission is 570 JPY for adults. Holders of the Loople Sendai 1-day pass receive a discount, making entry 460 JPY. Payments are typically made at the entrance.
Transport: Zuihoden Mausoleum is accessible via the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus, which costs 260 JPY per ride or 630 JPY for a 1-day pass. The bus stops directly at Zuihoden Mausoleum. From Sendai Station, a taxi ride would be a convenient option, with costs varying based on traffic.
2. Aoba Castle Ruins (Sendai Castle Site)
Exploring the Aoba Castle Ruins offers a fascinating glimpse into the stronghold of the legendary samurai, Date Masamune. Although only ruins remain, the site provides a panoramic view of Sendai city, allowing one to appreciate the strategic location Masamune chose. The highlight is the impressive equestrian statue of Date Masamune, serving as a powerful reminder of his legacy. A small museum on site provides historical context and a VR experience can help visualize the castle in its former glory.
Cost: Entry to the castle grounds is free. The Aoba Castle Museum has an admission fee of 770 JPY for adults (660 JPY with a Loople Sendai 1-day pass discount). A VR goggle experience costs 880 JPY, or a set ticket for the museum and VR is 1430 JPY.
Transport: The castle site is easily reached by the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus (stop #6), with a fare of 260 JPY per ride or 630 JPY for a 1-day pass. Alternatively, one can take the Tozai Subway Line from Sendai Station to International Center (Kokusai Center) Station (5 minutes, 210 JPY), followed by an uphill walk of approximately 20 minutes to the castle grounds.
3. Jozenji-dori Avenue
Strolling along Jozenji-dori Avenue is a quintessential Sendai experience, embodying its nickname, 'City of Trees.' This wide, tree-lined boulevard, adorned with sculptures, offers a refreshing urban oasis. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, enjoying the various shops and cafes that line the street. The avenue is also a major venue for local events and festivals, including the famous winter 'Pageant of Starlight' illuminations, transforming it into a magical tunnel of light.
Cost: Free to walk and enjoy. Costs for dining or shopping vary.
Transport: Jozenji-dori Avenue is a short walk, approximately 6 minutes, from Kotodai-koen Station on the Subway Namboku Line. It is also about a 13-minute walk from JR Sendai Station, offering easy accessibility from the city center.
4. Gyutan (Grilled Beef Tongue) Dining
No visit to Sendai is complete without savoring Gyutan, its most celebrated local delicacy. This dish features thick slices of tender beef tongue, grilled to perfection, often served with oxtail soup and barley rice. Many restaurants specialize in gyutan, with popular chains like Rikyu and Kisuke having branches conveniently located near Sendai Station on 'Gyutan Dori.' Experiencing this unique culinary offering provides an authentic taste of Sendai's vibrant food scene.
Cost: A typical gyutan set meal ranges from approximately 1,500 to 2,500 JPY for lunch and 3,000 to 4,000 JPY for dinner. Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and specific cuts or preparations.
Transport: Many highly-rated gyutan restaurants are situated within the vicinity of Sendai Station, making them easily accessible by foot.
5. Sendai Asaichi Morning Market
Known as 'Sendai's Kitchen,' the Asaichi Morning Market is a bustling hub where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the vibrant daily life of the city. This lively market alley, just a short walk from Sendai Station, is filled with vendors selling fresh local produce, an array of seafood, and a variety of ready-to-eat snacks. It's an excellent spot to sample local flavors, grab an inexpensive bite, and observe the energetic rhythm of Sendai's culinary heart.
Cost: Costs vary based on purchases, with snacks being generally inexpensive.
Transport: The market is located just a few minutes' walk from the west exit of Sendai Station, behind the E-Beans building.
6. Rinnoji Temple
Discovering Rinnoji Temple offers a serene escape, featuring one of Tohoku region's most esteemed Japanese gardens. As the family temple of the Date clan, it boasts a beautifully maintained landscape with a tranquil pond, elegant three-storied pagoda, and graceful koi fish. Walking its paths provides a peaceful, contemplative experience, especially when the garden displays its seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves.
Cost: Admission to the inner gardens is 300 JPY. The entrance is often unmanned, requiring coins for entry.
Transport: From Sendai Station, take the JR Senzan Line to Kitayama Station (10 minutes, 200 JPY), followed by a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, a taxi from Sendai Station takes approximately 15 minutes. Sendai City Buses also serve the area, stopping at Rinnoji-mae.
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