Sendai
Tohoku's leafy capital, and the gateway north.
Sendai is the largest city in Tohoku and is known as the City of Trees for its tree-lined avenues. It was built by the warlord Date Masamune, and his ornate mausoleum still stands in the hills. The center is compact, with covered shopping streets and small bar alleys. Most visitors use Sendai as a base: Matsushima, Akiu Onsen and Hiraizumi are all within easy reach.
Best time: Mid-April for cherry blossoms, or late October to late November for autumn color. Summer brings big festivals in early August.
Weather
Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Sendai (JMA)).
Top 5
- ZuihodenDate Masamune's richly decorated mausoleum in a cedar forest.
- Sendai Castle siteHilltop ruins with a wide city view.
- Sendai Asaichi MarketA small food market by the station.
- Bunka YokochoA narrow alley of tiny bars and eateries.
- Akiu OnsenHot springs and a crafts village on the city's edge.
A simple day
- Morning at Zuihoden.
- Head up to the Sendai Castle site for the view.
- Gyutan lunch near the station.
- Walk the covered arcades around Ichibancho.
- Evening drinks in Bunka Yokocho.
Where to stay
- Sendai StationBest for shinkansen and day trips.
- IchibanchoShopping arcades and evening food.
- Akiu OnsenStay in a hot-spring inn outside the city.
Places we’ve checked
- The Westin Sendaistay site ↗
- Hotel Metropolitan Sendaistay site ↗
- Dormy Inn Sendai Ekimaestay site ↗
- Gyutan Sumiyaki Rikyu Sendai Station Hontenrestaurant site ↗
- Sendai Asaichi Marketrestaurant site ↗
- Bunka Yokochoizakaya site ↗
- Akiu Traditional Crafts Villageexperience site ↗
From the psst directory. Opening days and prices change — check the official site before you go.
Getting there
Tokyo → Sendai: about 1h30 by Hayabusa shinkansen.
psst — skip this mistake: Only passing through. Spend one night and use the city for day trips.