Introduction of Sendai City /
While it is the political and economic center of Tohoku, its townscape is rich in nature
Basic Information
Warrior Date Masamune laid the foundation of Sendai. The city, with a population of over one million, is the political and economic center of the Tohoku region, the northeastern part of Japan. It is also famous throughout the country for the beauty of its natural surroundings, and is known as the “City of Trees.” Sendai has a mild climate with little difference in temperature throughout the year, making it comfortable even in the summer. In the winter, there are many sunny days and temperatures rarely fall below zero. Hirosegawa River runs through central Sendai, and abundant nature can be seen on both banks. The rows of zelkova trees, which are the symbol of the city, create splendid scenery with the changes of the seasons, soothing the hearts of visitors.
Sendai suffered tremendous damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, but is now working to share lessons learned from the disaster and the recovery process with the rest of the world, with the aim of contributing toward raising disaster awareness worldwide.
Access
Access to Sendai
Sendai is well-connected by direct flights from China, Korea, Taiwan, and most domestic airports in Japan. However, the majority of international visitors arrive via the two main airports in Tokyo and then transfer to Sendai.
From Tokyo to Sendai:
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Narita Airport (most international flights):
- Recommended: Take the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station (approx. 1 hour).
- Alternative options are also available.
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Haneda Airport (some international flights, many domestic):
- Recommended: Take the Tokyo Monorail to JR Hamamatsucho Station (approx. 20 min), then transfer to the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line for a short ride (approx. 5 min) to Tokyo Station.
From Tokyo Station to Sendai Station:
Board the shinkansen bullet train for Sendai. The fastest takes around 90-minutes, while slower shinkansen will take approximately 2 hours.
Travel Time:
After clearing immigration and customs at the Tokyo area airports, you can expect a total travel time of around 3-4 hours to reach Sendai. Larger groups or first-time visitors may need up to an additional hour.
For more details, see the access information on Discover Sendai website:
https://discoversendai.travel/travel-info/getting-to-sendai/
－ Tourism －
(Photo:Zuihoden Foundation)
There are many tourist attractions, including historical sites, nature, and hot springs
Sendai has many historic sites related to Date Masamune, which are visited by many tourists. Such historic remains include the site of Sendai Castle, where a statue of Date Masamune riding a horse stands; the Zuihoden, a national treasure that preserves the Momoyama culture; and the Osaki Hachiman Shrine, a national treasure founded by Date Masamune.
In addition, Sendai has two major hot spring resorts, Akiu and Sakunami, where visitors can relax in a rich natural setting. In the area around Akiu hot springs, which boasts a history of 1,500 years, are the Akiu Great Falls, one of the three largest waterfalls in Japan, and Akiu Craft Village, where visitors can experience the traditional culture of the region. In Sakunami, visitors can see the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery, which produces the best quality whiskey; the Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple, and many other sightseeing highlights.
New tourist spots have opened one after another in recent years, such as JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama, which opened in 2021, where visitors can pick and enjoy fruits all year round; and Aquaignis Sendai, a hot spring and gourmet complex that opened in 2022.
－ Events －
SENDAI Pageant of StarlightVarious seasonal events and festivals
One of Sendai's attractions is its many and varied events held throughout the year.
In spring, the Sendai Aoba Festival is held, which is famous for the Suzume Odori (sparrow dance), a warrior procession, and the Yamaboko (tall, wheeled festival floats with ornaments) parade. In summer, the city celebrates the Sendai Tanabata Festival, one of Tohoku’s three major festivals. During the festival, the city is filled with gorgeous Tanabata decorations. In autumn, the Jozenji Streetjazz Festival takes place, a music festival mainly held on zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue. And, winter’s highlight is the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight, with hundreds of thousands of lights illuminating the streets.
－ Food －
(made from green soybeans)
You can taste numerous specialties
Sendai is especially famous for gyutan (beef tongue), with nearly 100 restaurants specializing in the dish.
Sendai is a gourmet city where you can enjoy a variety of foods throughout the year, such as Sendai beef, a top-quality brand of beef with umami and sweetness that melt together in the mouth, and fresh sushi and sashimi.
Sasa kamaboko (fish cake) is a standard souvenir in the city. It is said to be named from the bamboo grass drawn in the family crest designs with bamboo and sparrows of the Date family, the feudal lord of Sendai. You can enjoy a variety of tastes which each manufacturer of sasa kamaboko takes pride in.
Zunda, made from green soybeans, is popular not only as a local delicacy but also in sweets such as shakes.