Located in northeastern Japan, Sendai is an evolving city with a nice blend of historical attractions and modern features. Being the largest city in the Japanese region of Tohoku, there are countless things to see and do in Sendai that cater to all types of visitors from exploring temples and castle ruins to shopping and dining. Whether you are looking for things to do in Sendai at night, in winter, or just on a quick visit, this guide to Sendai has some of the top activities and attractions that are a must when visiting Sendai.
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Sendai is located in the Tohoku region of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Tohoku includes Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata Prefectures. Sendai is the largest city in this region with an estimated population of 1,089,000 people.
Sendai is a beautiful city situated in between the Sendai Bay to the east and mountainous terrain to the west.
Walking around Sendai, you will hear and read a lot about the feudal Lord Date Masamune. Lord Date Masamune was the founder of the Sendai clan and moved to the area (now Sendai) in 1600. Since his arrival in the area, Sendai started to gain significance.
Getting to Sendai and Transportation
Being the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan, Sendai is well connected to other regions of Japan and has a decent transportation system.
Most visitors coming to Sendai will arrive by train. The Tohoku Shinkansen running between Tokyo and Aomori makes a stop in Sendai. Traveling by shinkansen to Sendai from Tokyo will take anywhere from 90-120 minutes.
Sendai has an airport, Sendai Airport. Sendai Airport has flights all around Japan from the tropical islands of Okinawa to the snowy city of Sapporo. There are also international flights to other countries like South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Thailand.
Once in Sendai, visitors can take the subway, busses, or the JR Line from locations further out of the city.
There are two subway lines in Sendai, these include the Namboku and Tozai lines.
Sendai Station is a huge train station that connects JR lines, subways, and the Shinkansen. Inside Sendai Station, you can find shops and restaurants. If Sendai Station is your first stop while in Sendai and you are looking for things to do in Sendai. I recommend browsing the malls at Sendai Station, picking up souvenirs, or trying one of the many places to eat.
For tourists, there is a loop on the Loople Sendai Bus that goes to many attractions and sites around Sendai. The Loople Sendai Bus costs ¥600 for the day or ¥250 per ride.
Top Things to See and Do in Sendai
Prior to visiting Sendai, I had a few attractions and sites starred on my map but knew nothing about the historic temples, delicious cuisine, and energetic nightlife. I visited Sendai for a quick weekend but could have easily tacked on an additional day or two to my Sendai itinerary. Regardless, I packed in a lot over the course of a few days while exploring Sendai and want to share some recommended things to see and do in Sendai.
Zuihoden Temple
One of Sendai’s most famous attractions and sites to see is Zuihoden Temple.
From downtown Sendai, we walked to Zuihoden Temple. Visitors can also take the Loople Bus to get here or drive, there is a large parking lot.
I’ve seen many temples all throughout Japan and Zuihoden Temple is one of the more unique ones, mainly because of the detailed and vibrant colors of the mausoleums around the complex.
The mausoleums and shrines around Zuihoden were created for Lord Date Masamune who in 1636 died at the age of 70.
The colorful buildings at Zuihoden were painted using a colored lacquer during the Edo period. According to an information panel at Zuihoden, this temple was designated as a National Treasure in 1931. During WWII it was unfortunately destroyed but rebuilt in 1979.
Sendai Castle Ruins
Perched on top of a hill overlooking the city of Sendai is Sendai Castle. More ruins then castle, Sendai Castle is still worth visiting, if anything the views of the city and surrounding mountains are worth it alone.
Sendai Castle or Aoba Castle was built in 1600 by Lord Date Masamune. This castle was a heavily fortified castle but like many castle during the Meiji Period is was dismantled. The castle was also destroyed by fire and bombs during WWII.
Today the castle walls remain, as does a shrine, gift shops, and a famous statue of Lord Date Masamune on horseback.
Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine
Designated as a National Treasure in 1903, Osaki Hachiman Shrine is another prime example of Momoyama-style like Zuihoden Temple. With its beautiful colored lacquer and metal fittings, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is one of Sendai’s most gorgeous shrines.
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was built in 1607. According to information at the shrine, it is considered to be the oldest “gongen-zukuri” structure from the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Osaki Hachiman Shrine is along the Loople Bus Route. There is also a parking area behind the temple.
Rinnoji
Rinnoji, my favorite temple and attraction in Sendai is a beautiful historic temple tucked away in a neighborhood.
The temple itself is small but what makes Rinnoji stand out amongst the rest of the temples and shrines in Sendai is the beautiful garden and 3-storied Pagoda. For ¥300 visitors can explore one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
Ichibancho Arcade
Looking for things to do in Sendai at night? I recommend first starting at Ichibancho Arcade. Ichibancho Arcade is an arcade style covered street that stretches for several blocks. You can find everything here from high end shops to local izakaya restaurants.
Eat Gyutan, Grilled Beef Tongue
Curious as to what food Sendai is known for? One of Sendai’s famed dishes is known as Gyutan which is grilled beef tongue.
I found a charcoal grilled beef tongue restaurant near Sendai Station called, Gyutan Nao (仙台 肉のいとう 炭火焼牛たん 直 本店). Their menu consisted mainly of charcoal grilled beef tongue and beef tongue hamburger. I got a set meal that came with both the gyutan and hamburger. Although a it chewy, the flavor and texture of the tongue was very good. This wasn’t my first stab at trying beef tongue in my life, but it was probably the best I’ve had.
Conclusion
Sendai is a lesser known city in Japan at least when it comes to tourism but this city offers a wide range of things to do for almost any visitor. Whether you visit Sendai to explore the temples, try their well known beef tongue dishes, or want to take in some of the nightlife, Sendai will surely impress everyone. If you are planning on spending a quick weekend in Sendai or an extended period, make sure to add Sendai to your Japan travel itinerary.
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