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Top 20 Things to Do in Sendai: Travel Guide 2024
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Sendai, located in Miyagi, is a city filled with famous places where you can experience history, culture, and enjoy nature. In this article, we’ll introduce shrines, local food, travel itineraries, and how to get to Sendai from Tokyo.
Written by
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Sendai – The Gateway to the Tohoku Region
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture, is the most populated city in the Tohoku region. It is the heart of the government, economy, and culture of this region.
In the outskirts of the city, you can go to the hot spring districts of Akiu Onsen and Sakunami Onsen, or travel 30 minutes by train to Matsushima, an area boasting one of Japan’s three most scenic views. The city is also convenient when sightseeing in the Tohoku region.
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
The city’s history begins from the construction of Sendai Castle in 1600 by Date Masamune (1567-1636), a daimyo (feudal lord) during the Sengoku period. He was a popular military commander and many people came to visit the area associated with him. Even now, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines associated with Date Masamune remain in Sendai.
The area is also famous for gyutan (beef tongue) and zundamochi (mochi covered in mashed soybeans), making it an ideal gourmet destination. In this article, we’ll introduce a guide on things to do and spots to visit in Sendai so you can experience all this city has to offer.
Sendai Travel: 20 Places to Visit and Things to Do
1. Zuihoden
2. Osaki Hachimangu
3. Sendai Castle
4. Rinnoji Temple
5. Mitakisan Fudoin
6. Shopping Arcades
7. Sendai Kogensha
8. Jozenji-dori Avenue
9. Sendai Mediatheque
10. Sendai Asaichi
Travel to Nearby Hot Springs
11. Akiu Onsen
12. Sakunami Onsen
Sendai Events
13. Sendai Aoba Festival (May)
14. Sendai Tanabata Festival (August)
15. SENDAI Pageant of Starlight (December)
Enjoy Gourmet Cuisine
16. Visit Kisuke for Gyutan
17. Ocha no Igeta Ichibancho – Zunda Sweets
18. Seri Nabe at Izakaya Wabisuke
19. Sasakamaboko at Shiraken Kamaboko Store
20. Imoni at DaTe Cafe O’rder
Sendai Model Trip Itinerary
Matsushima Sightseeing with a Two Day Trip
City Sightseeing and Onsen with Three Days
Travel Tips
What to Wear in Sendai
Accessing Sendai Station from Tokyo
Value Tickets Great for City Sightseeing
1. Zuihoden
Zuihoden is the mausoleum where Date Masamune is enshrined. It was built in 1637, the year following Masamune’s death. Its brilliant, multicolored decorations have conserved the characteristics of the culture during that period.
The road to the mausoleum is surrounded by trees, creating a very spiritual, nature-filled ambiance. There are beautiful hydrangeas during the rainy season, red and yellow leaves during the fall, and a snowy landscape in the winter, making this a spot where you can enjoy views of each season.
Hotels near Zuihoden
2. Osaki Hachimangu
Osaki Hachimangu is a shrine that was built by Date Masamune in 1607. One of the shrine’s architectural styles feature the oldest existing gongen-zukuri. Gongen-zukuri is an architectural style that consists of three structures under one roof, connecting the main hall with the worship hall through a passageway called ishi-no-ma. It is a designated National Treasure.
The shrine also sells unusual blue daruma called Matsukawa Daruma. Its blue color represents the sky and ocean, and the landscape of nature-rich Sendai is painted onto the daruma.
3. Sendai Castle
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Sendai Castle is the castle of Date Masamune, also known as Aoba Castle. It is a natural stronghold surrounded by cliffs to the east and south. The castle was destroyed in a fire, leaving only its stone walls as a reminder of what it was in the past.
However, there is also a must-visit spot at the castle ruins with an entire view of the Sendai streets and the Pacific Ocean. A statue of Date Masamune also sits on the plateau, making it a staple place when sightseeing in Sendai.
Depending on the time, members of the Date Bushotai (Japanese), an entertainment troupe that wears the costumes of historical figures such as Date Masamune, will perform at the castle. Make sure to look for them when you visit!
4. Rinnoji Temple
Photo by Pixta
Rinnoji Temple's Zen garden, with its photogenic three-story pagoda, is a renowned spot in the Tohoku region. Throughout the seasons, the garden showcases cherry blossoms, irises, hydrangeas, lotus flowers, autumn foliage, and snow-covered pine trees, providing a serene and picturesque experience.
The three-story pagoda houses a Shakyamuni Buddha statue, open to the public on the 1st and 15th of each month. Nearby, a 7.8-meter five-story pagoda, built from natural stone, contains 2,600 copies of the Heart Sutra, dedicated to fallen soldiers.
Rinnoji also offers free zazen (seated meditation) sessions every Saturday from 6:25 PM to 8:00 PM. Open to all, these sessions follow the Soto Zen practice of "Shikantaza" (just sitting), encouraging participants to find unity of body and mind.
Rinnoji Temple
Address: 981-0931 Miyagi, Sendai, Kitayama Aoba 1-14-1
Admission: 300 Yen (Free for elementary and below)
Hours: 8:00～17:00
Access: 15 minutes walk from Kita-Sendai Station on the Sendai Municipal Subway Namboku Line
Website: https://rinno-ji.or.jp/ (Japanese)
5. Mitakisan Fudoin
Photo by Pixta
Mitakisan Fudoin is a temple located in the commercial center of Sendai City. Here, people pray for good luck, family safety, and business prosperity. It's known to have originated from 1865, where a shaman prayed for recovery from his eye disease, with the temple coming be known as "The Buddha of the Eyes."
This temple is also known as the temple that enshrines Sendai Shiro, the god of fortune and you can find related goods sold there.
Fudo-in is a type of temple that is located all over Japan, dedicated to Buddha. In ancient India, the birthplace of Buddhism, it was called "Acharanatha,'' which means "immovable guardian.'' Fudo-sama is a Buddha who protects and befriends all those who have good faith and practice.
Mitakisan Fudoin
Address: 980-0021 Sendai, Aoba, Chuo 2-5-7 (Chris Road Shopping Street)
Access: From Aoba-dori Station, a 3 minute walk from the elevator entrance
Website: https://www.mitakisan.com/ (Japanese)
6. Shopping Arcades
There are six shopping arcades near Sendai Station. These arcades are convenient places as you can walk without worrying about cars or holding an umbrella on a rainy day. Visitors can find restaurants and cafes, as well as 100-yen shops and drugstore chains, ideal for souvenir hunting. Street markets are also held at times at the shopping arcades.
There is also a temple located between the shops on Clis Road. This is Mitakisan Fudoin Temple (Japanese) where visitors pray for flourishing business and the well-being of their family. Go through the temple gate to find four temple shops. It’ll feel as if you’ve entered different world.
This is a perfect area for exploring and walking around.
7. Sendai Kogensha
Picture from Handmade Japanese Crafts Made With Love At Sendai Kogensha
If you love handmade products, then how about visiting Sendai Kogensha? They sell numerous unique products including ceramics and dyed goods from various places in Japan, pouches made with koginzashi, an embroidery method developed in the Tohoku region.
8. Jozenji-dori Avenue
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Jozenji-dori Avenue is a Japanese zelkova-lined avenue located right next to Kotodai Park, two stations away from Sendai Station. Rows of Japanese zelkova trees surround the central promenade, decorating the avenue with bright green leaves in spring, colorful foliage in fall, and sparkling illuminations in the winter, delighting those that visit.
Travelers can enjoy the art or a walk down the promenade after buying a drink, as you’ll find cafés and art galleries nearby.
9. Sendai Mediatheque
Sendai Mediatheque is a glass building that stands out on Jozenji-dori Avenue. It facilitates media-related activities with art galleries, a library, video center, and information services for persons with disabilities including the deaf and blind.
Sendai Mediatheque is a very open space. Here, you’ll find shops that carry traditional handicrafts and artwork. There are also cafés for you to enjoy serving omurice (omelet rice) and curry, or desserts like waffles and cakes.
Hotels near Sendai Mediatheque
10. Sendai Asaichi Market
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Sendai Asaichi is a market filled with stalls set up along the road a five-minute walk from Sendai Station. The market sells fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits, making it known as “Sendai’s Kitchen.” It’s the perfect place for strolling and snacking on croquettes and other little dishes from the food stalls at the market.
The market has a nostalgic feeling of a traditional shotengai, or shopping district. Business hours are from 8:00 to around 18:00 and closes on Sundays and holidays.
11. Akiu Onsen
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Akiu Onsen is a hot spring with a long history. It is famous for a visit by the Emperor of Japan during the sixth century to help heal injuries, who then had a full recovery in a few days. The area is filled with things to do, like seeing Rairaikyo Gorge, a gorge with beautifully unique scenery, and Akiu Great Falls, a waterfall six meters in width with a 55-meter drop.
The hot spring district is about 30 minutes to an hour by bus or train from Sendai Station. There may be free shuttle buses from Sendai Station to your accommodations depending on your inn, so be sure to look that up beforehand.
Hotels near Akiu Onsen public bath
12. Sakunami Onsen
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Sakunami Onsen is a hot spring district with spring waters gentle on the skin, with beautifying effects. The area is complete with nearby tourist spots like the Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory, which also offers a liquor tasting service, Houmei Shijuhachitaki Waterfalls, a beautiful layered waterfall, and more.
If you’ll be buying souvenirs, go to Hiraga Kokeshi, a workshop for Sakunami Kokeshi, a traditional handicraft. The workshop has a variety of kokeshi dolls, from ones with traditional appearances to unique dolls in modern style. Try finding your favorite of the many kokeshi dolls available at the shop.
Sendai Model Trip Itinerary
Sightsee Matsushima with a Two Day Trip
When in the Sendai area, travel further to the popular sightseeing spot Matsushima! Matsushima is famous for its beautiful island scenery sitting on the bay. Sightseeing boats also operate in the area, allowing you to enjoy a cruise around the islands.
The area has several sightseeing spots, like Zuiganji Temple, a National Treasure, Entsuin Temple (Japanese) with beautiful gardens, and Fukuura Island, which is great for a stroll. You’ll want a full day to see the area.
It’s about 30 minutes by train from Sendai Station, making it great for a day trip. However, the autumn leaves and beautiful moon rising above Matsushima Bay can be seen in fall, so it’d also be fun to add an additional night depending on the season.
Hotels near Matsushima
Hotels near Zuiganji Temple
Hotels near Entsuin
Read also
Three Days for City Sightseeing and Hot Springs
For shrine and temple visits or shopping in Sendai, you will normally be fine if you have at least a day. By using the Loople Sendai, a bus great for sightseeing, you can see major tourist spots efficiently.
If you are traveling to either Akiu Onsen or Sakunami Onsen, we recommend going to the district only after staying a night in Sendai, then staying another night at your hot spring inn. Take your time relaxing at the hot spring areas.
Read also
What to Wear in Sendai
The average temperature in Sendai is three to four degrees lower than Tokyo. It stays at around 1.4 degrees in January and February, 12.5 degrees once it becomes April, and about 25 degrees when it gets hot in July.
Summer is pleasant due to the ocean breeze, and the highest temperature of the season often doesn’t reach 30 degrees. It is best to prepare clothes with short sleeves and are breathable. The sunlight is strong, so take measures to prevent sunburns.
The winter isn’t extremely cold due to the latitude, and snowfall is low. However, there have been cases where the lowest temperature in January and February have reached minus degrees, so preventative measures against the cold is crucial with boots, gloves, and scarves.
There will be some days in spring when it will feel chilly even once it’s May, so it would be reassuring to bring along a cardigan or stole. On average, you will need a coat or jacket starting from around November. Make the appropriate preparations for each season and enjoy your sightseeing in comfort.
* Information on climate is from Japan Meteorological Agency website 2018 data.
Event Information
13. Sendai Aoba Festival (May)
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
The Sendai Aoba Festival is held to welcome spring in Sendai, taking place annually on the third weekend of May. Sounds of traditional music will echo throughout the city accompanying a performance of the traditional Suzume Odori, the sparrow dance.
The Date Historical Procession is a procession of people dressed in Sengoku period costumes marching in a line and is a highlight of the festival.
Official Website: http://www.aoba-matsuri.com/ (Japanese)
14. Sendai Tanabata Festival (August)
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is a summer tradition annually held from August 6 – 8. The festival has been held ever since the time of Date Masamune as the lord of Sendai Castle. The festivities decorate the city in gorgeous Tanabata decorations stretching from Sendai Station to Chuodori Avenue and Ichibancho Arcade.
Events are also held at the Kotodai Park Citizens’ Square near Jozenji-dori Avenue, so be sure to make your way to the square if you’ll be visiting during this time.
Official Website: https://www.sendaitanabata.com/en
15. SENDAI Pageant of Starlight (December)
Picture courtesy of Miyagi Prefectural Government Tourism Division
Japanese zelkova trees on Jozenji-dori Avenue radiantly shine across one kilometer from mid- to late December in Sendai.
During the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight, the Japanese zelkova trees will be decorated with 600,000 lightbulbs that beautifully light up the winter night sky with a warm, gorgeous atmosphere.
Official Website: http://www.sendaihikape.jp/ (Japanese)
Enjoy Gourmet Cuisine
Sendai is famous for its food. This is where gyutan yaki, or grilled beef tongue, originated in Japan. There are restaurants serving gyutan all throughout the city.
The city also boasts delicious seafood dishes. Some examples include Harako Meshi (pictured top right), a regional Miyagi cuisine consisting of rice topped with salmon and salmon roe, and Sasa Kamaboko (pictured bottom left: *1), a great alcohol side dish.
You can also enjoy desserts like ice cream and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) made with zunda, or mashed green soybeans, a local specialty of the Tohoku region.
*1 Sasa Kamaboko: a type of fish-paste product made with minced fish meat.
16. Visit Kisuke for Gyutan
Picture from 4 Must-Try Gourmet Japanese Beef Dishes At Sendai’s Kisuke!
The Gyutan Teishoku Meal is a dish you can’t miss when visiting Sendai. The set meal consists of four dishes: grilled beef tongue, barley rice, tail soup, and oshinko (*2). The gyutan has the ideal combination of chewiness and softness and a delicious flavor.
Seasonings and doneness will vary depending on the restaurant, so be sure to visit more than one spot. At Kisuke, a restaurant with seven locations in Sendai, you can select from a number of flavors and seasonings. Menus in other languages are also available, so let the staff know if you need a menu in your language.
*2 Oshinko: vegetables pickled for long amounts of time. Oshinko is often used as a side dish with foods rich in flavor and main dishes due to its light taste.
17. Ocha no Igeta Ichibancho – Zunda Sweets
Picture from Ocha No Igeta – Sip Green Tea And Indulge In Local Sendai Sweets!
Zunda sweets are another must-eat dish. Zunda is a light-green paste made from mashed green soybeans. It is used in the standard zunda mochi as well as a variety of other dishes such as zunda shakes, parfaits, and more.
Ocha no Igeta Ichibancho sell their Kikufuku, the shop’s original daifuku (rice cake stuffed with a sweet filling), in a zunda flavor. Zunda shakes are sold at Zunda Saryo (Japanese) in Sendai Station.
18. Seri Nabe at Izakaya Wabisuke
Photo by Pixta
"Seri Nabe" is a hot pot dish originating from the Sendai region in Japan. It features "seri," which is a type of Japanese parsley (Oenanthe javanica), known for its unique flavor and crunchy texture. The dish typically includes seri leaves and stems, chicken, and other vegetables cooked in a light broth. The combination of seri's distinctive taste with the rich flavors of the broth and other ingredients makes Seri Nabe a popular and comforting winter dish in Sendai.
There are several restaurants where you can eat seri nabe, but Wabisuke is said to be the one leading Sendai's Seri Nabe culture. Seri Nabe in Sendai was created by a landlady, who was impressed by the Japanese parsley root hotpot she had eaten in Akita. She then teamed up with a Japanese parsley farmer in Natori. They use tons of parsley freshly harvested in the morning. The hotpot is characterized by the sweetness of the duck meat and the elegant flavor from the parsley.
Izakaya Wabisuke
Address: Sendai, Aoba, Tatemachi 6-16
Access: 10 minute walk from Hirosedori Station on the Namboku Subway Line
Hours: 17:00-22:00 Last order (Saturdays last order at 21:00), closed on Sundays
Website: http://wabisuke.style.coocan.jp (Japanese)
19. Sasakamaboko at Shiraken Kamaboko Store
Photo by Pixta
"Sasakamaboko" is a traditional fish cake from Sendai, Japan. It is made from white fish paste (usually cod or flounder) that is seasoned, shaped into a bamboo leaf (sasa) form, and then grilled or steamed. The fish cake has a smooth texture and a mildly sweet flavor, making it a popular snack or accompaniment to various dishes.
Sasakamaboko is often enjoyed on its own or with a dab of soy sauce and is a beloved regional specialty in Miyagi Prefecture, where Sendai is the capital. It is commonly available in local shops and restaurants, and it is also a popular souvenir for visitors to the region.
People in Miyagi Prefecture are familiar with sasakamaboko, and each person has their own favorite brand and way of eating it. The "Shiraken Kamaboko Store'' is one of the oldest stores, founded in 1912. Their signature product, "Gokujo Sasa Kamaboko,'' is an exquisite dish that allows you to fully experience the natural flavor and sweetness of the fish.
Shiraken Kamaboko Store Main Store
Address: Miyagi, Ishinomaki,Tatecho 2-4-29
Access: 5 minute walk from Ishinomaki Station on the JR Senseki Line
Hours: 9:00-18:00, Open year round
Website: https://www.shiraken.co.jp (Japanese)
20. Imoni at DaTe Cafe O’rder
Photo by Pixta
"Imoni" is a traditional taro and meat soup from the Tohoku region of Japan, particularly popular in Sendai and the surrounding areas. The dish is typically enjoyed during the autumn season, especially at outdoor gatherings known as "imoni parties" held by riverbanks.
The key ingredients in Imoni include Taro (satoimo), starchy root vegetable that gives the soup its characteristic texture. And commonly beef or pork, depending on regional preferences.
Below ingredients are often used in Imoni as well:
Vegetables: Such as burdock root, konjac (konnyaku), green onions, and mushrooms.
Soy sauce or miso: Used to flavor the broth, with variations depending on the area.
In the Sendai region, the soy sauce-based version is more common. Imoni is cherished for its hearty and comforting qualities, making it a perfect dish for cooler autumn days. It also holds cultural significance as a communal dish, bringing people together for seasonal celebrations.
You can try Imoni atDaTe Cafe O’rder, located on the 2nd floor of the west exit of JR Sendai Station. It is part of Omiyage Sendai, where you find several souvenir shops.
DaTe Cafe O’rder
Address: Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba, Chuo 1-1-1Sendai Station 2F
Hours: 7:15-20:15 (food/drink last order at 20:00)
Website: https://order-sendai.owst.jp/ (Japanese)
How to Get to Sendai Station from Tokyo
The Shinkansen is the Fastest Way to Get to Sendai
When traveling from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station, there are two major Tohoku Shinkansen trains: the Hayabusa and the Yamabiko.
| Tohoku Shinkansen | Required Time | Fare |
| Hayabusa (Komachi: *1) | About 1 hour and 30 minutes | 11,200 yen |
| Yamabiko | About 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes | 10,370 yen |
*1: Mainly operates in connection with the Hayabusa. The train will branch and split in different directions after a certain point along the route.
The next fastest Shinkansen train after the Hayabusa is the Hayate, but it is a special train that runs irregularly.
The Japan Rail Pass covers the Tohoku Shinkansen, so it is a recommended travel method for pass holders. You can reserve it online via Klook, a reliable and recommended travel reservations platform.
Take the Bus to Save Money
Several day and night buses service Sendai such as Willer Bus, JR Bus Tohoku and Miyagi Kotsu (Japanese). The time needed for travel averages five hours and 30 minutes. Prices will fluctuate depending on the time and day, but will roughly range from 2,000 to 8,000 yen.
Value Tickets Great for City Sightseeing
Loople Sendai: Convenient for Sightseeing
The charming, retro Loople Sendai is a loop bus that connects you to sightseeing spots such as Zuihoden in central Sendai and the Sendai Castle Ruins.
On weekdays, the bus runs every 20 minutes while on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it runs every fifteen minutes. The fare is 260 yen per ride. A One-Day Loople Sendai Pass that allows unlimited rides for a day is available at 620 yen. The One-Day Pass for Loople Sendai and Subway, which allows you to use both the Namboku Line and Tozai Line in addition to the Loople Sendai, is available for 900 yen.
One-Day Passes also come with discount offers, making it very beneficial for sightseeing. It can be purchased at the Sendai Station West Exit Bus Pool Information Booth, facilities along the route, and hotels.
Official Website: http://loople-sendai.jp/en/
Sendai Marugoto Pass: A Two Day Unlimited Ride Pass
This is a two-day unlimited ride pass for JR lines in designated areas, Sendai Subway, city buses, Sendai Airport Transit, Loople Sendai, and within established free areas on the Abukuma Express. It can be used starting from Sendai Airport and also comes with discount offers on top of being able to ride the Loople Sendai. It is priced at 2,670 yen.
Included within the free areas are Matsushima, Yamadera Temple (Risshakuji Temple) in Yamagata, Sakunami Onsen, and Akiu Onsen. The pass can be purchased at JR EAST Japan ticket offices in major train stations, View Plaza, ticket machines in Sendai Airport Station, and other similar places.
Travel in Sendai
If you want to enjoy Sendai as the main part of your trip, then we recommend sightseeing in Tohoku while staying in the city. Famous places to visit in the area include Hiraizumi, a World Heritage Site, Yamadera Temple in Yamagata, and Zao. You can explore a variety of places while you stay in Sendai.
Read also
Original Author: Nico
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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