20 Must-Visit Attractions to Experience the Charm of Sendai

If you’re planning to visit Sendai, also known as the “City of Trees,” May is a great time to go when the fresh greenery is at its best. In autumn, you can also enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the valleys, covered in vibrant, colorful leaves. Decide when to visit based on whether you want to see the lush greens of spring or the stunning autumn foliage.

In addition to being just Approx 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen, Sendai is also easily accessible thanks to regular domestic flights connecting major Japanese cities and Sendai Airport.
It takes around 3 hours by train from Narita Airport. If you transfer to a domestic flight at Kansai International Airport, you can reach Sendai Airport in Approx 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it convenient for international travelers as well.

Ōsaki Hachimangū was relocated to the northwest (Inui direction) by order of Date Masamune when Sendai Castle was built. Since then, it has been revered as the main guardian shrine of Sendai, especially for those born in the Year of the Dog or Boar.

The shrine’s main highlight is its hall, a national treasure and a masterpiece of Momoyama architecture. The worship hall features a calm atmosphere with its deep black lacquer finish, while the roof and brackets are decorated with vibrant, intricate designs.

The mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain. After Masamune passed away in 1636, his son, the second lord Tadamune, built this mausoleum the following year according to Masamune’s wishes.

Around Zuihoden, you’ll also find Kansenden, the mausoleum of Date Tadamune, and Zennoden, the mausoleum of Date Tsunamune. There’s also an attached museum. The entire area is known as the Kyogamine Date Family Mausoleum and is a designated historic site of Sendai City.

Sendai Castle was built by order of Lord Date Masamune. It's also known as "Aoba Castle" and served as the political center of the region for 270 years.

After the Meiji era, the site was used by the army, and many buildings were dismantled. Most of the remaining structures, including the main gate, were destroyed during the Sendai air raid.

Today, the area has been developed into a park. You can see the original stone walls, the reconstructed side turret of the main gate, and the earthen wall on the north side of the gate.

This is the largest aquarium in the Tohoku region, located near Sendai Port.
It opened in 2015 as an aquarium symbolizing recovery.
You’ll find a wide variety of exhibits, from marine life off the Sanriku coast to creatures from around the world.
Right past the entrance, there’s a massive tank called “Sparkling Life Sea.” It’s 14 meters wide and 7.5 meters tall, stretching up to the second floor. The tank is designed to recreate the Sanriku sea, and around 30,000 creatures from 50 species swim gracefully inside.
The dolphin, sea lion, and bird shows held at the “Umi no Mori Stadium” are also very popular. The stadium can seat approx 1,000 people.

This is one of Nikka Whisky’s main distilleries, alongside the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido.
It’s located in a mountain valley near the border of Yamagata Prefecture, surrounded by the Shinkawa and Hirose rivers.
Known as the “father of Japanese whisky,” Masataka Taketsuru chose this spot as the second Nikka distillery after Yoichi, and it was built in 1969.
You can join a free guided tour (online reservation required) to see the distillation building and storage warehouses, and even sample some whisky. Be sure to stop by the shop, where you’ll find bottles available only at the distillery.

Along with Aoba-dori, this is one of Sendai’s main streets and a symbol of the “City of Trees.”
The street features four rows of zelkova trees stretching for about 700 meters. You can enjoy beautiful scenery here throughout the year, from fresh green leaves in spring to colorful autumn foliage.
There’s a pedestrian walkway in the center of the road, making it a great spot for a relaxing stroll. Enjoy a leisurely walk while sipping coffee and taking in the view.

The Daikanmitsu-ji Temple grounds are home to Japan’s largest Kannon statue, officially named Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon.
This impressive statue was completed in 1991, thanks to a local entrepreneur who invested approx 4 billion yen in the project as part of the area's urban development.
The statue stands 100 meters tall. The number 100 celebrates both Sendai’s transition to a government-designated city in 1989 and the city’s 100th anniversary. It also expresses hopes for prosperity in the 21st century.

This hot spring town stretches along the Natori River Gorge in western Sendai. Here, you'll find everything from luxury ryokan to budget-friendly inns. It's just a 30-minute drive from downtown Sendai, making it easy to get to. The area is also packed with fun activities.

Head upstream to Futakuchi Gorge on the Natori River for hiking, canyoning, and camping. There’s plenty to do for outdoor lovers!

Sendai Astronomical Observatory brings space closer to everyone. It features a planetarium where you can enjoy stunning starry skies and impressive visual shows. The exhibition room lets you learn about space in a fun way, using models and videos. The observatory also boasts the Hitomi Telescope, one of the largest in Japan with a 1.3-meter diameter.

Jozenji-dori is a symbolic road of Sendai, the City of Trees, lined with zelkova trees for approx 700 meters. Among the sights along Jozenji-dori, this building stands out with its striking glass exterior. This multi-purpose cultural facility has two basement floors and seven above ground. Inside, you'll find the Sendai City Library, event spaces, galleries, studios, and a café.

It serves as a hub for collecting, storing, and sharing information through various media. The facility also hosts a wide range of events and workshops, making it a center for art and visual culture activities.

Home to around 600 animals from 115 species, including endangered ones, Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori is one of the largest zoos in the Tohoku region. It’s located near Aobayama, where Sendai Castle Ruins are found. The zoo is easy to reach—just a 12-minute subway ride from Sendai Station, right by Yagiyama Zoological Park Station. With a wide variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles to see, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

This is the oldest brewery in the Tohoku region, operating since 1923. You can join a brewery tour to see how their main product, Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer, is made. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to sample some of the beer.

Matsushima is one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima. It’s a famous spot known all over the country. The breathtaking horizon unique to the Pacific Ocean and the lush scenery created by over 260 islands, big and small, have fascinated people since the Heian period.

There are four main viewpoints, known as the “Four Great Views of Matsushima,” located to the east, west, south, and north. Each spot has a name that describes the impression of the view: “Sokan” (Magnificent View) from Otakamori on the east side of Matsushima Bay, “Reikan” (Beautiful View) from the summit of Tomiyama, “Ikan” (Grand View) from Tamonzan at the northern tip of Shichigahama Town, and “Yukan” (Serene View) from Ogidani behind Sokanzan.

A leisure facility that makes the most of the natural surroundings of Mt. Izumigatake. In winter, it’s a ski resort. During the green season, you can enjoy attractions, barbecues, and traditional Imoni parties. It’s a popular spot all year round, bustling with visitors in every season.

The most popular attraction is the “Zipline Adventure.” Glide down a wire rope stretched between the trees for an exciting ride. There are two options: the Mountain Tour, where you can experience all 7 courses (3,800 yen per person), and the Light Tour, which lets you try 4 courses (2,600 yen per person). *Availability depends on the season.

Directly connected to Sendai Station, the largest terminal in the Tohoku region, this shopping center is easily accessible by the Tohoku Shinkansen, JR local lines, Sendai Subway, and express buses. It's popular with commuters, students, and tourists alike.
The main building, located southwest of Sendai Station, opened in 1978. It features four floors from the basement level up to the third floor, with over 200 shops offering fashion, lifestyle goods, and gourmet food.

Just a 5-minute walk from Sendai Station, Sendai Asaichi Market is easy to access. Here, you can enjoy the best of Miyagi’s local food, with fresh produce and seafood as the main attractions. There are also places to eat, so you can shop and dine all in one spot.

The market traces its roots back to an open-air market that started in front of Sendai Station in 1945. Today, it has grown into a bustling shopping street with approx 60 shops. You’ll find a wide variety of ingredients, including fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood, meat, prepared foods, pickles, and grains.

This is the largest outlet mall in Tohoku, bringing together around 120 stores. You'll find a wide variety of famous domestic and international brands, as well as select shops. Not only can you shop for carefully chosen items at outlet prices, but there are also plenty of dining options, including a food court and cafes.

The “Sendai Tanabata Festival” lights up the center of Sendai and nearby shopping streets with colorful Tanabata decorations. Locals affectionately call it “Tanabata-san.” The festival takes place for three days from August 6th to 8th, around the time of the old lunar calendar’s July 7th. This traditional event has been held for over 400 years and now attracts approx 2 million visitors from Japan and abroad every year.

The Sendai Aoba Festival was first held in 1985, marking 350 years since the passing of Lord Date Masamune. The festival was created to revive the lively and grand traditions of Sendai’s festivals. Today, it’s one of Sendai’s three major festivals and a beloved summer event that attracts visitors from all over Japan and abroad.

The Sendai Aoba Festival takes place every May. It’s a celebration where people show off the stylish spirit of the Date clan. On the first day, the “Yoi Matsuri” features the colorful Sendai Suzume Odori (sparrow dance). On the second day, the “Hon Matsuri” brings a historical parade to life, with the Aoba Shrine mikoshi procession honoring Lord Date Masamune and 11 magnificent Sendai festival floats making their way through the city.

The “SENDAI Pageant of Starlight” began in 1986 with two wishes: to brighten up Sendai’s winter and to turn the City of Trees into a City of Light. This event lights up the zelkova tree-lined Jozenji-dori, the main street that symbolizes Sendai. It’s a beloved winter tradition for both locals and visitors, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the city.