Sendai Travel Guide

1. Zuihoden: Sendai’s most famous historical site, the mausoleum of the feudal lord Date Masamune, built in 1637. The architecture is renowned for its ornate Momoyama-era style, featuring colorful carvings and gold leaf decorations, set in a serene environment surrounded by lush trees.

2. Aoba Castle: The castle ruins built by Date Masamune in 1600, located on Aoba Mountain. While only stone walls remain, the equestrian statue of Date Masamune at the summit and the panoramic view of Sendai City are striking. The adjacent Aoba Castle Museum displays artifacts from the Warring States period.

3. Matsushima: About 30 minutes by car from Sendai, Matsushima Bay is considered one of Japan’s three most scenic views, with over 260 pine-covered islets dotting the sea. Highlights include boat cruises, Zuiganji Temple, and Entsuin Temple.

4. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine: Built in 1607 by Date Masamune, this shrine was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1952. Its black lacquered wood and gold leaf architecture is majestic, and the “Donto Festival” on January 14, featuring the burning of prayer sticks, attracts many visitors.

5. Akiu Great Falls: One of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, located in Sendai’s suburbs, this 55-meter-high cascade is surrounded by verdant forests. The nearby Akiu Onsen is perfect for a relaxing day trip.

6. Rinnoji Temple: A Zen temple in central Sendai, famous for its three-story pagoda and beautiful Japanese garden. Seasonal flowers (cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, and red maples in autumn) add charm, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.

7. Jozenji-dori Avenue: A symbol of Sendai’s “City of Trees,” lined with 160 zelkova trees. The “Starry Night Parade” in December illuminates the street with over 600,000 lights, creating a romantic atmosphere.

8. Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: A modern aquarium showcasing nearly 100 tanks, including dolphin shows and seal interaction sessions. A unique squirrel interaction zone makes it family-friendly.

9. Sendai City Museum: Houses over 90,000 artifacts related to the Date family and Sendai’s history, including a replica of Date Masamune’s armor. An interactive area allows visitors to try on Warring States helmets, perfect for history enthusiasts.

10. AER Observation Deck: Located on the top floor of the 31-story AER building near Sendai Station, this free observation deck offers views of Sendai City, the Pacific Ocean, and the Ou Mountains. The city lights at night are particularly captivating.

1. Gyutan (Beef Tongue): Sendai’s most iconic dish, originating in 1948 post-war when a restaurant owner used discarded beef tongue from U.S. troops to create charcoal-grilled cuisine. Over 100 restaurants now serve it, offering a tender yet crisp texture, seasoned with salt, miso, or soy sauce, typically paired with barley rice, oxtail soup, and pickles in a set meal. (Recommended: “Rikyu” or “Aji Tasuke” at Sendai Station’s “Gyutan Street”)

2. Zunda Mochi: Sendai’s signature dessert, made from mashed fresh edamame into sweet bean paste, wrapped around chewy mochi, with a refreshing, mildly sweet flavor. Modern variations include zunda milkshakes, cakes, and ice cream. (Recommended: “Murakamiya Mochiten” or “Zunda Saryo” at Sendai Station)

3. Sasa Kamaboko (Bamboo Leaf Fish Cake): Fish cakes shaped like bamboo leaves, with a springy texture and subtle seafood sweetness. Traditionally eaten as is or lightly grilled, modern versions include cheese or gyutan-stuffed flavors. (Recommended: “Abe Kamaboko-ten” near Sendai Station)

4. Seri Nabe (Japanese Parsley Hot Pot): A winter must-try, featuring Miyagi Prefecture’s specialty seri (Japanese parsley), with edible roots, stems, and leaves, cooked in a soy sauce-based broth with chicken or duck. The roots are crisp, leaves soft, and it’s highly nutritious. (Recommended: “Serisouan” near Sendai Station)

5. Harako Meshi (Salmon and Roe Rice): A seasonal autumn dish using fresh salmon and roe, cooked with salmon stock-infused rice. The rich salmon belly and bursting roe are unforgettable, reportedly praised by Date Masamune himself. (Recommended: Izakayas in Kokubuncho)

6. Sankaku-age (Triangular Fried Tofu): A specialty near Jozenji-dori, these 2 cm-thick triangular tofu pieces are crispy outside, soft inside, freshly fried, and sprinkled with shichimi (seven-spice) and soy sauce, bursting with juicy flavor. (Recommended: “Jogi Tofu Shop” or “Oden Sankichi” in front of Jozenji-dori)

7. Shiroishi Umen (Warm Noodles): Originating from Shiroishi City, these traditional short noodles (about 9 cm) are light, oil-free, and easy to digest. Created 400 years ago in the Edo period by a filial son for his ill father, they’re typically served in hot dashi broth or cold with dipping sauce. (Recommended: “Shiroishi Umen Tsurigan An” in Shiroishi)

8. Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Chinese Noodles): Sendai is considered the birthplace of this dish (though debated), a summer classic with tangy-sweet sauce, thin noodles, and toppings like ham, cucumber, and egg strips. Available year-round in many restaurants, with soy sauce or sesame-based sauces. (Recommended: “Ryutei”)

9. Oysters: Miyagi Prefecture is Japan’s second-largest oyster producer, and Sendai’s nearby Matsushima and Shiogama are famed for plump oysters. Enjoy them raw, grilled, fried, or in hot pots, with peak sweetness in winter. (Recommended: “Matsushima Seafood Market” or “Sendai Morning Market” near Sendai Station)

10. Hyotan Age (Gourd-Shaped Fried Fish Balls): A iconic Sendai street food, fish paste balls coated in batter, fried golden, shaped like gourds, and served on skewers with ketchup. Crispy outside, soft inside, they debuted at the 1985 Aoba Festival and remain a local favorite. (Recommended: Abe Kamaboko-ten main store in Clis Road shopping district)

1. Hagi no Tsuki

Sendai’s most iconic wagashi, created by Kasho Sanzen in 1979. A soft sponge cake shell encases rich custard cream, shaped like a full moon and melting in the mouth. Its elegant gift box makes it a top souvenir choice.

• Purchase Location: Kasho Sanzen counter, B1F, S-PAL Shopping Center, Sendai Station

2. Zunda Mochi

One of Sendai’s three famous specialties, made with Miyagi Prefecture’s signature zunda (edamame) ground into smooth bean paste, wrapped around chewy mochi, offering a refreshing, non-cloying sweetness. Beyond traditional mochi, innovative variations include zunda daifuku and zunda milkshakes.

• Purchase Location: Murakami-ya Mochi Shop, 2-38 Kitome-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai

3. Sasakama Kamaboko

One of Sendai’s three famous specialties, these bamboo-leaf-shaped grilled fish cakes have a tender texture and a fresh ocean flavor. Available in original, cheese, and beef tongue flavors, with vacuum packaging for easy storage and transport.

• Purchase Location: Abe Kamaboko Main Store, 2-3-18 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai

4. Sendai Dagashi

Traditional candies with a 300-year history, handmade by Hitachiya without preservatives. Features 10 classic flavors like red bean balls, mint candy, and miso candy, packaged in nostalgic retro style.

• Purchase Location: Hitachiya counter, B1F, S-PAL Shopping Center, Sendai Station

5. Kokeshi Dolls - Hiraga Kokeshi Shop

Sendai’s traditional craft, these limbless wooden dolls are known for their simple lines and vibrant kimono patterns, symbolizing good luck. Available in sizes from 3 cm to 60 cm, with mini versions ideal as souvenirs.

• Purchase Location: Hiraga Kokeshi Shop, 13 Motoki, Sakunami, Aoba-ku, Sendai

6. Sendai Sake - nuevo by BUNMEIDO

Brewed with Miyagi’s premium rice and pure water, “Ichinokura Himezen” (8% ABV) has a fruity aroma, perfect for beginners, while “Katsuyama Sensho Masamune” offers a rich taste tied to the legacy of Date Masamune.

• Purchase Location: Yoshiokaya Sake Store or Ichinokura Brewery Shop, B1F, S-PAL Shopping Center, Sendai Station

7. Kikufuku Daifuku

Sendai’s signature daifuku, filled with red bean or zunda paste, paired with matcha or hojicha cream for balanced sweetness and a soft texture. Available in frozen packaging for easy transport.

• Purchase Location: Kikusui-an, Sendai Airport

8. Tamamushi Lacquerware

Sendai’s traditional lacquer craft, with a shimmering finish resembling the wings of a jewel beetle. Products include tableware, bookmarks, and postcards, blending practicality with artistic value.

• Purchase Location: Fujisaki Department Store, 3-2-17 Ichiban-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai

9. Onigiri Samurai Charm

A cute mascot accessory shaped like a rice ball wearing Date Masamune’s crescent-moon helmet. Products include keychains, towels, and T-shirts, all at affordable prices.

• Purchase Location: Kasho Sanzen counter, B1F, S-PAL Shopping Center, Sendai Station

10. Yukimaru Charm

A charming mascot accessory featuring a rice ball adorned with Date Masamune’s crescent-moon helmet. Includes keychains, towels, and T-shirts, budget-friendly and adorable.

• Purchase Location: Kasho Sanzen counter, B1F, S-PAL Shopping Center, Sendai Station

Spring (March-May):

Temperature: 5-18°C, mild climate, with April being cherry blossom season. Rainfall is moderate (100-130mm). Recommended attire: light jacket, bring an umbrella. Ideal for cherry blossom viewing at places like Aoba Castle.

Summer (June-August):

Temperature: 18-28°C, humid and rainy in June due to the rainy season (150-200mm), hot and humid in July-August with occasional typhoons. Recommended attire: short sleeves, sun protection. Suitable for indoor attractions like aquariums or attending the Tanabata Festival.

Autumn (September-November):  

Temperature: 10-23°C, cool and dry (80-120mm), with November being the best time for autumn foliage. Recommended attire: long sleeves, light jacket. Recommended activities: maple leaf viewing at Akiu Great Falls or attending the Sendai Jazz Festival.

Winter (December-February):

Temperature: 0-8°C, cold with minimal snowfall (40-80mm). Recommended attire: down jacket, non-slip boots. Ideal for soaking in hot springs (e.g., Sakunami Onsen) or enjoying the Sendai Pageant of Starlight.