10 Best Things to Do in Sendai

Aobayama Park is a verdant, beautiful park set on high ground on the site of the former castle of the Date clan that once ruled the Sendai domain. It’s also famous as the place where the equestrian statue of Date Masamune stands.

The original castle buildings were lost in fires and wars, and only the stonewalls and the reconstructed wakiyagura (protective turrets) are a reminder of bygone days. Inside the park you’ll also find the Sendai City Museum, where you can see historical documents as well as arts and crafts related to the feudal domain of Sendai. The garden is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and colourful leaves in autumn.

Zuihoden temple was founded in 1637 as a mausoleum to enshrine the soul of Date Masamune, the first feudal lord of the Sendai domain. The present building, which was restored in 1979 after being destroyed by fire during World War II, is a striking reflection of the flamboyant culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1558-1600) in which Masamune lived.

The area surrounding Zuihoden Temple includes the mausoleums of Date Masamune's 2nd son, Tadamune, and of Tadamune's 6th son, Tsunamune, and the entire area is designated by Sendai City as the Kyogamine Dateke Bosho (Date Family Graves). If you are a fan of the TV series Dokuganryu Masamune (a drama depicting the life of Date Masamune), this is a must-visit.

Jozenji-dori Street is a major artery in Sendai, stretching 700 metres from east to the west through the downtown area of the city. Lined with lovely zelkova trees, it’s a place for the citizens of Sendai to relax and appreciate the trees gently swaying in the sunlight.

The promenade is like an open-air museum, with sculptures by Emilio Greco and other works. Various events are held here throughout the year, including Jozenji Street Jazz Festival in autumn and the wintertime SENDAI Pageant of Starlight. Nearby there’s also a shopping district with famous department stores and a park with an outdoor music hall. What more could you ask for?

Akiu Great Falls is a massive waterfall situated in the upper stream of the Natori River, which flows through the city of Sendai. You can get there in less than an hour from the city centre by car.

Cascading waterfall sounds fill the air at what is reputedly one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan. The mist of falling water around the basin adds to the intensity of the experience. At the entrance to the Otaki Falls is Akiu Otaki Fudoson (a Buddhist deity), standing amidst lush foliage. The large ginkgo tree (officially protected by the city) in the precincts turns a brilliant golden colour in autumn. Just downstream is the famous Akiu Onsen hot spring resort.

Loople Sendai is a bus that runs on a circular route connecting sightseeing spots in the city centre. Hop on and enjoy a leisurely view of the Sendai cityscape from the window, or use the bus to get to whichever sightseeing spots you fancy checking out.

Grab a one-day pass and you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace, as well as various benefits at facilities along the line. The starting point of the bus service is in front of Sendai Station, departing from the West Entrance Bus Terminal. Buses run every 20 minutes on weekdays, and every 15 minutes on weekends, holidays, and every day during the month of August. It takes about 70 minutes to complete a full loop of the route.

Sendai City Museum houses around 98,000 historical, artistic, and cultural items related to Sendai, including cultural properties donated by the Date clan of Sendai.

The museum also houses a collection of materials related to the Keicho-era mission to Europe, which are designated as a National Treasure and UNESCO Memory of the World, as well as materials designated as Nationally Important Cultural Properties, including the armour used by Date Masamune and the jinbaori (a ceremonial robe worn by feudal lords). In the permanent collection there are about 1,000 items, and special exhibitions on various themes are held several times a year. The museum is currently closed for major renovations and is scheduled to reopen in April 2024.

The observation terrace at AER (pronounced as "a-e-ru") is a free observation deck located on the top floor of the 31-story AER building complex standing in front of the West Exit of Sendai Station. The terrace offers views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Ou Mountain Range on the other.

Appearing to be an indoor terrace, it actually has a small gap where you can feel the outside air, so you get the sensation of stepping outside to admire the landscape. Visit after sunset to enjoy the beautiful night view.

Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, founded in 1607 by feudal lord Date Masamune, was designated a National Treasure in 1952.

Adorned with a rich palette of colours, carvings, and metal fittings, the glamorous shrine pavilions are architectural masterpieces of the Momoyama period that lasted from around 1583 until 1600. The shrine is revered as a being home to a god of good fortune, victory, and safe childbirth. At the Donto Festival (a bonfire in which New Year ornaments are burnt) held on 14 January every year, people pray for good health and prosperity in the New Year by burning pine tree ornaments and old paper money. Another regular festival is held in September and features Noh Shinto music and dance, a portable shrine parade, and a yabusame (horseback archery) event.

Sendai Mediatheque is a public facility featuring Sendai City Library, an event space, galleries, and studios. The facility serves also as a hub for art and video installations.

Designed by architect Toyo Ito, the building has a special glass-walled structure that makes it a destination for architecture enthusiasts from all over the world. The museum store carries handicrafts produced in the 6 prefectures of the Tohoku region, as well as a collection of uniquely selected books, stationery, accessories, and other items. At the café, you can taste a selection of Belgian craft beers.

The Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery is one of several distilleries owned by Nikka Whisky, a leading Japanese manufacturer of Western-style liquors. Adults can take a factory tour free of charge.

After exploring the main features such as the kiln tower, mashing chamber, distillation columns, and the red-brick cellar, you’ll have time for a tasting (about 15 minutes). On weekends and holidays, the distillery organises paid tasting seminars. There are exclusive distillery products on sale, too, and if you don’t have time for a tour, you can stop by just to shop. Distillery tours are available by appointment only, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.