SENDAI

The capital of Miyagi and the gateway to Tohoku

With a population of one million—the largest in the Tohoku region—Sendai is bustling with business and leisure. More than just a busy metropolis, in this sprawling “City of Trees” you can also go hiking, skiing, and camping all without leaving the city limits. The city’s outskirts are even home to two hot spring areas with long histories. Sendai Airport, Sendai Port Ferry Terminal, and the major bus and train hub Sendai Station make Sendai a prime base from which to explore northern Japan. Though the ample transportation options make it easy to venture even as far as Hokkaido on a day trip, Sendai’s enticing blend of dining, nightlife, shopping, and nature will have you wanting to explore the metropolis itself, too.

YOKOCHO CULTURE

These nostalgic alleyways are a quintessential part of the Sendai cityscape and the go-to spot for locals on a laid-back night out. Rub elbows (literally!) with fellow diners in the numerous small sushi bars, izakaya pubs, and other casual establishments that line the yokocho.

ZUIHODEN, DATE FAMILY MASOLEUM

Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai and one of the most interesting and charismatic samurai warlords of the turbulent sixteenth century.

SENDAI TANABATA FESTIVAL

Held every year August 6-8

The Sendai Tanabata Festival is the largest Tanabata celebration in Japan, with over two million visitors attending each year. It is known for the huge, intricate fukinagashi decorations hung all across downtown Sendai.