Leafy boulevards, gyutan & Tohoku gateway
Sendai
仙台 · City of trees
The green-boulevarded capital of the Tohoku region, founded by the one-eyed warlord Date Masamune. Sendai is a relaxed, tree-lined city famous for grilled beef tongue and its dazzling summer Tanabata star festival.
Top sightsSights
Zuihoden Mausoleum
The ornate, colorfully carved tomb of Date Masamune in a cedar forest.
Sendai Castle Ruins
Hilltop ruins with a statue of Masamune and city views.
Osaki Hachimangu
A lavish black-lacquer-and-gold shrine, a national treasure.
Jozenji-dori
A famous zelkova-lined boulevard, glowing during the winter light festival.
Matsushima Bay
One of Japan’s "three great views" — pine-clad islets, a short trip away.
What to eatFood
Gyutan
Charcoal-grilled beef tongue — Sendai’s signature dish.
Zunda mochi
Rice cakes topped with sweet mashed edamame.
Sasa kamaboko
Bamboo-leaf-shaped grilled fish cake.
Good to know
- Just 1.5h from Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen.
- Time a summer visit for the huge Tanabata Festival in early August.
- A great base for day trips to Matsushima and the wider Tohoku region.
Getting there
Sendai Airport (SDJ) and the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo (~1.5h).
Next city
Hakodate