Sendai

Travel Guide

Sendai
Sendai
Sendai
Sendai
Sendai
Explore the museums, universities and striking buildings that make up this exciting modern city on Japan’s Honshu island. 

Located on the northeast side of Honshu island, Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region. It is known as Mori no Miyako, or “Forest City”, because of the lush trees and plants that populate the city. The old city was largely demolished during World War II, making Sendai the thoroughly modern city it is today.

Explore old and new alongside one another in Sendai. Osaki Hachiman Shrine is a rare relic of the old world in the city. Completed in 1607, this Shinto shrine has been designated a National Treasure of Japan. A fine example of the extravagant Azuchi-Momoyama style of architecture, the site makes for a fascinating step back in time. By contrast, Sendai Mediatheque is a striking example of contemporary design. Conceptualized by the famed architect Toyo Ito, this library has a gift shop and café.

Explore displays by both local and international artists at Miyagi Museum of Art. The museum’s courtyard is home to a large sculpture garden. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city at Sendai Castle Ruins. The original castle was destroyed by Allied bombing, but the imposing gates and grounds are still a breathtaking sight. Purchase a souvenir for your trip to Sendai at Clis Road. This street, the main shopping district in the city, is pedestrianised and under cover.

The large selection of universities in Sendai has earned the city a reputation as a center of academia. Tohoku University, one of the oldest colleges in Japan and among the most prestigious universities in the world, is the city’s largest. The presence of so many students contributes to a bustling downtown district, with a large variety of restaurants and bars. 

Sendai is very easy to reach by plane, train and car. Sendai Airport has a large offering of domestic flights and a limited number of international routes as well. The city has a station on the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train, which can reach Tokyo in 2 hours.

Where to stay in Sendai

Bustling Shopping area opposite Sendai JR station..

Downtown Sendai

While you're in Downtown Sendai, take in top sights like Asaichi Morning Market and jump on the metro at Hirose-dori Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Sendai
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Aoba Ward

5/5(52 area reviews)

Stroll through the bustling Ichibancho shopping district, home to numerous shops and eateries, or explore the picturesque Jozenji-Dori, adorned with El Greco sculptures and zelkova trees. Conveniently access eight Sendai Subway Nanboku Line stations.

Aoba Ward
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Miyagino Ward

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Miyagino Ward, Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.

Miyagino Ward
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Kokubuncho

While you're in Kokubuncho, take in top sights like Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi and jump on the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station to see more of the city.

Kokubuncho
A winter waterfall.  Akiu Falls near Sendai.

Taihaku Ward

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Discover the southernmost ward of Sendai, featuring Akiu Great Falls and Sendai Yagiyama Zoological Park. Easily accessible via JR East, Sendai Subway, and national routes, it's a perfect blend of nature and convenience.

Taihaku Ward

Wakabayashi

While you're in Wakabayashi, take in top sights like Kanezaki Sasakama Hall or Zendoji Temple, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Kawaramachi Station or Atago-Bashi Station.

Wakabayashi
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai
3 out of 5
1-2-37 Tsutsujigaoka Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi-ken
Fully refundable
The price is NT$1,864 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
NT$1,864
NT$2,256 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel is surprisingly close to Sendai train station. Close to shopping and lots of dining options."

Reviewed on 2025/4/15

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai
The OneFive Sendai
The OneFive Sendai
3 out of 5
4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
The price is NT$903 per night from May 7 to May 8
NT$903
NT$994 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (361 reviews)
Nice hotel for family stay
"There is pre-check in. The staff are mostly foreigners. Good for English speaking customers. There is no safe in the room. The breakfast is quite nice. The hotel is located near Yodobashi building 2. U can cut through to reach."

Reviewed on 2025/4/11

The OneFive Sendai
Sendai Kokusai Hotel
Sendai Kokusai Hotel
3.5 out of 5
4-6-1 Chuo, Sendai, Miyagi
The price is NT$1,960 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
NT$1,960
NT$2,371 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,445 reviews)
"Everyone was so nice and helpful"

Reviewed on 2025/4/18

Sendai Kokusai Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES
3 out of 5
2-11-6 Miyagino, Sendai, Miyagi
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and Sekisui Heim Super Arena are located ...
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Sendai

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
40
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Going to see Zao fox village is a definite must for anyone going to Sendai. Also don’t forget to try out the local dish gyudon!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sendai is my second hometown. I visit my family there. It is a nice city to live.

4/5 - Good

S.A.

Museum Very good, but it would be interesting to tell more about the each "Tonosama" after "Date Masamure"

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Come and visit Tohuku and Sendai!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

So far so good! The first day we went to Yamadera and it was beautiful. We will be exploring sendai all day today before heading back out

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Recomendable visitar Kirin Beer Factory

Cities near Sendai