Sendai, Japan, is famed for the remains of the 17th-century Sendai Castle as well as the city's museums, panoramic views, Buddhist temples and monuments from the Edo period. Popular activities here include visiting the Sendai City Museum with its hundreds of exhibits, including the samurai armour of Masamune. At Zuihōden Temple, you can visit the mausoleum of a feudal daimyo from the Edo period. A visit to Sendai Daikannon showcases one of the tallest statues in the world, representing a famed Buddhist bodhisattva.

This modern city also offers plenty of other exciting things to do. Kids will delight in seeing the exotic animals at Yagiyama Zoological Park and enjoy the thrill rides at Yagiyama Benyland amusement park. You can also get hands-on at the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. Plan to end your visit with a trip to the SS 30 Observation Lounge, where you'll witness fantastic panoramic views of the city and can take a selfie with this backdrop.

What to see & do in Sendai

Featured stories & fun stuff

Things to do in Sendai involve everything from strolling scenic tree-lined streets, elegant Japanese gardens and the historic Sendai Castle to taking in temples, museums, theme parks and animal experiences. You can see the gigantic Sendai Daikannon statue surrounded by historical exhibits, and then explore an ornate mausoleum that once was the home of a feudal lord during the Edo period. The kids will love the rides and games at...

Read more

Where & what to eat in Sendai

Food and dining in Sendai includes culinary adventures and famed dishes like beef tongue and sushi along with outstanding local hangouts, hidden dining gems and very few crowds. Sendai doesn't have a particular culinary speciality; rather, the scene here is one of 'everything goes'. You can head to Rikyu for their famed beef tongue called gyutan. At the Sendai Morning Market, you'll find fresh produce and prepared foods as well...

Read more

Where to shop & what to buy in Sendai

  • 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Sendai

    Sendai has lots of shopping options due to the fact it’s the central hub and largest city of the Tohoku region. In the middle of the city you'll find the bustling Sendai Station area and shopping arcades such as Ichibancho, while in the suburbs there are new outlet malls and shopping malls springing up all the time. More and more people...

    Read more

Where to go & what to do at night in Sendai

  • 10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Sendai

    With a population of more than 1 million, Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region. While it has a fascinating historical side, the downtown areas of the city really come to life at night. Here you'll find pubs serving craft beers, relaxing bars where you can stop by after a meal, jazz bars playing great music, clubs where you...

    Read more

Useful information

  • Sendai Travel Essentials

    Our Sendai Travel Essentials include all of the important information you need to have an incredible time on your travels to Japan's Tohoku Region. We will examine such things as the local climate, the best time to travel, electricity type, emergency phone numbers and currency. We'll also take a look at transport in and around Sendai including how to get...

    Read more

Where to stay in Sendai

Start planning your trip

Also popular in Japan

Back to top
Sorry, this page hasn’t been translated in your language yet…