Famed for its leafy boulevards, Sendai, the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region, offers a captivating blend of urban vibrancy, culinary delights, cultural richness, and intriguing history. This guide provides insight into Sendai's food, culture, helpful travel tips, interesting facts, and key attractions.
Food
Dive into Sendai's tantalizing culinary landscape, known for fresh produce and regional specialties.
Gyutan
Sendai's most famous culinary offering is Gyutan - thinly sliced, grilled beef tongue, usually served with barley rice and tail soup. It is a must-try for any food lover.
Zunda Mochi
Another Sendai specialty, Zunda Mochi, is a sweet dessert made of rice cakes topped with crushed edamame (green soybeans) paste.
Sake
Sendai, part of the Miyagi Prefecture, is known for its high-quality sake, with many breweries offering tours and tastings.
Culture
Delve into Sendai's cultural heritage that beautifully blends tradition and modernity.
Festivals
Join in the festivities of Tanabata, Sendai's most famous festival, celebrated in August with elaborate decorations and colorful streamers.
Traditional Crafts
Learn about Sendai's traditional crafts, like Sendai Tansu, a sturdy chest made with ornate iron fittings, and Sendai Hira, a local silk weaving technique.
Travel Tips
To ensure a seamless journey through Sendai, remember the following tips.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sendai is in spring (late March to May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (September to November) for autumn leaves.
Getting Around
Sendai's public transport system includes subways, buses, and taxis. The city center is also pedestrian-friendly, and bicycles can be rented easily.
Currency
Japan uses the yen (¥). While credit cards are widely accepted in Sendai, carrying some cash for smaller vendors or rural areas is still beneficial.
Interesting Facts
Explore some lesser-known but fascinating aspects of Sendai.
City of Trees
Sendai is known as the 'City of Trees' due to its many zelkova trees lining its main streets.
Samurai City
Founded by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune, Sendai is often called the 'Samurai City.'
Top Places
Take advantage of these top attractions when exploring Sendai.
Sendai Castle Ruins
The Sendai Castle Ruins offers panoramic city views and are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
Zuihoden Mausoleum
The Zuihoden Mausoleum is the ornate final resting place of Date Masamune and is known for its stunning architectural details.
Sendai City Museum
The Sendai City Museum offers insights into the city's history, focusing on Date Masamune and the Date clan.
Matsushima Bay
A short distance from Sendai, Matsushima Bay is renowned for its beautiful islands and is considered one of Japan's three most scenic views.
Jozenji Street
Jozenji Street, with its numerous zelkova trees, is perfect for a stroll, shopping, or café hopping.
Exploring Sendai is an enchanting journey through a city where tradition meets modernity. Its mouth-watering cuisine, rich cultural scene, essential travel tips, captivating facts, and must-see locations offer an unforgettable Japanese experience. Dive into Sendai's allure, and let it charm you with its distinctive character.
