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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Sendai.
Nestled in lush greenery and steeped in history, Sendai invites you to wander its tranquil streets, indulge in culinary delights, and experience a wealth of cultural opportunities.
Whether you’re eager to explore ancient temples or savor the flavors of local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.
So, pack your bags and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery in the heart of Japan’s Tohoku region.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Sendai:
1. Sendai Castle
Sendai Castle is a historic site and former castle located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grounds and see the restored castle tower, which houses a museum showcasing the history of the castle and surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views of the city from the top of the castle tower are not to be missed, especially during cherry blossom season in the spring.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check out the nearby Zuihoden Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of Date Masamune, the founder and first lord of Sendai, as well as several of his successors.
If visiting in the summer, bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the castle grounds can get quite hot.
2. Zuihoden Mausoleum
A mausoleum dedicated to Date Masamune, a famous feudal lord from the 17th century.
What to see or do: Admire the ornate architecture and beautiful gardens. Learn about the life of Date Masamune through exhibits and artifacts.
Don’t miss: The intricate carvings and decorations throughout the mausoleum. The surrounding nature trails and scenic views.
Insider travel tips: Weekdays are the best time to visit to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a bit of walking involved.
Check out the nearby Osaki Hachimangu Shrine for another historical site.
3. Matsushima Bay
Matsushima Bay is a scenic bay area located in Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai.
What to see or do: – Take a traditional Japanese boat ride to admire the beauty of the bay and its surrounding islands.
Don’t miss: – The Matsushima Bay Islands, which are designated as one of the Three Views of Japan.
Insider travel tips: – Matsushima can get crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
4. Aoba Castle
Aoba Castle is a historic fortress located in the heart of Sendai city in Japan.
It was built in the 17th century by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune, and served as the headquarters of the Date clan.
What to see or do: Visitors to Aoba Castle can explore the extensive grounds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding cityscape from the top of the castle tower.
The castle also houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the Date clan and the history of Sendai city.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the Date Masamune statue, located near the castle entrance and a popular spot for photos.
Another must-see is the panoramic view of Sendai city from the top of the castle tower, which offers stunning photos opportunities.
Insider travel tips: Visit the castle during the cherry blossom season in spring, as the grounds are covered in beautiful pink blossoms. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or on weekdays.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as the grounds involve a lot of walking.
5. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Sendai city in Japan.
It is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings, and is considered one of the top attractions in the area.
What to see or do: Visitors to Osaki Hachimangu Shrine can take in the stunning traditional Japanese design of the shrine buildings, which date back to the 17th century.
The shrine is also surrounded by a beautiful garden that features a pond, waterfall, and various seasonal flowers and plants.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the statues of the 12 zodiac animals located in the shrine complex. These statues are believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who visit them.
Additionally, the shrine hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Wakasaimo Festival in August and the Torinomaki Festival in October.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
6. Sendai Mediatheque
Modern cultural facility in Sendai, Japan.
What to see or do: The Sendai Mediatheque is a six-story building that houses a library, art galleries, a cinema, and a performance space. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, films, and music performances throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The unique façade of the building has a series of hollowed-out tubes that allow for natural light to flood the interior spaces.
The building is also famous for its bright and open interior spaces designed for communal activities.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about the architecture and design of the building, consider joining one of the guided tours offered by the Mediatheque.
Make sure to check the program schedule in advance to catch a performance or exhibition that interests you.
7. Jozenji-dori Avenue
A bustling and picturesque avenue in the heart of Sendai, Japan, known for its stunning zelkova trees that line the street.
What to see or do: Take a stroll down Jozenji-dori Avenue, admire the stunning trees, and take in the bustling atmosphere of the city.
The avenue is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or indulge in some shopping.
Don’t miss: The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, a three-day event that takes place every September, featuring jazz musicians from all over Japan and around the world.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the fall to see the trees turn a beautiful shade of red and orange. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as beef tongue and gyutan.
Also, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the avenue.
8. Miyagi Stadium
Miyagi Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Sendai, Japan. It is the home ground of the Vegalta Sendai football team and has a seating capacity of 49,133.
What to see or do: The stadium is used for various events such as football matches, concerts, and other sports events. It is host to some of the biggest football games in Japan and also to the annual Tanabata Festival.
Watching a football match at this stadium is an exciting experience for any sports fan.
Don’t miss: The Tanabata Festival is a must-see event that takes place here every year in August.
During this festival, the stadium is decorated with thousands of colorful streamers and lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that is worth experiencing.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking to attend a football match at this stadium, it’s best to book your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.
Also, arrive early on game day to avoid crowds at the entrance. If you’re not a fan of big crowds, it’s best to avoid coming during the Tanabata Festival.
9. Sendai City Museum
Sendai City Museum is a cultural landmark located in Aoba-ku, Sendai. It showcases the history and traditions of the region’s art, culture and society.
What to see or do: The Museum’s permanent exhibition is divided into various sections, including archaeology, history, folk culture, art and local industries. You can marvel at the collection of artifacts and exhibits that range from prehistoric times to present-day Japan.
Some of the notable artifacts include swords, ceramics, calligraphy works and traditional clothing.
Don’t miss: One highlight is the Miyagi-ware ceramics and the tile works of Korinji Temple. Additionally, there is a model of the Sendai Castle and a digital audio-visual presentation presenting the history of Sendai.
Outside the Museum, you can explore the tranquil Matsushima Garden that features a lake, tea house and walking paths.
Insider travel tips: The Museum’s official website offers audio guides and digital exhibitions, making your visit all the more engaging. If you’re interested in Japanese history and culture, this is the perfect place to visit.
It is also recommended to combine a visit to the Museum with a visit to the nearby Jozenji-dori Avenue, a great place to experience Sendai’s street food and shopping scene.
10. Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi (baseball stadium)
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Book tickets in advance for popular games, bring cash as many food vendors do not accept cards, explore the nearby Izumi Parktown shopping and entertainment complex before or after the game.
11. Rinnoji Temple
One of the largest and most prominent temples in Sendai, Japan, with a history dating back to the 9th century.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful architecture and intricate details of the temple’s main hall, which houses three stunning Buddhist statues.
Walk through the peaceful garden and take in the serene atmosphere before heading to the treasure museum to see the temple’s collection of relics and artifacts.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to participate in a traditional Buddhist ceremony or meditation session at the temple, which is open to visitors and locals alike.
Also, be sure to visit the smaller nearby temples, including Enmei Jizo and Zuihoden Mausoleum.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially if you plan to participate in a ceremony or meditation session.
Visitors are expected to remove their shoes before entering the temple, so wear socks or bring slippers for comfort. Additionally, consider visiting during one of the temple’s seasonal festivals, which offer unique cultural experiences and performances.
12. Hirose-gawa River
A picturesque river that flows through the city of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the view of the tranquil waters and lush greenery.
You can also rent a boat and paddle down the river, or join a guided tour to learn about the history and ecology of the area.
Don’t miss: The Aoba Castle ruins, located on a hill overlooking the river. This historic site offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the fall to see the trees along the riverbanks change color, creating a beautiful autumnal scene. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the trees.
Don’t forget to bring insect repellent in the summer months.
13. Sendai International Center
A state-of-the-art convention center located in Sendai, Japan.
What to see or do: The Sendai International Center regularly hosts international conferences, concerts, and exhibitions. Visitors can attend events or explore the facility’s modern architecture.
Don’t miss: The gardens surrounding the center, which include a traditional Japanese garden, a rock garden, and a bamboo garden.
Insider travel tips: If you plan on attending an event at the center, be sure to check the schedule in advance and book tickets accordingly.
Additionally, consider taking a guided tour of the facility to learn more about its unique design and history.
14. Yagiyama Zoological Park
A popular zoo located on a mountain in Sendai, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, bears, and more. The zoo also has a petting zoo, a reptile house, and a bird park.
Don’t miss: The African savannah section, which features a replica of a traditional African village and allows visitors to see a variety of animals in a naturalistic setting.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo is situated on a hill and involves a lot of walking. Also, visit on a weekday if possible to avoid crowds.
15. Akiu Onsen
Akiu Onsen is a hot springs resort located in the suburbs of Sendai, Japan, famous for its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
What to see or do: Soak in the hot springs of Akiu Onsen, known for its high-quality mineral waters that have been said to have healing effects on the body.
Take in the beautiful natural surroundings of the area, including the scenic Akiu waterfall and the lush foliage of the local forests.
Don’t miss: A visit to Rairaikyo Gorge, a stunning canyon located nearby. This natural wonder is the perfect spot for hiking, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Insider travel tips: If you want a truly authentic onsen experience, consider staying at one of the traditional Japanese inns located in Akiu Onsen.
These inns, known as ryokans, often feature outdoor hot springs, traditional Japanese meals, and tatami-matted rooms for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Also, be sure to try the local snack specialty, konnyaku manju, a sweet treat made with konjac flour and red bean paste.