Sendai Sightseeing & Attractions
Our top picks of things to see and do
Rinnoji Temple
Sendai's prized temple is a unique combination of a traditional Japaense garden, pond, small pagoda, promande and the temple itself. This winning combination of features makes the temple rather aesthetic and pulls in a great number of locals and travelers.
The temple is locating near the city center. The garden that is attached to the temple can be accessed with a fee of 300 yen. The temple itself requires no fee.
1-14-1 Kitayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0931, Japan
Google Map
Saihoji Temple
Take a trip (45 minutes by bus) to the outskirts of Sendai and visit this five storied pagoda and temple, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Izumigatake. It is the largest temple in the area, with a complex housing a variety of buildings. There is no admission and the grounds are open from 8apm - 5pm.
1 Okura, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 989-3213, Japan
Google Map
Bunka Yokocho
Despite being a small market, the Bunka Yokocho (or 'culture alley') provides adequate distraction and shopping for traditional Japanese goods. The market is a twenty minute walk west from the Sendai JR station. You'll be able to find kokeshi dolls, geta, kimono, yukata and other goods as well as excellent local eateries, where you can have genuine and authentic sendai cuisine.
2-4-11 Ichibancho Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0811, Japan
Google Map
Sendai City Museum
Located on the site of Sannomaru at Sendai Castle, the museum houses about 90,000 objects, mainly cultural assets associated with the Date clan.
Address: 26 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi
Phone: ０２２－２２５－３０７４
Directions: About 3 minutes on foot from the Museum/International Center stop of the Loople Sendai bus.
Aoba-dori
If you’ve had enough waterfalls, onsen, and other scenic experiences in Sendai then take a break and go for a stroll in the city’s center of shopping and dining. You’ll find a charming, fairly long but still walkable boulevard lined with the cities best eats and shops.
Strawberry Picking
From mid-Jan to mid-June you can take part in what very well may be the most fun activity in Sendai, that being Strawberry Picking and all you can eat in 30 minutes! At last you can glutton yourself until you vomit!
JR Sendai Station to Watari Station (approx. 30 minutes), then take a taxi out to
the strawberry fields.
Contact: Watari Town Tourist Association (022) 334-0513.
Adults (4th grade and over) ￥1,300-1,500,
Children (over 4 years of age) ￥600-700
Sakunami Hot Spring
After gorging yourself with strawberries and cow tongue take the day to digest and relax at Sendai’s renowned hot spring: Sakunami. The spring is said to provide various health benefits for skin disease, burns, rheumatism and others, however we make no claims, and will not be held liable for any customer dissatisfaction.
Miyagikyo Distillery - Nikka Whisky Sendai Plant (FREE)
For those who feel the desire to become inebriated you can take a free tour of the The Miyagaikyo Distillery and stick around for free testing of their products. The distillery is inconveniently located in the mountains and takes about 30 minutes from Sendai to reach.
Nikka 1, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi
Phone: 81 22 395 2865
Akiu Otaki (waterfall)
This waterfall is listed among Japan’s Top 100 waterfalls and designated as a site of national beauty. It is a popular attraction in Akiu with many visitors.
Location: Babaotaki, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai-shi
Shiroishi Castle
While not in Sendai itself, Shiroshi Castle is in nearby Shiroishi as you may have guessed. Its a brilliant castle with an even more brilliant view over the surrounding hills and valleys.
1-16 Masuoka-cho, Shiraishi-shi (within Masuoka Park).
Phone: 0224-24-3030
Sendai Castle Ruins
Sendai’s Aoba Castle ruins (there is no castle there, just an empty space) sitting high above, it offers a brilliant view for the whole metropolis and surrounding hills. The admission is 700 yen (not cheap considering the castle is gone!) and is never closed!
NOTE:
The earthquake caused damage in the Aoba Castle area, destabilized some of the castle walls and hill slopes. As a result, the most convenient access road to the castle site is currently closed to vehicles. Access is possible on foot, or by bus or car via a detour. The castle museum, Gokoku Shrine, Yagiyama Zoo, Benyland and Sendai City Museum have all reopened to visitors.
Sendaijo-ato, Tenshudai, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi.
Phone: 022-227-7077
Kokeshi Painting Workshop
For something a little different, if you’re in Shiroishi, check out the Kokeshi Painting workshop, and paint your very own authentic hand-made Japanese wood doll!
Yajiro Kokeshi Village 72-1 Yajirokita, Fukuokayatsumiya, Shiroishi-shi.
Phone: 0224-26-3993
